Kitchen Porter

Kitchen Porter

The Kitchen Porter is responsible for supporting the daily sanitation, cleanliness, organization, and operational needs of the food service program under the direct supervision of the Brigaid Program Chef. This position works closely with the food service team to ensure that all food preparation areas, dishwashing stations, storage spaces, kitchen equipment, and service areas are maintained in compliance with New York City Department of Health regulations and food safety standards. The Porter Kitchen plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient kitchen environment by assisting with deliveries, inventory organization, dishwashing operations, sanitation procedures, and overall kitchen support functions. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, flexibility, teamwork, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with receiving and transporting street-level deliveries, including food products, kitchen supplies, paper goods, and cleaning materials, ensuring items are handled safely and efficiently;
• Receive, inspect, date, label, rotate, and properly store food, paper, and chemical supplies in accordance with food safety regulations and inventory procedures;
• Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized food preparation areas, storage rooms, walk-in refrigerators, freezers, dishwashing stations, floors, walls, shelving, and kitchen equipment at all times;
• Operate and maintain the three-compartment sink and commercial dishwasher to properly wash, rinse, sanitize, and store pots, pans, utensils, trays, containers, and kitchen equipment used for food preparation and service;
• Regularly monitor, document, and maintain proper dishwashing temperatures, sanitizer concentrations, and cleaning procedures to ensure compliance with food safety and Department of Health standards;
• Communicate equipment malfunctions, sanitation concerns, supply shortages, or food safety issues promptly to the Brigaid Program Chef or designated supervisor;
• Ensure dishwashing and sanitation areas remain clean, organized, stocked, and operational throughout the workday to support efficient kitchen operations;
• Assist with routine cleaning schedules, deep cleaning assignments, waste removal, recycling procedures, and sanitation projects to maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment;
• Support food service operations by assisting with kitchen setup, breakdown, storage organization, and other operational tasks as needed;
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, chemical handling, and workplace safety procedures to maintain the highest standards of health and safety compliance;
• Adhere to all Encore Community Services policies, procedures, and standard operating protocols;
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, volunteers, and supervisors to ensure efficient daily operations and a positive team environment;
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist with additional assignments, special projects, emergency coverage, and other operational needs as required;
• Maintain professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic while contributing to a clean, safe, and participant-centered food service environment.

Other duties as assigned.

Physical requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required;
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a professional kitchen, food service, restaurant, custodial, porter, or institutional food service environment preferred. Relevant hands-on experience combined with culinary or sanitation training may also be considered;
• Food Handler's Certificate preferred or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe;
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, cleaning procedures, chemical handling, and Department of Health regulations;
• Ability to safely operate basic kitchen tools, cleaning equipment, dishwashing systems, and sanitation supplies;
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, safety procedures, cleaning schedules, and operational protocols accurately and consistently;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in a fast-paced environment;
• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work respectfully and professionally with staff, volunteers, vendors, and participants;
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-oriented environment while maintaining a positive and professional attitude;
• Ability to remain flexible, dependable, and composed under pressure while managing multiple responsibilities;
• Ability to prioritize tasks, demonstrate initiative, and work independently with minimal supervision when necessary;
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and commitment to maintaining high operational and sanitation standards;
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and service-oriented environment that supports Encore Community Services' mission and participants.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and move heavy objects, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time throughout the workday in a fast-paced kitchen and food service environment.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, and perform repetitive physical movements associated with cleaning, dishwashing, lifting, and storage tasks.
• Ability to safely operate cleaning equipment, dishwashing machinery, and kitchen tools while following safety procedures.
• Ability to work in varying kitchen temperatures, including exposure to heat, steam, water, cleaning chemicals, and cold storage areas.
• Ability to maintain stamina, mobility, and physical endurance necessary to support daily kitchen sanitation and operational responsibilities.

Encore Community Services is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. We believe that diversity in our team drives innovation, enriches our perspectives, and enhances our ability to serve our communities effectively.