ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN:

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate cafes. Above all else, we are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community, both outside our doors and right here on our team. We strive to offer a safe environment to learn, discover and develop individual strengths, and pursue meaningful career pathways. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize and work to address the lasting effects of historic injustices and systemic racism, and we strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, returning citizens, and people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply to join our team.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

The Culinary Operations department is responsible for the production of meals for all DC Central Kitchen programs, including our Healthy School Foods, Healthy Corners, and Community Meals. This department ensures that all meals produced are compliant with relevant federal, state, and local government regulations and that all established protocols and procedures are implemented. In addition, the Culinary Operations department facilitates effective business relationships with internal clients; and drives value through efficient customer service for contract meal programs including: CACFP, School Foods, and Community meals. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Culinary Operations Assistant (Food Expeditor) assumes a pivotal role in orchestrating the timely and efficient flow of meals to the transportation team. This position is charged with ensuring the seamless expedition of meals, diligently adhering to pick-up times, and upholding strict standards related to quantity and quality. After the meals are complete, the Culinary Operations Assistant gathers all components to the designated area, overseeing the application of labeling and packaging protocols to guarantee the appropriateness and integrity of each meal. This role demands a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining operational excellence in culinary logistics.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize Excel and Appian to review and generate delivery sheets for schools and community meals, ensuring accuracy and precision in the logistics documentation.
• Collect and organize meal components within designated walk-in storage areas, demonstrating a keen understanding of inventory control principles.
• Adhere to labeling and packaging procedures, making sure that each box has the correct contract information and adhering to specified quantity requirements.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders such as Materials Management, Transportation, and Procurement to establish and maintain a seamless workflow for the staging and expediting of meals.
• Identify potential delays in the operational processes and engage in proactive communication with Production and Transportation teams to ensure timely resolution and prevent disruptions.
• Implement strict quality control measures to ensure that all meal components meet established quality standards and adhere to correct portion sizes, upholding the highest culinary standards throughout the logistics chain.
• Perform other duties and tasks as required to maintain quality relationships with all our partners and / or duties and tasks needed to drive the vision, mission, and values of DC Central Kitchen.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-2 years of experience in a related field
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient time management skills
• Ability to work independently, showcasing self-reliance and initiative in fulfilling job responsibilities
• Highly organized and capable of multi-tasking while maintaining strong attention to detail
• Have an understanding of health and food safety guidelines and regulations, ensuring strict adherence in all culinary processes.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure 
• Current ServSafe® certification
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and comfortable walking, standing, bending for extended periods
• Pre-employment background check and drug test are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be capable of independent local travel
• Must be able to work weekends and occasional nights
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of standing
• May occasionally move Audio/Visual and other office equipment or lightweight items weighing up to 30 pounds for various meeting and event needs; Some functions of this position may require moderate physical activity, including transporting, positioning, installing, or removing office equipment items, such as printers, computers, phones, and so on
• Will occasionally move about inside the office and commercial kitchen space to access supplies, materials, file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; constantly positions self to access and maintain computer equipment; and must be able to remain in a stationery position for at least 50% of the time.
• Must be able to work in an environment where exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, fumes, dirt, smoke, loud noise, and a variety of odors is common
• This job description is subject to change at any time. 

BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (DCCK pays 100% of employee premiums for individual coverage)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Parking)
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and personal leave)
• 11 Company-Paid Holidays
• Bonding Leave for new parents 
• Commuter Benefits plan
• Matching 401(k) program 
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Reimbursement program 

NOTE: 

This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist DC Central Kitchen in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

DC Central Kitchen is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a Strengths-based organization.