Kitchen Assistant

Salary: $18.92 - $21.28 Hourly
Location : Kenai Senior Center, Kenai, AK
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: 00369
Department: Kenai Senior Center
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/11/2026 5:00 PM Alaska


Job Description


The Kitchen Assistant is an employee of the City of Kenai working under direction of the Senior Center Director. The Kitchen Assistant performs kitchen duties such as food preparation, stocking, dish washing, and cleaning. The Kitchen Assistant performs some work helping with dining room functions. This position requires daily contact with senior citizens and the general public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities


1. Assist with the preparation, packaging, serving, and distribution of meals and food items for congregate and home-delivered meal programs.
2. Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, food preparation equipment, work surfaces, and other kitchen areas.
3. Maintain kitchen, pantry, dining, and food service areas.
4. Assist with receiving, storing, organizing and maintaining food and kitchen supplies.
5. Provide courteous service to City employees, seniors, and members of the public.
6. Perform tasks with minimal or no supervision.
7. Attend Department training and other continuing education programs.
8. Have regular, reliable and predictable attendance at work.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications


1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
2. The applicant (or employee after hire) must pass a background investigation, including but not limited to a criminal background check to meet requirements for using record networks and as may be required by federal or state agencies to work with vulnerable populations such as senior citizens
3. Possess or obtain a food handler's card issued within thirty (30) days of employment to meet State of Alaska food safety requirements.
4. Possess or obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certificate issued by the American Heart Association (or other approved entity) within thirty (30) days of employment

Supplemental Information

WORKING ENVIRONMENT The work environment is typically in a commercial kitchen and in a community room setting, adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated. The employee is frequently exposed to extreme heat and cold (non-weather) as well as to moving mechanical parts and electrical energy. The employee may have to work on uneven and occasionally wet and slippery surfaces and is exposed to raw vegetable and animal products and water. The employee may be exposed to dust and other irritants and toxic/poisonous substances. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used in accordance with best practices, federal and state laws, and City/Department policies and operating procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods and to walk, stoop, crouch, bend, twist, lift, and reach with hands and arms. Manual dexterity, including gripping and some fine motor skills, is required to complete most tasks. The employee must occasionally exert up to 50 pounds of force, including lifting dishware and stocking supplies.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION The City of Kenai is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.
The following information describes benefits available to City of Kenai employees working 25 hours or more per week. Actual benefits received may differ by position type or be prorated for other than full time work. All benefits are subject to change by the City.


Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit or defined contribution plan based upon employee eligibility upon hire*
• Supplemental Retirement Program six months after date of hire. Employer contribution of 6.2% of the first $37,500.00 of base wages earned in a calendar year
• Option to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Program

Insurance Benefits

• PPO or QHDHP Plan options available
• Health Insurance Coverage 30 days after date of hire
• Employee and Dependent Coverage Available
• Employer Contribution of 87% Medical/Vision/Dental Plan Costs
• Employee Contribution of 13% Medical/Vision/Dental Plan Costs
• Employer HRA Contribution for medical deductible and prescription co-pay
• Employer HSA Contribution for employees on the QHDHP

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Employer Paid Basic Life Insurance with supplemental coverage available for employee and dependents
• Employee-funded Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
• Employee Paid Group-Based Supplemental Insurance

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Annual Leave Accrual Rate starting at 7.3846 hours each pay period (10.3385 for certain Fire Department employees) with an accrual rate increase based on longevity
• Eleven and a half paid holidays each year
• Paid Leave for a Death in the Immediate Family upon approval
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program includes free use of the Kenai Recreation Center
• Bona Fide Employer-Sponsored Medical Leave Sharing Arrangement

*The City of Kenai does not withhold Social Security taxes from wages earned by employees who participate in the PERS retirement system.
01


Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid certificate issued by the American Heart Association within thirty days of employment?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a food handler's card issued within thirty (30) days of employment to meet State of Alaska food safety requirements?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you aware you will need to pass a background investigation, including but not limited to a criminal background check to meet requirements for working with vulnerable populations?

• Yes
• No

04


Please describe any previous experience you have working in food service.
Required Question