What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Assistant position at Manna Community Kitchen?
Kitchen Assistant
At Manna Community Kitchen, we nourish our community with both food and connection, serving every guest with dignity and respect. This role is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful, daily impact in people’s lives.
The Kitchen Assistant is an essential member of Manna's small, hands-on team. Working alongside the Cook and a team of volunteers, this position helps prepare and serve healthy meals, supports volunteers, coordinates meal deliveries, and keeps the kitchen clean, organized, and welcoming. The ideal candidate enjoys working with people, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is eager to jump in wherever needed.
Because Manna is a small nonprofit, flexibility is important. While this role is primarily kitchen-based, the Kitchen Assistant may occasionally assist with other organizational needs, including providing support in Manna’s Community Center or helping with special events and projects.
Salary: Starting at $21/hour, depending on experience
Hours: Monday-Thursday approximately 8am-3pm, some Friday or Saturday hours possible, no more than 40 hours per week
Responsibilities
- Assist Manna's Cook with all aspects of kitchen operations to ensure timely daily meal service at 11:30am.
- Welcome, orient, and work alongside volunteers, helping create a positive and productive kitchen environment.
- Coordinate daily meal deliveries by organizing packaged meals and communicating with volunteer drivers and community partners.
- Prepare and maintain the daily coffee service.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing work areas, receiving deliveries, and preparing the kitchen for the following day's operations.
- Engage warmly and respectfully with guests, volunteers, and staff, helping foster a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
- Manage designated administrative responsibilities, including reporting, inventory records, and communication with community partners.
- Cross-train in all aspects of kitchen operations and serve as a backup cook when needed due to staff absences or vacations.
- Provide occasional support in other areas of the organization, including the Community Center, special events, or other operational needs, as assigned.
Qualifications
- Positive attitude, adaptability, and willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
- Comfortable working collaboratively with volunteers and people from diverse backgrounds.
- Enjoys cooking and preparing healthy meals for large groups.
- Experience working in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, catering operation, community kitchen, or similar food service environment preferred.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a busy environment.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods.
- ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
- Commitment to Manna Community Kitchen's mission of serving all guests with dignity, respect, and compassion.
To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in the position to our Executive Director, Niki Lankowski, niki@mannanorthampton.org
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Work Location: In person