KITCHEN AND UTILITIES ASSISTANT - BAKERY

Meals On Wheels People Inc; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four-day workweek

Excellent benefits package

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Mileage reimbursement

Pet insurance

Wellness program

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Meals on Wheels People seeks a Kitchen and Utilities Assistant to support Central Kitchen operations. You will assist in bakery item production, follow daily recipes and charts, and ensure accurate shipment counts to contract locations.

Responsibilities include equipment cleaning, delivering items to dining centers, proper labeling and sealing, and cross-training in other departments. A strong emphasis on sanitation and teamwork guides daily work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; Oregon Food Handler’s Certificate or ability to obtain within two weeks.
• Experience with high-volume food production preferred.
• Ability to read recipes and follow production charts.
• Basic math and computer skills for inventory and labeling.
• Able to work well in a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Assist Baker with production and preparation of bakery items for menus.
• Prepare food following standardized recipes and daily production charts.
• Ensure accurate food counts for shipment to contract locations.
• Clean equipment, carriers, coolers, and loading areas daily.
• Deliver food, supplies, and equipment to dining centers; assist with loading.
• Label, seal, and verify quantities; sign carrier tags for orders.
• Cross-train in other Central Kitchen departments; support freight orders.
• Maintain high sanitation standards per food safety procedures.

Skills

Food assembly

High-volume production

Basic math

Computer skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Oregon Food Handler’s Certificate

Tools

Ovens

Knives

Sealers

Can openers

Rolling racks

Job description

Meals on Wheels People is an organization founded in and by the community! Over the past 50 years, our non-profit has helped thousands of older adults in the Portland Metro area keep their independence through weekly meal delivery and social connections. Our culture reflects our five values: integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and TEAMWORK. With over 20 meal delivery centers throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties, our staff and thousands of volunteers ensure that no adult over 60 goes hungry or experiences social isolation.Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your well-being. Enjoy the benefits of a four-day workweek, ample quality time off, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k)-retirement plan, pet insurance, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, an Employee Assistance Program, and mileage reimbursement.We are seeking a Kitchen and Utilities Assistant, who will be the backbone of our Central Kitchen operations, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of food preparation, baking and distribution. Your role will involve assisting in the creation of bakery items for distribution, food packaging and maintaining product accuracy in accordance to food production charts. 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)Assist Baker with the production and preparation of bakery items for all senior dining menusResponsible for the preparation of food products following standardized recipes and food production chartsFollows the directions for food preparation on the daily production chartsEnsures accuracy of food count for shipment to contract locationFollow direction for preparation of products according to the daily production charts and recipesEnsure all products meet quality, quantity, and portioning standards under USDA guidelinesComplete 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.Deliver food, supplies, inter-office mail, and equipment to dining centers or account location and place them in the proper areaAssist as needed with loading products onto the carriers for distribution. Ensure that the correct quantities are distributed and product is properly labeled and sealed. Check off and sign carrier tags on carriers for complete ordersAssist as needed with all freight orders for distribution to accounts and warehouse dutiesAssist as needed in the dishwasher areaMaintain high cleaning and sanitation standards in compliance with food safety standards and operating proceduresCross-train into other Central Kitchen departmentsOther duties as assignedEducation & KnowledgeHigh school diploma or GED CertificateUnderstanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling proceduresCurrent Oregon Food Handler’s Certificate or ability to obtain within two weeksSkills, Abilities & ExperienceOne-year experience in food assembly; high-volume food production preferredExperience with ovens, knives, sealers, can openers, and rolling racks requiredAbility to understand and communicate basic cooking directionsBasic math and computer skillsAbility to work well with others in a diverse team-oriented atmosphereAny 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 DemandsWork with and around food production machinery (sealers, ovens, mixers, knives, etc.Occasional environmental exposures to cold, heat, and waterHigh frequency of multiple repetitive movements, including bending, reaching, and stoopingThe individual must be able to carry 50 pounds on occasion and up to 35 pounds regularlyAbility to stand for 8 hours a day or moreCandidate must successfully pass the Meals on Wheels People pre-employment drug & alcohol test and criminal background checkDisclaimerThe preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an “at will” employment relationship.Applications must be completed fully (including references) in order to be considered.