POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direct supervision of the Food Service Manager, the Kitchen Assistant supports the Food Service Manager, cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure campers and staff receive healthy, safe, and nourishing meals each day. Working in a fast-paced YMCA camp environment, this position assists with basic food preparation such as washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as setting up serving areas. The Kitchen Assistant also maintains high standards of cleanliness by washing dishes, utensils, and equipment and keeping all workspaces sanitary and organized to ensure a positive dining experience for campers, guests, and staff. This role contributes to successful camp operations by supporting efficient kitchen workflows, maintaining sanitation and food safety standards, and providing friendly, service-focused support aligned with the YMCA mission.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Support daily meal preparation by washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning ingredients according to cook instructions in order to ensure meals are prepared efficiently and on schedule for campers and staff.
- Assist in preparing simple dishes and assembling meals by organizing ingredients and setting up prep stations so cooks can deliver healthy, safe meals on time.
- Maintain clean and organized kitchen and food service areas by washing dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and equipment and sanitizing work surfaces in order to meet YMCA camp sanitation standards and ensure a safe dining environment.
- Receive and unpack food deliveries by inspecting items and storing them according to safe food handling practices so that ingredients remain fresh, organized, and ready for meal preparation.
- Monitor ingredient and supply levels by observing inventory and communicating shortages to the Food Service Manager in order to maintain adequate supplies and reduce disruption to meal service.
- Maintain food quality and reduce waste by rotating stock and organizing storage areas according to food safety guidelines so that ingredients remain fresh and usable for camp meals.
- Safely operate kitchen appliances and preparation tools by following established safety procedures and reporting equipment concerns to supervisors so that kitchen operations remain safe and efficient.
- Support meal service operations by setting up and breaking down kitchen workstations and serving areas before and after meals to maintain an organized and efficient workflow.
- Assist cooks and kitchen staff during busy meal periods and special camp events by providing timely preparation and service support so that meals are delivered smoothly and campers and staff have a positive dining experience.
- Perform waste, compost, and recycling duties by following camp disposal procedures to maintain a clean kitchen environment and support camp sustainability practices.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED require.
- 1–2 years of kitchen or food service experience preferred.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., Safe Food Handling or Food Handler certification).
- Ability to follow recipes and verbal instructions accurately.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Basic knife skills and familiarity with kitchen equipment.
COMPETENCIES:
- Accountability: Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
- Attention to Detail: Follows instructions carefully and completes tasks accurately. Maintains cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards by noticing small details that impact kitchen quality and safety.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Works cooperatively with cooks, kitchen staff, and supervisors by communicating clearly and assisting others when needed to support efficient meal preparation and service.
- Time Management: Completes assigned tasks within expected timeframes by prioritizing work, staying organized, and maintaining a steady pace in a fast-paced camp environment.
- Adaptability: Responds positively to changing meal schedules, priorities, or kitchen needs by adjusting tasks and maintaining a helpful attitude during busy camp operations.
- Organization: Maintains orderly workspaces, storage areas, and prep stations by putting items away properly and following established kitchen procedures to support efficient workflow.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Requires the ability to lift up to 35 pounds and to bend, reach, and stand for extended periods while working in a sometimes warm kitchen environment.
- Exposure to kitchen cleaning products, food service equipment, and typical commercial kitchen conditions.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.