Kitchen Helper (Alpha Square)

Alpha Project; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Alpha Project is seeking a Kitchen Helper to support daily kitchen operations, assist with meal preparation, handle food donations, and maintain a clean, safe work area. You will work under the Kitchen Operations Director and Head Chef to ensure timely, nutritious meals for program participants and the community.

Responsibilities include receiving donations, prepping salads and sides, maintaining sanitation, logging temperatures, and adhering to safety standards.

Qualifications

• One year of kitchen/food service experience.
• Knowledge of sanitation and food handling.
• Organizational skills and communication abilities.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred.
• Food handler certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation and packing for shelters.
• Receive, inspect, and store food donations.
• Maintain sanitation and safety standards in the kitchen.
• Complete temperature and waste logs; document inventory as needed.
• Collaborate with team and follow program policies.

Skills

Time management

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

Food handler certification preferred

Tools

Dishwasher machine

Three-compartment sink

Kitchen tools

Job description

Position Title: Kitchen Helper

Reports to: Kitchen Manager

FLSA Status: Full-Time and Non-Exempt

Benefits: Alpha Project offers a generous benefits package, including 14 paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision premium, and group life insurance.

Salary: $20-22/hour, commensurate with experience

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kitchen Helper supports the daily operations of Alpha Square Kitchen by assisting with meal preparation, processing food donations, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Working under the supervision of the Director of Kitchen Operations and Head Chef, this position helps ensure the timely production of nutritious meals for program participants and community members. The Kitchen Helper follows proper food‑handling practices, supports inventory and sanitation procedures, and collaborates effectively with team members to uphold health, safety, and operational standards.

Food Receiving, Inspection & Storage

• Receive, inspect, document, and sort food donations.
• Organize, restock, rotate, and label pantry, refrigerator, and freezer items.
• Assist with inventory and report needs.

Food Preparation & Meal Production

• Prepare salads, sides, and assist with main entrées.
• Support meal packing for shelters.

Sanitation, Safety & Cleaning

• Maintain a clean workspace and follow safety procedures.
• Operate dish machine and three-compartment sink.
• Perform daily and deep cleaning.

Compliance & Documentation

• Complete temperature logs, waste logs.
• Conduct walkthroughs and ensure proper storage.

Teamwork & Support

• Maintain respectful communication.
• Support team and complete additional duties.
• Communicate and adhere to program policies and procedures, including the "Good Neighbor" Policy, Alpha Project's Employee Handbook and Health/Safety Handbooks, and all applicable safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those typically encountered by employees performing essential kitchen functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs., including food products, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk for most of an 8-hour shift in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and kneeling when performing cleaning or retrieving items.
• Regular repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements during food preparation and cleaning tasks.
• Comfortable working in varying temperatures, including hot, humid, or cold areas and around ovens, stoves, steam tables, and walk-in refrigerators/freezers.
• Exposure to moderate to loud noise level.
• Possible contact with onsite animals/pets.
• Potential for exposure to bodily fluids.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to follow policies and procedures as established in the Company's Employee Handbook. Candidates will also contribute to a positive work environment by behaving and communicating in a manner such that they get along with all constituent groups, co-workers, and management. In addition, the education, experience, and other skills listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

• One year of kitchen/food service experience.
• Knowledge of sanitation and food handling.
• Organizational skills and communication abilities.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Prior kitchen or food-handling experience required.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred.

CERTIFICATION

• Food handler certification preferred.

KEY SKILLS

• Time management, teamwork, and safety awareness.
• The ability to organize and prioritize projects and multiple tasks effectively and on time is required.

EQUIPMENT & APPLICATIONS

• Dishwasher machine.
• Three-compartment sink.
• Working knowledge of all standard kitchen tools.

Alpha Project for the Homeless provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.