Cook, University, North Pavilion, 32 hours, Mixed Shift

UMass Memorial Health is the premier health system in Central Massachusetts, known for its exceptional patient care, academic excellence, and cutting-edge research. It is a comprehensive healthcare provider that serves a diverse population with a commitment to healing, education, and innovation. With more than 20,000 employees working collaboratively, UMass Memorial Health creates a supportive and inclusive environment where each team member plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of the community. The organization emphasizes respect and teamwork, embodied in its six Standards of Respect: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player, and Be Kind.

The Food Services Kitchen at UMass Memorial Health is currently seeking a Food Preparation Worker. This role is non-exempt, part-time with 32 scheduled hours per week, and offers a competitive hiring wage range from $19.25 to $33.33 per hour. The precise salary offered will depend on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations. The position includes mixed shifts, combining early morning to evening hours, with work days scheduled on Thursday, Friday, Wednesday, and every other weekend. This schedule allows for flexibility while supporting the operation of food service within the health system.

The Food Preparation Worker plays a key role in supporting the hospital’s mission by preparing a variety of cold and cooked foods for patients, employees, and visitors. Responsibilities include accurate preparation according to production sheets and menu plans, cooking using various methods such as baking, roasting, stewing, grilling, and steaming to ensure high-quality meals. Workers will handle the trimming and cutting of meats, fish, and poultry, prepare sauces, gravies, dressings, and special items, and test food for proper seasoning and doneness by taste and aroma.

Portion control and presentation are critical components of the role. The worker will carve and slice meats according to specified weights, apply garnishes and sauces as required, and ensure items are portioned correctly for serving. They will assist in setting up entrees for patient tray lines and contribute to quality control by monitoring taste and temperature. The position also involves sending appropriate items to the cafeteria on schedule and providing support to other food service lines as needed. Additionally, the Food Preparation Worker has the responsibility to manage leftovers efficiently by checking for usability and consulting with management.

Sanitation and safety are paramount at UMass Memorial Health. The Food Preparation Worker is expected to adhere to rigorous standards of personal hygiene, sanitation, safety protocols, and uniform policy. They will utilize kitchen equipment and supplies efficiently, minimizing waste, and properly storing unused stock to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards. Participation in special food-related activities and functions may also be required, offering variety and opportunity to engage beyond routine tasks.

UMass Memorial Health values diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. The organization is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities during the application process and encourages all qualified candidates who resonate with its Standards of Respect and mission to apply. This role is union-affiliated under the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) local union.

Joining UMass Memorial Health as a Food Preparation Worker offers a chance to be part of a respected and innovative health system dedicated to community wellness, patient care, and employee growth. This position is ideal for individuals seeking employment in healthcare food services who want to make a tangible difference daily while working in a structured, supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and competitive benefits.