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Kitchen Assistant

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $15.00 - $17.90
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Benefits

Undergraduate tuition remission
Employee assistance program
Campus recreation and wellness access
Exclusive cash rewards through Utah Community Credit Union

Job Description

Utah Valley University (UVU) is a dynamic higher education institution located in Orem, Utah, dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and services to its diverse campus community. Situated on the Main Campus in Orem, UVU is renowned for fostering an inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff collaborate to achieve academic and personal excellence. As part of its commitment to creating a positive and engaging campus experience, UVU continually invests in various auxiliary services, including dining services that support the campus's nutritional and social needs.

The Dining Services department at UVU plays a pivotal role in enhancing the campus experience by delivering wholesome and convenient meal options, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, and promoting sustainability and operational efficiency. It is within this vibrant context that the part-time Kitchen Assistant position exists, offering an exciting opportunity for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments. This role supports multiple food service areas including bakery, pantry, and dish operations — integral components of the dining infrastructure that collectively ensure consistent and quality food service.

This part-time role, offering an hourly wage ranging from $15.00 to $17.90, is ideal for candidates seeking flexible work hours while gaining valuable experience in food preparation, sanitation, and customer service. The position emphasizes teamwork, attention to detail, and a hands-on approach to daily kitchen responsibilities. Employees in this position contribute significantly to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming dining environment, aligning with UVU's standards for health and safety as mandated by local regulations and institutional policies.

The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for preparing scheduled menu items such as salads, sandwiches, grab-and-go selections, deli and cheese platters, and fresh fruit trays. Beyond meal preparation, this role enforces critical food handling and waste control protocols, guarantees adherence to food safety standards, and assists in monitoring inventory levels to support pantry, bakery, and catering operations. Maintaining kitchen equipment and ensuring proper sanitation of kitchen surfaces, utensils, and food preparation areas are also important aspects of the position. This multifaceted role requires physical stamina, organization, and effective communication skills.

UVU values the professional growth of its employees and provides a supportive work atmosphere that facilitates skill development in food service operations, sanitation procedures, and customer interactions. While primarily a hands-on role in the kitchen, opportunities exist to gain experience in cashiering and broader service operations. The position also supports UVU's commitment to inclusive employment practices and professional development, offering undergraduate tuition remission benefits, access to employee assistance programs, wellness resources, and exclusive credit union membership rewards.

Overall, the Kitchen Assistant role is perfect for individuals eager to contribute towards a healthy and efficient dining experience while building transferrable skills within a respected university setting. Candidates will be joining a collaborative team that values safety, quality, and exemplary service, helping UVU continue to provide excellent dining services to its students and faculty.

Job Requirements

  • Requires a high school diploma or GED
  • Must possess a valid food handler's permit or obtain one within 10 days of hire

Job Qualifications

  • Requires a high school diploma or GED
  • Must possess a valid food handler's permit or obtain one within 10 days of hire
  • Knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitation standards in a food service environment
  • Knowledge of local health department, OSHA, and other safety regulations related to sanitation and food safety
  • Knowledge of safe handling and use of cleaning chemicals and kitchen equipment
  • Knowledge of kitchen operations, layout, and basic food service practices including food preparation techniques
  • Strong cleaning, organization, and time management skills to maintain a sanitary and efficient work environment
  • Attention to detail to ensure compliance with cleanliness and safety standards
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and established cleaning protocols accurately
  • Effective interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Basic skills in recordkeeping and cost awareness such as minimizing waste and proper supply use
  • Ability to maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen areas, equipment, and utensils
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with staff and supervisors
  • Ability to support kitchen operations including assisting with basic food service tasks as needed

Job Duties

  • Prepares scheduled menu items including salads, sandwiches, grab-and-go selections, deli and cheese platters, and fresh fruit trays for cafeteria, catering, and vending services in accordance with production manager directives
  • Implements and supports waste control, food handling, and food safety programs ensuring compliance with established procedures and standards
  • Monitors inventory levels and inspects pantry supplies including fresh produce, deli meats, cheeses, and dry goods used for pantry, bakery, and catering operations
  • Maintains kitchen equipment, supplies, and work areas to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, and proper working conditions
  • Cleans and sanitizes kitchen surfaces, food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, and storage areas in accordance with health and safety standards
  • Washes dishes, utensils, and kitchen tools using proper sanitation procedures
  • Removes trash and recycling ensuring proper disposal and maintaining cleanliness of waste areas
  • Assists with maintaining overall kitchen cleanliness including floors, walls, coolers, and storage areas
  • Adheres to and upholds all food safety and sanitation standards through proper cleaning and sanitizing practices
  • Performs additional duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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