Kitchen Assistant

careers-ucfs; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Upper Crust Food Service is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support the culinary team on our nationwide campus dining programs. You’ll help prepare food, keep the kitchen clean, and assist with deliveries in a fast-paced environment. Very few late nights and weekend hours are typical, with holidays off and benefits included.

We value teamwork, strong communication, and a positive, professional attitude. A food safety certification and prior prep/line cook experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a full-service restaurant as a prep/line cook.
• Valid food safety handler and sanitation certification.
• High school or vocational coursework in kitchen basics; food safety preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food as directed by Head Chef and Sous Chef.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room.
• Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes.
• Stock supplies in serving stations, cupboards or refrigerators.
• Assist in unloading and putting away deliveries.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude with coworkers and customers.
• Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts.

Skills

Teamwork

Cooking methods & procedures

Interpersonal skills under pressure

Education

Food safety handler and sanitation certification

High school or vocational kitchen basics coursework

Job description

At Upper Crust Food Service we believe great food does more than fill plates, it creates connection, strengthens communities, and transforms everyday experiences. Across college campuses, K-12 schools, camps, and Greek housing, our teams bring hospitality to life through fresh food, meaningful relationships, and service people can count on. While we began serving fraternity and sorority communities more than 15 years ago, we've grown into a national hospitality partner supporting a wide range of dining programs across the country. No matter the setting, our purpose remains the same: to show up for the people we serve and for one another.

If you're looking for meaningful work, real ownership, and a team that believes hospitality can make a difference, we'd love to meet you.

At Upper Crust Food Service, YOU are the crucial ingredient for providing fresh healthy Greek life food nationwide. Our team enjoys a lifestyle that is unmatched in the hospitality industry with very few late nights and weekend hours.

Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the Head Chef and Sous Chef. They maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, ensure equipment is in order, and stock supplies. Additionally, they assist with fostering a positive atmosphere with coworkers and customers.

If you are excited to be part of a team and make people happy every day, We're currently looking for a classically trained Kitchen Assistant who is driven by their love and passion for food.

What’s in it for you?

• Very few late nights and weekend hours
• Time off for most holidays
• Paid vacations
• A competitive 401K with company match
• Health, dental, vision, and pet insurance

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare food as directed by Head Chef and/or Sous Chef
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room
• Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes.
• Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
• Assist in unloading and putting away deliveries
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude with coworkers and customers
• Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Understand various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with a variety of personalities and under pressure.

• Be familiar with the industry's best practices

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 2+ years in a full-service restaurant as a prep/line cook
• Have a valid food safety handler and sanitation certification in accordance with state and local regulations or obtain one within 30 days of employment
• High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety, preferred.

Special Demands:

• The work environment can be loud and busy. There are many kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and liquids, sharp knives, and slippery floors.
• Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
• Required to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals