Sanitation & Prep Cook

Food Pantry; Gloucester (MA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Earned sick time

Retirement match

Job summary

The Open Door in Gloucester is seeking a Sanitation & Prep Cook to maintain a clean, safe kitchen while supporting our culinary programs that feed neighbors and advance food security across Cape Ann.

You will sanitize surfaces, assist with food prep and inventory, and help staff Community Meals alongside our kitchen team. This 25-hour per week role offers prorated benefits and opportunities to learn ServSafe and CPR/First Aid with training provided.

Qualifications

• Experience with basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Strong time management and ability to stay on task.
• Attention to detail in prepping, labeling, and organizing food and supplies.
• Clear communication and willingness to ask questions and learn.
• Dependability and ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Sanitation: Maintain a clean, safe kitchen by sanitizing surfaces and equipment, washing and storing dishes, managing waste, restocking supplies, and following all food safety protocols.
• Evening Meal Service: Staff Community Meals, a congregate-style dining experience. Greet diners, work alongside volunteers during meal service, and ensure food safety and sanitation.
• Support Culinary Operations: Assist with food prep, packaging, labeling, and inventory management.

Skills

Food safety

Time management

Detail oriented

Communication

Team player

Stamina

CPR First Aid

ServSafe

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Make a Difference Through Food

Are you passionate about food, community, and social justice? The Open Door is seeking a reliable Sanitation & Prep Cook to support the daily sanitation and cleanliness of our kitchen while contributing to the culinary programs that nourish our neighbors and build food security across Cape Ann. In this hands-on role, sanitation is the core focus - ensuring a safe, clean, and well-maintained kitchen environment - alongside supporting food preparation and Community Meals. You'll work closely with our Assistant Food Services Manager and kitchen team to help deliver high-quality meals with care and consistency. The Open Door is a leading food equity organization based in Gloucester on Boston's North Shore. The organization provides critical food resources to 12,780 people annually. This is an opportunity to use your skills to make a difference. Our mission is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community

What You’ll Do

• Sanitation: Maintain a clean, safe kitchen by sanitizing surfaces and equipment, washing and storing dishes, managing waste, restocking supplies, and following all food safety protocols.
• Evening Meal Service: Staff Community Meals, a congregate-style dining experience. Greet diners, work alongside volunteers during meal service, and ensure food safety and sanitation.
• Support Culinary Operations: Assist with food prep, packaging, labeling, and inventory management.

What You’ll Bring

• Ability to follow basic food safety and sanitation practices
• Strong time management and ability to stay on task
• Attention to detail in prepping, labeling, and organizing food and supplies
• Clear communication and willingness to ask questions and learn
• Dependability and ability to work as part of a team
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• CPR and First Aid Certified (will train)
• ServSafe Certified (will train)
• Starting range $18-$19.50 per hour
• 25 hours per week/Monday-Friday 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., occasional nights & weekends
• Prorated benefits including PTO, earned sick time, matching retirement

The Open Door is an equal opportunity employer.