Demo

Kitchen Operator

243 Restaurant
Portland, ME Full Time
POSTED ON 9/26/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/23/2027

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Kitchen Operator to join our culinary team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of food preparation, cooking, and food safety processes within a fast-paced kitchen environment. Your expertise will help maintain high standards of quality, sanitation, and safety, contributing to an exceptional dining experience for our customers. This position offers an exciting opportunity to apply your culinary skills and mechanical knowledge in a manufacturing or food production setting, supporting our commitment to excellence and safety.

Responsibilities

  • Operate kitchen equipment and machinery safely and efficiently, including ovens, mixers, slicers, and material handling equipment such as forklifts when necessary.
  • Prepare ingredients and cook food items according to established recipes and production standards, ensuring consistency and quality.
  • Maintain strict sanitation standards by cleaning work areas, equipment, and utensils regularly in compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and other safety protocols.
  • Follow manufacturing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for food processing, handling, and production to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Conduct manual handling tasks such as heavy lifting of ingredients or supplies while adhering to safety standards in production environments.
  • Monitor food safety management practices by inspecting products for quality, proper storage, and adherence to food safety regulations.
  • Use basic math skills for portion control, measurements, and inventory management.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical issues with kitchen equipment or machinery promptly to minimize downtime.
  • Adhere strictly to personal protective equipment (PPE) use and safety protocols during all operations.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by participating in safety training sessions and maintaining compliance with all legal and regulatory standards in food production.

Experience

  • Proven experience in a kitchen environment, restaurant setting, or food manufacturing facility demonstrating strong culinary skills including baking, food preparation, and knife skills.
  • Familiarity with food safety standards such as HACCP, GMP, and regulatory/legal compliance requirements in production environments.
  • Mechanical knowledge related to kitchen equipment operation and troubleshooting is highly desirable.
  • Experience operating material handling equipment like forklifts or similar machinery is preferred; certification is a plus.
  • Ability to perform manual handling tasks safely, including heavy lifting and prolonged standing or walking.
  • Basic math proficiency for recipe adjustments, inventory tracking, and portioning tasks.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to food processing is advantageous.
  • Prior experience working within the food industry or restaurant sector will help you excel in this role by understanding the importance of food safety management practices.

Join us as a Kitchen Operator if you are passionate about culinary excellence, committed to maintaining the highest safety standards, and eager to contribute your mechanical expertise in a vibrant food production environment!

Pay: $16.10 - $18.75 per hour

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $19

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