Kitchen Float Position - Part-Time

Kitchen Float Position - Part-Time - Meals on Wheels

Make more than a paycheck--be a part of a dynamic team that makes a difference! Meals on Wheels serves older adults in Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa Counties with home delivered meals!

The Kitchen Float is a versatile, cross-trained member of the Nutrition Services team who provides operational support throughout the kitchen based on daily production needs. This position is responsible for assisting with hot production, cold production, tray line operations, meal packaging, inventory, sanitation, receiving, and other departmental functions to ensure efficient kitchen operations and timely meal production. The Kitchen Float plays a vital role in maintaining workflow by adapting quickly to changing priorities, filling staffing gaps, and supporting multiple departments throughout the day. Working closely with the Production Manager, Production Coordinators, and all kitchen team members, this position helps ensure meals are prepared safely, accurately, and efficiently while maintaining AgeWell Services' high standards for food quality, customer service, and food safety.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Production Support: Provide daily support to hot production, cold production, tray line operations, meal packaging, fulfillment, and other kitchen areas as assigned. Assist with meal preparation, portioning, packaging, labeling, and assembly according to standardized recipes and production specifications. Adapt quickly to changing operational needs and transition between work areas throughout the day. Support daily production schedules to ensure meals are completed accurately and on time.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance: Maintain strict compliance with HACCP principles, sanitation standards, and all local, state, and federal food safety regulations. Monitor food quality, proper portioning, and time and temperature controls throughout assigned duties. Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas while following all cleaning and sanitation procedures. Report food quality concerns, equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or facility issues promptly to the Production Manager or Production Coordinators.

Operational Support: Assist with receiving, stocking, organizing, rotating, and storing food and supplies using First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory practices. Assist with inventory organization, product rotation, and maintaining clean storage areas. Support tray line setup, meal packaging, freezer meal production, catering preparation, and other special projects as assigned. Assist with opening and closing duties, equipment setup, breakdown, and cleaning procedures. Help maintain kitchen organization and ensure work areas remain clean and production-ready throughout the day.

Teamwork & Communication: Work collaboratively with the Production Manager, Production Coordinators, Tray Line team, Fulfillment team, and other kitchen staff to support efficient daily operations. Communicate effectively regarding production needs, workflow concerns, and operational priorities. Demonstrate flexibility by willingly assisting wherever operational needs are greatest. Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive work environment while supporting departmental goals.

Other Responsibilities: Perform all other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Required Qualifications or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic food safety, sanitation, and food handling practices.
• Ability to learn and perform multiple kitchen functions across various production areas.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Dependable, flexible, and committed to providing quality service.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment. All other tasks as delegated by management.

Preferred Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous experience in food service, healthcare, school nutrition, institutional food service, or a commercial kitchen preferred. Previous cross-training or experience in multiple food production areas preferred. ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Certification preferred.

Work Environment/Culture:

This position requires frequent standing and walking throughout the workday. Regular bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling are required. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds on a regular basis. The employee works in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to varying temperatures, including hot food production areas, refrigerated workspaces, walk-in coolers, and freezers. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, commercial kitchen equipment, and moderate noise levels is expected. The ability to safely operate food service equipment and consistently follow all food safety and sanitation procedures is required.

Please note that all team members MUST pass a background check prior to employment! Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, height, weight, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Agewell Services of West Michigan