Kitchen Assistant

YMCA of NorthWest North Carolina; King (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA Camp Hanes is hiring a Kitchen Assistant to support meal preparation, dining service, and sanitation. This role helps maintain health code standards, accommodates dietary needs, and keeps kitchen and dining areas clean and safe.

Two shifts are available (6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.) with some weekend flexibility. The position is part-time and seasonal, with summer hours up to 40 per week and lighter spring/fall weeks when groups are in session.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of proper food handling, kitchen sanitation procedures, personal hygiene rules, and health code regulations.
• Ability to learn quickly, listen actively, and work well in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Completion of required online training courses; drug screening and background check may apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist in prepping, washing, peeling, chopping, and cooking foodstuffs according to menu specifications.
• Wash dishes and equipment; sweep and mop floors; sanitize surfaces; dispose of trash; organize linen laundry.
• Prepare meal alternatives and accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety across kitchen, prep, and storage areas.
• Follow health protocols, risk management standards, and safety guidelines.

Skills

Food handling

Kitchen sanitation

Teamwork

Health code knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED (preferred)

First Aid/CPR/Emergency Oxygen certifications

ServSafe or NC Safe Plate certification

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Kitchen Assistant supports meal preparation, dining service, and sanitation at YMCA Camp Hanes. This role maintains health code standards, accommodates dietary needs, and keeps kitchen and dining facilities clean and safe.

Schedule

Two shifts are available: First shift runs 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; second shift runs 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Some weekend availability is required, though scheduling is flexible. During the summer, hours can reach up to 40 per week. Spring and fall hours are 25–30 per week when groups are in session. All positions are part-time and seasonal.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in prepping, washing, peeling, chopping, and cooking foodstuffs (age 18+ for cooking duties), as well as preparing salads and desserts according to menu specifications.
• Wash dishes and cooking equipment, sweep/mop floors, sanitize countertops and prep surfaces, dispose of trash, and organize linen laundry in accordance with local health code standards.
• Assist in preparing meal alternatives and accommodating guests and campers with food allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
• Maintain proper cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards across all kitchen, food prep, and storage areas.
• Follow all health and hygiene protocols, risk management standards, emergency procedures, and YMCA child abuse prevention guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of proper food handling, kitchen sanitation procedures, personal hygiene rules, and health code regulations.
• Strong willingness to learn, active listening skills, and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced food service environment.

Education & Experience

• Education: Minimum age of 16 required. High School Diploma or GED equivalency preferred.
• Certifications & Requirements: First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen certifications required (classes offered free of charge). Completion of required online training courses. ServSafe or NC Safe Plate certification preferred. Subject to drug screening and background check.

Physical Requirements

• Continuously required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and move dynamically across food prep, cooking, and dishwashing stations for extended periods.
• Exercises fine manual dexterity to safely utilize knives, food preparation utensils, dishwashing tools, and cleaning chemicals.
• Must be able to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull food supplies, stock, kitchen equipment, and trash containers weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Continuous visual acuity to ensure food quality and cleanliness, and auditory acuity to hear kitchen timers, safety cues, and team verbal communications.
• Functions in a commercial kitchen and dining hall setting exposed to heat, steam, wet surfaces, loud noises, and cleaning solutions. Requires schedule flexibility for morning (6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) or evening (3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) shifts, including weekend hours.

Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting

At our Association, safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility, regardless of role or position. All employees are strictly required to maintain awareness of our abuse prevention and reporting policies. You must take immediate, appropriate action in accordance with our protocols and legal mandates if any standard of safety is compromised or if abuse is suspected.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment-related decisions are based on job-related qualifications, merit, business needs, and other lawful criteria.

Mission

“Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.”