Kitchen Staff

Position Overview

The Kitchen Staff role involves preparing breakfast and lunch items and assisting with serving lines. The position also requires participation in occasional catering events and the ability to perform all kitchen roles as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up serving lines daily ensuring all food is maintained at the correct temperatures; stock milk coolers ready for service.
• Prepare foods as per established menu plans and recipes, plan and prepare in advance for upcoming menus.
• Operate kitchen equipment such as slicers, mixers, grinders, for which proper certification is required.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in work areas and kitchen/cafeteria spaces including equipment and dishwashing.
• Manage inventory using First In/First Out (FIFO) practices, keeping storage areas tidy and free from debris.
• Clean and maintain dishwashing equipment, handle chemical usage appropriately, and store cleaned dishes properly.
• Request necessary food and supplies through the Kitchen Manager.
• Prepare baked goods like bread, cakes, and cookies following menu requirements, presenting them attractively.
• Conduct batch cooking to ensure quality and presentation standards.
• Maintain serving/bar lines, ensuring food is replenished and held at proper temperatures; serve with proper portions and utensils demonstrating hospitality.

Compliance and Standards

• Strictly follow menu plans and standardized recipes to deliver consistent, high-quality meals.
• Adhere to meal pattern regulations as per HHFKA and CACFP; maintain accurate daily production records by grade group.
• Follow HACCP guidelines with regular temperature logs and food safety processes.
• Adhere to safety protocols as outlined in the company’s Safety Procedure Manual and report unsafe conditions promptly.
• Engage in safety incentive programs, participate in daily operational meetings, and complete required annual training hours.
• Embody company core values focusing on integrity, service passion, and continuous improvement.
• Comply fully with company timekeeping policies.

Administrative Duties

• Handle customer payments during service including cash register or computer operations, ensuring only eligible meals are processed.
• Complete daily paperwork including tray counts and meal reconciliations.
• Properly record work hours through the company’s timekeeping system and notify supervisors promptly of absences.
• Undertake additional assigned tasks as needed.

Physical and Work Environment Demands

• Perform physical tasks involving standing, walking, sitting, squatting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, grasping, feeling, tasting, smelling, talking, hearing, and reaching with hands and arms frequently.
• Lift or move items weighing over 60 pounds occasionally and regularly handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Require strong visual capabilities including focused attention, depth perception, sharp focus, and color recognition.
• Work conditions include indoor and outdoor environments, exposure to moving machinery, wet/humid areas, extreme temperatures, chemical substances, and loud noise levels.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred; alternatively, up to one month of related experience, training, or an equivalent educational background.
• Basic language skills to understand and write simple instructions, correspondence, and effectively communicate with others.
• Mathematical skills to perform basic calculations and interpret data such as bar graphs.
• Practical reasoning ability to follow detailed instructions and solve straightforward problems in routine situations.

Equipment and Tools

• Use of kitchen tools and equipment including dishwasher, steamer/kettle, mixer, oven, stove, fryers, slicer, thermometers, gauges, knives, and box cutters.
• Utilize software and office equipment such as meal counting software, desktop computers, calculators, and communication devices.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The company is dedicated to fostering a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.