Kitchen Utility Worker

HVMG - Hospitality Ventures Management Group; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

HVMG – Hospitality Ventures Management Group is seeking a Kitchen Utility Worker to support daily kitchen operations in our Lexington-area venues. This role focuses on cleanliness, organization, and assisting with basic food preparation under chef supervision.

You will operate dishwashing equipment, sanitize surfaces, restock supplies, assist with washing/peeling vegetables, and help move and manage waste to maintain a safe, efficient workspace.

Qualifications

• Sanitation and Cleaning: Operate dishwashing machines and wash dishes, utensils, pots, and pans by hand when necessary.
• Food Preparation Support: Assist chefs and cooks with basic tasks like washing, peeling, chopping vegetables, portioning ingredients, or assembling simple dishes.
• Inventory and Stock Management: Monitor kitchen supplies, including food items, utensils, and cleaning materials, restock as needed, and notify supervisors when items are low.
• Waste Management: Sort, dispose of, and transport trash, recycling, and compost to designated areas, ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain kitchen tools and equipment, ensuring they are ready for use and comply with sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Sanitation and Cleaning: Operate dishwashing machines and wash dishes, utensils, pots, and pans by hand when necessary.
• Food Preparation Support: Assist with washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables.
• Inventory and Stock Management: Monitor supplies and restock as needed.
• Waste Management: Sort, dispose of, and transport trash, recycling, and compost.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain kitchen tools and equipment to meet sanitation standards.

Job description

A kitchen utility worker is a vital support staff member responsible for maintaining cleanliness, organization, and assisting with basic food preparation in a kitchen.

Role Overview

A kitchen utility worker plays a fundamental role in the smooth operation of kitchens in restaurants, catering services, and institutional food settings. While they may not be directly involved in cooking, they are essential for maintaining a safe, sanitary, and efficient kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Sanitation and Cleaning: Operate dishwashing machines and wash dishes, utensils, pots, and pans by hand when necessary. Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, floors, walls, countertops, and equipment such as ovens, grills, fryers, and refrigerators to meet health and safety standards.
• Food Preparation Support: Assist chefs and cooks with basic tasks like washing, peeling, chopping vegetables, portioning ingredients, or assembling simple dishes.
• Inventory and Stock Management: Monitor kitchen supplies, including food items, utensils, and cleaning materials, restock as needed, and notify supervisors when items are low.
• Waste Management: Sort, dispose of, and transport trash, recycling, and compost to designated areas, ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain kitchen tools and equipment, ensuring they are ready for use and comply with sanitation standards.

Skills and Qualities

A kitchen utility worker must be organized, efficient, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are crucial, as their work directly supports chefs, cooks, and servers, contributing to overall kitchen efficiency and food safety