Kitchen Staff

Winter4Kids; Highland Lakes (NJ); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Winter4Kids in Highland Lakes, NJ is seeking a Kitchen Prep & Service Team Member to help prepare and serve nutritious meals in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. You will support all kitchen operations while upholding food safety and customer service standards.

The role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays, and a positive, dependable team player mindset. Previous food service is a plus, with Food Handler Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of food preparation and kitchen safety practices.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and food quality.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Positive attitude with a commitment to providing outstanding service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and meals according to established recipes and portion standards.
• Assist with food preparation, including washing, cutting, and processing fruits and vegetables.
• Replenish salad bars, fruit stations, soups, chili, and other serving stations throughout meal service.
• Serve meals accurately while maintaining portion control.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, food preparation, and serving area.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, flat tops, meat slicers, and other food preparation equipment.
• Wash dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment as assigned.
• Receive, organize, and properly store food and supplies.
• Provide friendly, professional service to participants, guests, volunteers, and fellow team members.
• Assist with opening, closing, and cleaning procedures.
• Support special events and other Food & Beverage operations as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission of Winter4Kids.

Skills

Food safety practices

Teamwork

Fast-paced work

Attention to cleanliness

Customer service

Job description

Position Purpose

The Kitchen Prep & Service Team Member plays an important role in creating a positive experience for Winter4Kids participants by preparing and serving nutritious meals in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This position supports all aspects of kitchen operations while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, and customer service.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.


• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.


• Previous food service or kitchen experience is preferred but not required.


• Food Handler Certification is a plus (or willingness to obtain if required).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of food preparation and kitchen safety practices.


• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.


• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and food quality.


• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.


• Positive attitude with a commitment to providing outstanding service.


• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.


• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently when needed.

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and meals according to established recipes and portion standards.


• Assist with food preparation, including washing, cutting, and processing fruits and vegetables.


• Replenish salad bars, fruit stations, soups, chili, and other serving stations throughout meal service.


• Serve meals accurately while maintaining portion control.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, food preparation, and serving area.


• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.


• Safely operate kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, flat tops, meat slicers, and other food preparation equipment.


• Wash dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment as assigned.


• Receive, organize, and properly store food and supplies.


• Provide friendly, professional service to participants, guests, volunteers, and fellow team members.


• Assist with opening, closing, and cleaning procedures.


• Support special events and other Food & Beverage operations as assigned.


• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission of Winter4Kids.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.


• Frequently bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive motions.


• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds regularly.


• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, including hot kitchen conditions and walk-in coolers/freezers.


• Ability to safely use commercial kitchen equipment.

Interviews will start after 11/1/2026