Utility Worker - Nutrition & Food Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A health service provider in Halifax is seeking a Nutrition and Food Services Utility Worker. This role involves preparing and serving meals to patients and customers, cleaning, and ensuring food safety. The ideal candidate should possess a Grade 12 education or equivalent, basic math skills, and customer service abilities. This position offers a casual, hourly contract with a pay rate of approximately $20.74 – $21.56 hourly.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Defined benefit pension plan

Qualifications

• Demonstrated competency in English and basic math.
• Restaurant experience is an asset.
• Ability to work as part of a team to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively while demonstrating civility and respect.
• Frequent physical demands include extensive standing, walking, and lifting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and supplies to patients and customers.
• Clean and sanitize patient trays, equipment, and workplaces.
• Answer patient phone calls and enter meal selections.

Skills

Customer service skills

Basic math skills

Teamwork ability

Competency in English

Civility and respect in communication

Competency in French

Education

Grade 12/GED or equivalent

Job description

Req ID: 213011
Location: Central Zone, Halifax Infirmary Robie Street Entrance - QEII
Department: NFS Distribution HI
Type of Employment: Casual, Hourly FT long-assignment (100%)
Post Closing Date: 26-Nov-25

About Opportunity

The Nutrition and Food Services Utility Worker works in the patient and retail food service setting. Reporting to the Manager / Food Service Supervisor, the Utility Worker may be responsible for preparing and serving meals and supplies to patients, residents, veterans, staff, families, and customers. They also clean and sanitize patient trays, equipment, and workplaces, supporting safe food handling procedures and overall service excellence.

Key Work Activities

• Patient Meal Selections (Customer Service)
  Answer patient phone calls and enter meal selections on a computer.
  Visit patients in their rooms and enter meal selections on an electronic tablet.
• Product/Food Preparation, Assembly, and Service
  Assemble, portion, and serve patient and visitor meals.
  Portion and assemble nourishments, special feedings, beverages, menu items, and prepare “mix & serve” menu items.
  Prepare salads and sandwiches.
• Delivery and Collection
  Deliver and distribute selective menus and patient meals.
  Deliver nourishment and supplies (food and non‑food).
  Collect soiled patient trays.
• Food Handling
  Receive and store supplies using First In, First Out (FIFO).
  Receive and interpret patient diet/meal orders; confirm patient meal requirements.
  Manage inventory.
• Menu Duties
  Generate and print menus, reports, tallies, and labels.
  Print Meditech/STAR report and compare to CBORD/Vision reports.
• Food Safety and Sanitation
  Clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, equipment, and work area.
  Maintain basic work area safety and sanitation.
  Practice safe food handling and hygiene; ensure proper hand hygiene, food storage cleanliness, temperature control, and cross‑contamination prevention.

About You

• Grade 12/GED or equivalent (or demonstrated skills and relevant experience; equivalency must be stated in cover letter and resume).
• Demonstrated competency in English and basic math.
• Restaurant experience is an asset.
• Customer service skills are an asset.
• Ability to work as part of a team to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Ability to perform duties within expected timeframes and accuracy standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively while demonstrating civility and respect.
• Competency in other languages is an asset; French preferred.
• Frequent physical demands include extensive standing and walking, bending, lifting up to 35–40 lbs, pulling and pushing, and transferring/transporting equipment.

Pot Room Requirements

• Special footwear may be required; employer will reimburse up to amount noted in the Collective Agreement.
• Heavy lifting (e.g., large industrial bake/cook ware mixing bowls).
• Physically demanding, repetitive tasks.
• Working independently.

Hours

• Long Assignment, Full‑Time; 75 Hours biweekly.
• Approximately 12 months.
• Hours may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Compensation and Benefits

$20.74 – $21.56 hourly.

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package, which includes health, dental, travel, long‑term disability, and life insurance coverage, as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Support bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Employees are encouraged to view their seniority hours and dates in their SuccessFactors online profile. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units, or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement prior to accepting the position.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self‑identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, or 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self‑identify.