Come join a team that makes a difference in the lives of Maine's aging and disabled adults!

Spectrum Generations is a fast-growing non-profit organization that is committed to promoting and advancing the wellbeing and independence of older and disabled adults to live in their community of choice. The agency is one of five federally designated Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in Maine. As the regional AAA in Central Maine, Spectrum Generations serves as a primary resource for education, information, and guidance for seniors, disabled adults and caregivers.

Purpose

To assist the Sous Chef and the Catering Sales Manager in daily operations of catering events. The Catering Assistant performs responsible and skilled work involved with the preparations and cooking of a wide variety of foods for assigned catering events. The position is required to collaborate with other kitchen personnel/volunteers and assist in maintaining proper food safety, sanitation, and cost and quality standards. Work is usually performed under the general direction of the Sous Chef, however the Catering Assistant takes over in his/her absence, and at times will fill in for Nutrition as needed.

Duties

• Prepares a wide variety of foods/menu items. Works independently on assigned dishes/meals.
• Estimates food needs, reviews inventory to assure that adequate supplies are available, assists with food orders and maintaining needed inventory.
• Leads the kitchen operations in the Sous Chef’s absence, directs volunteers and dishwashers in daily tasks.
• Organizes kitchen inventory and food items, verifies all food products are properly dated and organized for quality assurance.
• Keeps cooking stations stocked, especially before and during prime operation hours.
• Participates in the cleaning of kitchens, ensuring all cleaning & sanitizing protocols are followed.
• Operates and trains others on all food service equipment and machinery, including but not limited to: knives, commercial meat slicers, ovens, steamers, tilting skillet, grill, dish machine, commercial mixers.
• Is visible to the consumers and volunteers – answers questions and appropriately responds to concerns.
• Assists with set up, breakdown and cooking for catered events/banquets. Able to determine needs of events and secures items to ensure quality service to customers.
• Travel to assigned kitchen or catering event, using personal vehicle if Spectrum Generations van is not available. Mileage reimbursements will be issued for approved personal vehicle use.

Education / Training / Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED required, culinary training preferred.
• 2 years-experience in food service and quantity cooking.
• Strong organizational skills, able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and able to work under pressure.
• Self-motivated, strong verbal and written skills.
• ServSafe Certification required or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Physically able to: stand for long periods of time, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, twist, turn, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds. Withstand work environment present in a standard kitchen/dining environment: varying temperatures and noise levels, working around stoves/hot water, sharps/knives & slicers, exposed to cleaning chemicals and must wear all protective equipment and require that others do also.

Spectrum Generations is fully committed to ensuring equal opportunity and equal consideration to all applicants and employees in the recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, transfer, layoff, or termination of employment and all other terms and conditions of employment. Accordingly, the terms and conditions of employment will be based on an applicant’s qualifications, relevant experiences, job performance, conduct, and competence. No applicant for employment or current employee will be treated less favorably than other employees or applicants by reason of race, color, religion, gender, national origins, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, military status, or any other status protected by law.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Waterville, ME: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person