Location: Prophet Center

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

As a Nutrition Assistant you are committed to serving delicious, nutrient-rich meals that support lifelong wellness for students in our community. You thrive in food preparation activities and are inspired to provide exceptional customer service. You are a team player who supports teammates in different kitchens across Portland. This employee group is represented by SEIU 503.

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026–2027 School Year

Application Review: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the recruitment period.

This position follows the student calendar, with work typically beginning in late August and continuing through early-mid June. Employees have summers off and work only on days when school is in session.

About the Roving Assistant Position

This posting is for part-time Nutrition Services Roving Assistants. Roving Assistants provide support at schools throughout the Portland Public Schools district and do not have a permanent school assignment.

Successful candidates enjoy variety, are adaptable, and can quickly build positive working relationships with different teams and school communities.

Because assignments may be at any PPS school within the City of Portland, flexibility and reliable transportation are essential. Mileage reimbursement is available.

Schedule and Assignments

• Assistant Rovers receive guaranteed, daily assignments Monday-Friday throughout the school year.
• Work schedules vary based on operational needs and may range from 2 to 5.5 hours per day.
• Shifts are scheduled in the timeframe of 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Daily assignments are communicated by phone between 5:30 - 6:30 a.m.
• Roving Assistants may work at different schools from day to day.
• Additional summer work opportunities may be available but are not guaranteed.

Conditions of Employment

Prior to beginning employment, selected candidates must:

• Successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Provide documentation verifying eligibility to work in the United States.
• Complete all required onboarding and hiring steps.

What you will do

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals that support student health and learning.
• Provide friendly, welcoming customer service to students, staff, and visitors.
• Operate point-of-sale and cashiering systems accurately and responsibly.
• Follow food safety and sanitation procedures to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Assist with food preparation, meal service, dishwashing, and kitchen clean-up.
• Adapt quickly to different school kitchens, teams, and daily assignments.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with coworkers to ensure smooth meal service and positive experiences for students.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and learn new procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical duties of the position.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English by phone and in person.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn point-of-sale and cashiering systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a current Multnomah County Food Handler's Card within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in food service, hospitality, retail, or customer service.
• Experience working with children, students, or school communities.
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen or high-volume food service setting.
• Enjoyment of cooking, serving others, and contributing to a positive school environment.

About the Roving Position

Roving Nutrition Assistants do not have a permanent school assignment. Instead, they provide support at different schools throughout the district based on operational needs. Successful candidates enjoy variety, are comfortable adapting to new environments, and can quickly build positive working relationships with new teams.

What we offer

• Pay: $20.06/ per hour*
• Schedule: August to June (182 days per year) when school is in session for students, following the district calendar.
• Benefits:
  • Eligible for part-time medical benefits
  • Retirement benefits
  • Free employee meal each shift
  • Pre-tax Trimet passes
  • You have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which offers free counseling services financial services, will preparation kits, legal services, and more
  • You are paid for on-the-job training
  • Accrued sick leave and other paid time off (PTO) based on days worked
• Upon ratification of the new SEIU contract, pay will increase to $20.46 as of 1/1/27.

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

Employees assigned 20+ hours per week will be eligible for part-time medical and pharmacy benefits. For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/departments/human-resources/benefits/prospective-employees

About Nutrition Services

At Portland Public Schools, Nutrition Services plays an important role in helping students learn, grow, and thrive. Our team serves nutritious, appealing meals that support student health while creating welcoming cafeteria environments where all students feel valued.

Whether you're preparing meals, serving students, or supporting school communities, your work directly contributes to student well-being and success every day.

Visit the Nutrition Services Department page to learn more.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

• 504 Coordinator: Marquita Guzman,mguzman@pps.net 971-393-8633
• ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno, jbuno@pps.net, 503-916-3360
• Title IX Program Manager: Liane O’Banion,lobanion@pps.net, 503-568-2646

Accessibility Statement

Conflict/Complaint Resolution Process

This institution is an equal opportunity employer