Position Description

The Culinary Artist - Utility Artist is vital position creating the foundation for a successful, productive and efficient professional foodservice operation. The Utility Artist is directly responsible for the overall cleanliness of the kitchens, foodservice areas, and storage rooms including all surfaces, fixtures, equipment, and refrigeration.

Status Non-Exempt

Job Relationships

• Reports to the Kitchen Manager working diligently with the Chef de Cuisine and Culinary Artists to achieve the goals and directives of the Culinary Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn, practice, and mentors fellow Artists in the 5 core competencies central to OTF training. “Only the Finest”
• Perform thorough set-up and break-down of the mechanical dish machine(s).
• Thoroughly wash, rinse, dry and store all kitchen and dining room equipment, serving pieces, utensils, plates, cups, silverware, etc.
• Wash and detail pots, pans, and various kitchen items using the 3-sink method of cleaning and sanitation.
• Responsible for daily cleaning of the floors, including sweeping and mopping.
• Responsible for the overall cleanliness and appearance of the kitchens, foodservice areas and various storage rooms including refrigeration. Perform routine deep cleaning projects to maintain high sanitation and safety standards.
• Assist Culinary Artists by preparing various food items served to residents, guests and employees including entrees, starches, vegetables, soups, side dishes, desserts, breakfast items and other food items as needed.
• Assist during meal service periods when needed.
• Must understand, demonstrate and monitor compliance regulations of federal, state, and local governing authorities, adhering to all procedures and guidelines.
• Adhere to all Dining Arts department protocols and procedures.
• Maintain proper personal appearance and hygiene according to established guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information to ensure resident and employee rights are protected and HIPAA guideline are followed.
• Participate and attend all scheduled in-service training (IST) programs.
• Report all hazardous conditions, equipment repair needs, facility maintenance needs and all other facility/equipment related needs. Report all accidents and workplace incidents.
• Attend Dining Arts department and other Arbor Acres meetings as deemed necessary.
• Assist with orientation of newly hired Dining Arts employees.
• Perform various other duties as deemed necessary.
• Must continually strive to improve communication inside and outside of the Dining Arts department, demonstrating effective reading, writing, speaking and non-verbal communicative skills.
• Must be detail oriented and be able to perform duties with great accuracy.
• Must be able to work overtime, holidays, and weekends as assigned.
• Must be able to interface with people at all levels and with residents in a positive and professional manner.
• Must possess the ability to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must practice and excel at properly greeting all residents and guests.
• Encouraged to learn the mission statement of Arbor Acres:Through excellence, innovation, caring and beauty, Arbor Acres cultivates community, comfort, and well-being for senior adults.
• Full understanding and effective application of the following: Sanitation, food-borne illness and cross-contamination prevention policies and procedures; proper usage of cleaning chemicals and other hazardous materials (SDS); honoring resident and employee rights; and department policies and procedures.

Typical Physical Demands

• Ability to squat, kneel, bend, stoop, reach (above the shoulders) and lift most of the day.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time and move hands and arms in any direction.
• Must be able to tolerate a noisy, hot, humid environment, as well as cold temperatures from refrigerators and freezers.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs and push food carts weighing more than 100 lbs.
• Exposure to detergents & chemicals used in cleaning.
• Work beyond duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Senses of sight, hearing, touch and smell required.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal communication skills. The ability to read, write, understand, and speak fluently and correctly in the English language.
• Must be able to calmly handle frequent interruptions.
• Work habits must include regular attendance, punctually, teamwork, initiative, willingness to learn, dependability, and promptness.
• Working knowledge of standard commercial kitchen equipment and efficient usage.
• Ability to embody and uphold the corporate personality and culture of Arbor Acres with its emphasis on warmth, caring, generation of community, enthusiasm, achievement of excellence, and joy.

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Experience

• Six months in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.