KITCHEN AND UTILITIES ASSISTANT

General Summary

As a Kitchen and Utilities Assistant, you will be the backbone of our Central Kitchen operations, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of food preparation and distribution. Your role will involve assisting in food packaging, maintaining product accuracy, and contributing to the creation of bakery items for distribution. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in the logistics of receiving, distributing, and delivering food products and supplies. Upholding strict cleanliness and sanitation standards, as per State and Federal guidelines, will be a top priority in this role.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Responsible for the preparation of food products following standardized recipes and food production charts
• Follows the directions for food preparation on the daily production charts
• Ensures accuracy of food count for shipment to contract location
• Follow direction for preparation of products according to the daily production charts and recipes
• Ensure all products meet quality, quantity, and portioning standards under USDA guidelines
• Complete cleanup of equipment and fixtures.  Clean carriers and coolers daily.  Clean loading walk-in daily.  Clean all loading areas inside and outside of the building.
• Deliver food, supplies, inter-office mail, and equipment to dining centers or account location and place them in the proper area

• Assist as needed with loading products onto the carriers for distribution.  Ensure that the correct quantities are distributed and product is properly labeled and sealed.  Check off and sign carrier tags on carriers for complete orders

• Assist as needed with all freight orders for distribution to accounts and warehouse duties
• Assist as needed in the dishwasher area
• Maintain high cleaning and sanitation standards in compliance with food safety standards and operating procedures
• Cross-train into other Central Kitchen departments
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Knowledge

• High school diploma or GED Certificate
• Understanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures
• Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certificate or ability to obtain within two weeks

Skills, Abilities & Experience

• Covid-19 Vaccination or approved waiver from Human Resources
• One-year experience in food assembly; high-volume food production preferred
• Experience with ovens, knives, sealers, can openers, and rolling racks required
• Ability to understand and communicate basic cooking directions
• Basic math and computer skills
• Ability to work well with others in a diverse team-oriented atmosphere

Any satisfactory combination of experience, training and/or education that ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above qualifications.

Benefits

• Four Day Work Week (36 hrs/wk)
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Plan
• 401K Savings Plan + 5% company match
• Paid Time Off: 12 vacation days, 12 sick days, 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, paid bereavement
• Paid Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Lunch Program
• Employee Wellness Program: $150 reimbursement per employee per year
• Employee Assistance Program: Mental health, physical health and work-life balance resources
• Employee discounts on cellular, travel, childcare and more!
• Professional Development Program: $200 reimbursement for professional development outside the organization

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Work with and around food production machinery (sealers, ovens, mixers, knives, etc.
• Occasional environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water
• High frequency of multiple repetitive movements, including bending, reaching, and stooping
• The individual must be able to carry 50 pounds on occasion and up to 35 pounds regularly
• Ability to stand for 8 hours a day or more
• Candidate must successfully pass the Meals on Wheels People pre-employment drug & alcohol test and criminal background check