Accepting Applications: Kitchen Assistant

Young World Physical Education; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 21,063 - 22,372; Part time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Phoenix, Arizona is hiring a Kitchen Assistant / Cook. This part-time position involves cleaning, preparation duties, and supporting Cooks to ensure smooth operations in the kitchen.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of sanitation standards, a high school diploma or GED, and the necessary food handler certifications. Pay ranges from $15.29 to $16.24 per hour, with a work schedule aligned with school operations.

Qualifications

• General knowledge or experience in food preparation and service.
• Ability to operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely.
• High standards of personal hygiene and appearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform cleaning, washing, and preparation duties in the kitchen.
• Assist Cooks with food ingredient preparation.
• Follow safety protocols in kitchen operations.

Skills

Food preparation knowledge

Sanitation standards understanding

Communication skills

Time-management

Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid Maricopa County Food Handler’s Card

Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Job description

Position Title

Kitchen Assistant / Cook

Classification

Hourly

Immediate Supervisor

Kitchen Lead

Position Overview

Kitchen Assistants perform all cleaning, washing and preparation duties required in a kitchen setting. They support Cooks and Kitchen Leads with tasks necessary to ensure smooth kitchen operations, including ingredient preparation, garbage removal, and compliance with food health and safety regulations.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

A. Cleaning and Sanitation

• Properly cleans and sanitizes all food preparation areas according to established hygiene standards.
• Washes and appropriately stores all cooking appliances, instruments, utensils, cutting boards, and dishes.
• Sweeps and mops kitchen floors and wipes down walls.
• Assists with cafeteria set‑up or clean‑up.
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly deep cleaning of the facility, service areas and all kitchen equipment such as counters, tables, ovens, refrigerators, freezers, mixers, transient hot carts, mobile carts, and rolling racks.

B. Food Preparation

• Assists the Cook with preparation of meal ingredients, including washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting, and chopping fruits, vegetables, poultry, and meat.
• Transfers meal ingredients from storage areas to the kitchen as directed.
• Assists with unloading delivered food supplies.
• Prepares breakfast bags and delivers them to classrooms daily.
• Retrieves breakfast bags from classrooms, cleans, and repacks for the next breakfast.

C. Safety

• Operates equipment safely to avoid damage and injuries.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment while performing tasks.
• Uses kitchenware (knives, spatulas, whisks, tongs, spoons, ladles) safely.

D. Additional Responsibilities

• Adheres to policies and procedures outlined in the Riverside Employee Handbook.
• Maintains high standards of personal hygiene and appearance.
• Establishes effective working relationships with school staff.
• Promotes overall effectiveness by sharing responsibilities during peak periods or overloads.
• Attends training for continued professional development.
• Performs duties assigned by the Child Nutrition Services Manager.

Education

• High school diploma or GED

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Maricopa County Food Handler’s Card
• A valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Experience

• General knowledge, training or experience with food preparation and service

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and safety standards.
• Understanding of proper storage methods for various foods, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to operate and clean kitchen equipment.
• Ability to clean kitchen area, equipment and utensils.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Positive communication with students, staff, parents, and coworkers.
• Time‑management and prioritization skills to meet production timelines.
• Physical ability to lift/carry 50 pounds, push food carts, bend, reach, and stand for extended periods.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards.
• Safe operation of commercial ovens, mixers, stoves, can openers, and food warmers.
• Self‑motivated and self‑directed.
• Team‑player and capable of individual tasks.
• Awareness of environmental hazards such as noise, vibrations, fumes, heat, airborne particles, and chemicals.

Working Environment

• Kitchen and dining room exposure to noise, vibrations, fumes, odors, and heat from stoves and ovens.
• Frequent work with or near moving mechanical parts and exposure to airborne particles and cleaning chemicals.

Terms of Employment

• Nine‑months, at‑will, hourly, benefits in accordance with governing board policies.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.
• Support the district’s vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan.
• Engage in civility, respect, and professionalism.
• Maintain professional knowledge and skills necessary for essential duties.

Position Type

Part‑time

Salary

$15.29 to $16.24 per hour

Job Requirements

• High school or trade school degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Brittany Auld, HR Specialist
• 1414 S 51st Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85043
• Phone: (602) 477‑8900
• Email: [e-mail]