Kitchen Aide - Senior Center (On-Call)

City-of-Hillsboro-1; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERS retirement contributions

Life insurance

Wellness reimbursements

Free TriMet Hop pass

Recreation access for family

Paid time off to volunteer

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Hillsboro Community Senior Center is hiring two on-call Kitchen Aide positions to help prepare, serve, and clean up daily meals in a welcoming environment. Under supervision in a commercial kitchen, you will support the Chef and kitchen staff, learn food safety, and provide friendly customer service to guests of all ages.

This entry-level role emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and flexibility in hours. High School Diploma or GED preferred; current Food Handler's Card is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required or preferred.
• Experience serving food for large groups is a plus.
• Ability to follow directions and maintain a clean work area.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and serving meals for Senior Center patrons.
• Prepare salads, side dishes, desserts, and other food items.
• Help set up and maintain the salad bar and serving areas.
• Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen and dining areas.
• Refill condiments and dining room supplies.
• Assist with recycling and waste disposal efforts.
• Prepare the dining area and food items for the next day's meal service.
• Respond to patron questions and comments in a friendly, respectful manner.
• Work closely with kitchen staff to support efficient daily operations.
• Assist with special events, meetings, and related activities as needed.
• Support daily meal service operations while creating a welcoming experience for Senior Center participants.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Patience

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Do you enjoy creating welcoming experiences through food and service? Join the Hillsboro Community Senior Center team and help provide nutritious, delicious meals that bring the community together. We are currently hiring two on-call positions with hours that vary based on operational needs. This is a great opportunity to connect with community members, build food service skills, and make a positive impact every day.

Introduction / Opening

About the Parks & Recreation Department

The Hillsboro Community Senior Center is a valued gathering place where our community connects, stay active, and enjoy programs that support healthy aging. Our kitchen team plays an important role in creating a warm, welcoming environment by preparing and serving high-quality meals that guests of all ages look forward to.

Position Overview & Key Responsibilities

As an on-call Kitchen Aide, you'll work alongside the Chef, Assistant Chef, and fellow kitchen staff to help prepare, serve, and clean up daily meals at the Senior Center. This entry-level role is ideal for someone who enjoys teamwork, takes pride in providing excellent customer service, and wants to contribute to a positive dining experience. This is an entry level position with ample opportunity to learn how a commercial kitchen operates and how to provide quality service to large crowds.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Assist with preparing and serving meals for Senior Center patrons
• Prepare salads, side dishes, desserts, and other food items
• Help set up and maintain the salad bar and serving areas
• Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Clean and sanitize kitchen and dining areas
• Refill condiments and dining room supplies
• Assist with recycling and waste disposal efforts
• Prepare the dining area and food items for the next day's meal service
• Respond to patron questions and comments in a friendly, respectful manner
• Work closely with kitchen staff to support efficient daily operations
• Assist with special events, meetings, and related activities as needed
• Support daily meal service operations while creating a welcoming experience for Senior Center participants

What You'll Need to Succeed

We're looking for someone who enjoys helping others and thrives in a collaborative environment.

• Kind, patient, and respectful when interacting with older adults
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Dependable and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable receiving feedback and responding professionally to a variety of personalities and communication styles
• Ability to work independently when needed and take initiative
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace

Job Classification

For more details, please click on this link for job classification description:

Class Specifications | Senior Center Kitchen Aide | Class Spec Details

Acceptable Experience & Training

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some experience serving food for large groups; OR
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work

Licenses & Certifications

• Current Food Handler's Card, or ability to obtain one by the time of hire

Work Environment & Schedule

• On-call staff position with hours that vary based on operational needs. Work is generally scheduled Monday through Friday between approximately 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., though specific hours may vary depending on department needs.
• Monday hours are primarily dedicated to meal preparation and kitchen prep work for the week
• Work is performed primarily indoors in a commercial kitchen environment
• Position requires standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, bending, and repetitive motions
• May occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Exposure to kitchen equipment, varying temperatures, and moderate noise levels

Why Join Us

Working for the City of Hillsboro means being part of a team that values community, inclusion, and meaningful public service. You’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by helping people connect with nature and each other.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed and supported.

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline*

Application Open: Friday, September 18, 2026
Application Close: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Application Review Complete: Week of October 18
First Round Interviews: Late October

Timeline subject to change based on operational needs.

Why Work For the City of Hillsboro?

At the City of Hillsboro, we value innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. Our culture encourages professional growth and supports employees who are passionate about making a difference in their community. You’ll find meaningful work, great people, and opportunities to grow your career in public service. We’re committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.

When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• Free employee TriMet annual Hop pass
• SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center recreation access for you and your immediate family
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about our robust benefits package, please visit our Benefits Page.

Bilingual Incentive Pay Available

Employees who can demonstrate the ability to speak Spanish, ASL, or any other language spoken by over 10% of the City residents as documented by the most recent U.S. Census, will receive a monthly 3% premium pay. The incentive is only paid on hours in paid status. Proficiency will be determined by a City-administered test.

Commitment to Equity

At the City of Hillsboro, we believe that hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.