Lead Cafeteria Worker
The Lead Cafeteria Worker will oversee the management and food preparation in the school cafeteria within the guidelines of the School Food and Nutrition Policy. The Lead will interact daily with students and pre‑primary children of various backgrounds and will ensure equitable access to healthy foods in a non‑stigmatizing manner. The Lead Cafeteria Worker is responsible for financial reporting, procurement, invoicing, menu planning and distribution, food preparation, marketing, communication, service, ordering and receiving, safety, and staff scheduling. The Lead Cafeteria Worker will be committed to promoting healthy eating, food equity and local, minimally processed foods in the school cafeteria. The Lead Cafeteria Worker will work effectively in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and reports to the HRCE School Food Lead.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the food preparation and food service for the school community including financial management of the school cafeteria.

In conjunction with the School Food Lead and principal, follow the School Food and Nutrition Policy for Nova Scotia Public Schools in all aspects of food services.

Procurement of all food and supplies through approved vendors, including the provision of substitutions.

Adhere to procurement guidelines when acquiring goods and services to ensure the most cost‑effective results.

Maintain the integrity of School Lunch Program (SLP) menus and standards.

Oversee the staffing, supervision, training and scheduling of Cafeteria Workers, including volunteers.

Act as the primary contact regarding SLP, food and equipment inquiries.

Manage day‑to‑day problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies.

Continually evaluate work processes and use opportunities to improve the quality of service and efficient utilization of resources.

Create and support a positive, professional work environment. Build and maintain strong,



cooperative relationships and open communication with Cafeteria Workers, the Principal, school staff, students, parents/guardians, and the HRCE School Food Lead.

Ensure food safety standards are followed at all times by self and all staff.

Serve students in fast, efficient and friendly manner while maintaining dignity, respect and confidentiality for all students and pre‑primary children.

Promote cafeteria and menu items to staff, students, and parents/guardians.

As required: Food preparation and service, taking orders and payments, and kitchen duties such as dishes, clean‑up, garbage removal.

Co‑ordinate catering as required.

Support the school recycling program.

Other duties as required.

Qualifications
High School Diploma (or equivalent)

Three (3) years experience directly related to food service, including experience managing people and leading tasks.

Basic Food Safety Training is required, and can be provided as part of job training.

Understanding of food allergies and food‑related conditions.

Physical capabilities to perform duties of the position including heavy lifting, walking and standing during most of the day, and working in an environment with heat fluctuations. May require lifting of up to 50 lb.

Excellent communication skills including the ability to provide leadership to others.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to respond to the diverse backgrounds and personalities of students of various ages while in a busy, quick‑paced environment.

Reporting Relationships
Job reports to the HRCE School Food Lead.





Number of Cafeteria Workers supervised: 1‑5 (varies by location).

Position is classified on the Education Entities Non‑Union Compensation Framework at Band 3 with a salary range between $45,822 – $57,278.

Competencies

Commitment to food equity and equitable access to foods in a non‑stigmatizing manner.

A demonstrated commitment to client service and the ability to provide quality front‑line customer service.

The ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross‑cultural understanding, human rights and diversity.

The ability to work and communicate effectively within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education including parents, staff, students, community members and external groups such as government agencies.

The ability to work effectively as part of a team.

The ability to promote and maintain confidentiality.

Equal‑Opportunity Statement
HRCE has a Recruitment, Selection and Hiring of Staff Policy and actively encourages applications from under‑represented groups, particularly people of African Nova Scotian, African Canadian and African ancestry and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous ancestry, in compliance with applicable collective agreements or terms and conditions of employment. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Diversity Management section under the Questionnaire heading in the online resume. The Halifax Regional Centre for Education is actively working to hire individuals from under‑represented groups to work toward equitable representation within all employee groups. Nova Scotia’s Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) are committed to an inclusive education system that supports the well‑being and achievement of every student and is high‑quality, culturally and linguistically responsive.

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📌 Lead Cafeteria Worker (Nova Scotia)
🏢 Halifax Regional Centre for Education
📍 Nova Scotia