Kitchen Utility Worker

Description

General Summary:  Under the direction of the Food Service Supervisor, on an assigned shift, the Kitchen Utility Worker will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards for dishes, glasses, tableware, cooking utensils, and other kitchen equipment. The Kitchen Utility worker will also assist with kitchen prep work and cleaning duties as needed.

The Kitchen Utility Worker is vital in supporting food service operations by ensuring proper sanitation and cleanliness standards throughout the kitchen and dining areas, contributing to a healthy and safe dining environment for students, staff, and visitors.

The Kitchen Utility Worker must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and effectively operate within a multicultural and Native American environment, contributing to the institution's mission and values through efficient and thorough sanitization practices.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The provisions of the following Kitchen Utility Worker duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Operate the dishwashing machine, ensuring correct water temperature, soap levels, and drying agents are correctly connected and functioning.
2. Use appropriate methods to wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, pans, utensils, and cooking equipment.
3. Maintain cleanliness and orderly condition of all kitchen work areas, dining areas, tables, and equipment.
4. Manage waste by removing trash, cleaning garbage containers, and sorting recycling and compost according to established protocols.
5. Perform regular cleaning duties, including sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing kitchen floors and other areas as needed.
6. Stock and replenish food supplies, utensils, dishes, napkins, condiments, and other items in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, and salad bars.
7. Assist food service staff with basic food preparation, service, and inventory of supplies as needed.
8. Support special campus and cultural events with setup, service, and cleanup.
9. Follow all health department regulations, safety procedures, and sanitation standards.
10. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Food Service Supervisor.

Qualifications

Job Specifications:                                                                                           

1. Minimum Requirements –High School diploma or GED. 12-24 months experience in Food Service or any combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to the above qualifications.  Good organizational skills and working well with the public are essential.  Communicate orally and in writing as required for reports and to exchange information, read and understand basic written materials, basic math, and computer skills.  Must be able to work weekends and/or evenings.

2.   Preferred Requirements –   An Associate Degree.  Knowledge of tribal college student services issues. Excellent oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.  

3.  Special Considerations – The ability to speak the Muscogee (Creek) language is preferable but not required.  Native American and veteran preference.

Physical Requirements:

1. Regular exposure to extreme temperature changes, odors, and loud noises.
2. Must be able to bend, lift, and stoop frequently throughout shifts.
3. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds above shoulders.
4. May be required to carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
5. Ability to stand for extended periods, often 6-8 hours per shift.
6. Frequent walking between kitchen areas, storage, and dining facilities.
7. Regular exposure to wet floors, humidity, and cleaning chemicals.
8. Repetitive motions, including scrubbing, wiping, and washing.
9. Manual dexterity to safely handle dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
10. Ability to work in hot, humid kitchen environments near cooking equipment.
11. Sufficient vision to identify cleanliness standards and food safety issues.
12. Ability to reach overhead to access supplies and equipment.
13. Tolerance for working with cleaning chemicals and sanitizing agents.
14. Hepatitis A & B shots may be required.

Work Environment:

1. Cultural Context: Requires respect for Native American traditions, values, and protocols; fosters collaboration in a culturally rich environment.
2. Work Setting: Primarily kitchen-based with regular movement throughout dining areas, storage rooms, and service stations.
3. Stakeholder Interaction: Regular engagement with food service staff, students, faculty, and visitors, emphasizing friendly and efficient service.
4. Physical Demands: Involves standing, carrying, washing, and cleaning; requires mobility in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
5. Safety Focus: Adheres to strict food safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain health standards.
6. Collaborative Atmosphere: Works closely with the food service team in a cooperative, supportive environment.
7. Environmental Conditions: Works in areas with variable conditions, including temperature changes, moisture, and cleaning chemicals; adheres to safety protocols.
8. Mission-Focused: Supports the tribal college's mission by maintaining a clean, welcoming dining environment that respects cultural values and traditions.
9. Shift Work: This may include early morning, evening, weekend shifts, and special events.
10. Uniform Requirements: Wear and maintain appropriate uniforms, including head covering.

Disclaimer:

The College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) provides this job description as a general overview of the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position. Employment with CMN is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified in an employment contract. This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. CMN reserves the right to modify or amend this description as necessary.

CMN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, CMN does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.

As a tribal college, CMN operates under the sovereign authority of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Employment is governed by tribal law, with federal and state laws applying where appropriate. All compensation, benefits, and job duties are subject to change at the discretion of CMN and in alignment with institutional needs and priorities. By applying for employment with CMN, applicants acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this disclaimer.

Public Relations:

Essential attributes of any employee of the College of the Muscogee Nation, along with the official performance of duties, are personal appearance and public relations. Each employee is expected to make every effort to be well-informed about the institution, pleasant, courteous, and cooperative. As an employee, you are expected to act in a manner that commands respect of all personnel and students.