KITCHEN AND UTILITIES ASSISTANT

Meals On Wheels People; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Meals on Wheels People, Inc. in Portland, OR is hiring a Kitchen and Utilities Assistant to support the Central Kitchen operations, including food packaging, receiving, and distribution of meals.

You will help maintain cleanliness, follow USDA guidelines, and cross-train in other departments. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and an Oregon Food Handler’s Certificate.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare food products following recipes and charts.
• Ensure quality, quantity, and portioning per standards.
• Assist with loading, delivery, and distribution of meals.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in all areas.
• Cross-train in other Central Kitchen departments.
• Support logistic duties and equipment cleaning.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and company policies.

Skills

Food assembly experience

High-volume production

Food safety knowledge

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Oregon Food Handler's Certificate

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Central Office - PORTLAND, OR 97219, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $17.50 - $21.00 Hourly, Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service, Join the Movement! Make a Difference with Meals on Wheels People!

Join Meals on Wheels People, a community-founded organization with a 50-year legacy. We've been a lifeline for thousands of older adults in the Portland Metro Area, providing independence through weekly meal delivery and social connections. Our vibrant culture thrives on integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and teamwork. With over 20 centers spanning Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties, our dedicated staff and volunteers ensure no adult over 60 goes hungry or experiences social isolation.

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
• Follow directions for preparation of products according to the daily production charts and recipes
• Ensure all products meet quality, quantity, and portioning standards under USDA guidelines
• Ensures accuracy of food count for shipment to contract location
• 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.
• Assist as needed with loading products onto the carriers for distribution. Ensure that the correct quantities are distributed and the 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.
• Deliver food, supplies, inter-office mail, and equipment to dining centers or account locations and place them in the proper area.
• Cross-train into other Central Kitchen departments.
• Assist as needed in the dishwasher area.
• Maintain high cleaning and sanitation standards in compliance with food safety standards and operating procedures.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 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 week

Skills, Abilities & Experience

• 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 atmospher

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

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