Kitchen Tray Line - Part-Time

AgeWell Services of West Michigan; Norton Shores (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

AgeWell Services of West Michigan is seeking a Part-Time Tray Line Associate for the Meals on Wheels kitchen to assemble and portion meals according to standardized recipes and production schedules. This role supports quality, safety, and timely meal delivery.

You will work closely with the Tray Line team in a busy kitchen, follow HACCP guidelines, and maintain a clean, organized workstation while upholding exceptional customer service and teamwork. Monday–Friday, 8 am–12 pm.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to accurately follow standardized recipes and portion control guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Dependable, organized, and committed to providing quality service.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and portion meals according to standardized recipes, menu specifications, and portion control guidelines.
• Ensure the tray line is properly prepared and ready for meal production by 8:00 a.m., including setup of food pans, serving utensils, sanitizer buckets, and assigned workstations.
• Maintain an efficient pace while ensuring meal accuracy and quality throughout production.
• Verify that meals are assembled correctly and meet established quality standards before leaving the tray line.
• Follow all HACCP principles, sanitation procedures, and food safety regulations throughout meal production.
• Monitor food quality, appearance, and portion sizes while assembling meals.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary workstation; assist with setup/breakdown and sanitation.

Skills

Food safety

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Fast-paced environment

Follow recipes

Communication

Dependable

Sanitation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Part-Time Meals on Wheels Kitchen Tray Line

Monday - Friday, 8 am -12 pm

Make more than a paycheck, make a difference!

The Tray Line Associate is responsible for accurately assembling and portioning meals for the Choice Meal Program while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, food safety, efficiency, and customer service. This position works as part of the tray line team to ensure meals are assembled according to standardized recipes, production schedules, and portion control guidelines.

Working closely with the Tray Line Pacesetter, Tray Line Lead, Hot Production Coordinator, Assistant Prep Cook, and other production staff, the Tray Line Associate helps ensure meals are prepared, packaged, and completed safely, accurately, and on schedule.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Meal Assembly

• Assemble and portion meals according to standardized recipes, menu specifications, and portion control guidelines.
• Ensure the tray line is properly prepared and ready for meal production by 8:00 a.m., including setup of food pans, serving utensils, sanitizer buckets, and assigned workstations.
• Maintain an efficient pace while ensuring meal accuracy and quality throughout production.
• Verify that meals are assembled correctly and meet established quality standards before leaving the tray line.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance

• Follow all HACCP principles, sanitation procedures, and food safety regulations throughout meal production.
• Monitor food quality, appearance, and portion sizes while assembling meals.
• Ensure proper time and temperature control requirements are maintained during tray line operations.
• Verify frozen meals meet quality standards and recipe specifications before packaging.
• Immediately report food quality concerns, temperature issues, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns to the Tray Line Pacesetter, Hot Production Coordinator, or Production Manager.

Teamwork & Communication

• Maintain continuous communication with the Tray Line Pacesetter and Tray Line Lead to support efficient meal production and workflow.
• Communicate with the Hot Production Coordinator and Assistant Prep Cook regarding food replenishment needs and production timing.
• Work cooperatively with fellow team members to maintain an efficient, positive, and productive work environment.
• Assist in maintaining production pace while ensuring meal accuracy and quality.

Operational Support

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout the production process.
• Assist with tray line setup, breakdown, cleaning, and sanitation procedures.
• Support other production areas as needed to ensure daily operational goals are achieved.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications Or Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to accurately follow standardized recipes and portion control guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Dependable, organized, and committed to providing quality service.

Note: all team members MUST pass a background check prior to employment!

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in food service, healthcare, school nutrition, institutional food service, or a commercial kitchen preferred.
• ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Certification preferred.

Work Environment/Culture:

• This position requires frequent standing and walking throughout the workday. Regular bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling are required. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• The employee works in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to varying temperatures, including hot food production areas and refrigerated spaces. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, commercial kitchen equipment, and moderate noise levels is expected. The ability to safely operate food service equipment and consistently follow all food safety and sanitation procedures is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, height, weight, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law