Kitchen Helper (ON-DEMAND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE INVENTORY)

MCO Consultants Inc. is a HR Consulting and Recruiting firm based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, dedicated to providing culturally intelligent HR and Recruitment services to small to medium sized businesses in Canada with a focus on Atlantic Canada and the Maritimes.

Job purpose

Duties and responsibilities

• Food Preparation Assistance
  • • Wash, peel, chop, and prepare vegetables and other ingredients as directed by cooks and chefs.
    • Prepare simple dishes, such as salads and garnishes, under supervision.
    • Assemble ingredients for various recipes to facilitate efficient cooking processes.
• Kitchen Cleanliness and Organization
  • • Clean and sanitize countertops, kitchen surfaces, equipment, and workstations regularly throughout shifts.
    • Ensure that floors are swept, mopped, and free of any spills or hazards.
    • Organize and maintain kitchen utensils, pots, pans, and other supplies.
• Dishwashing and Equipment Maintenance
  • • Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils using manual and automatic dishwashing equipment.
    • Ensure clean dishes and utensils are properly dried, stored, and readily available for use.
    • Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, such as stoves, refrigerators, and ovens, as needed.
• Restocking Supplies and Ingredients
  • • Refill kitchen supplies and ingredients, such as napkins, condiments, and other essentials.
    • Assist in unpacking, organizing, and storing deliveries.
    • Rotate stock to ensure the freshness of ingredients and to prevent spoilage.
• Waste Disposal and Recycling
  • • Dispose of waste and recycling according to kitchen policies.
    • Maintain cleanliness of garbage bins and disposal areas.
    • Follow safety and health guidelines for waste management.
• Compliance with Health and Safety Standards
  • • Adhere to food safety and sanitation regulations to maintain a safe and clean kitchen environment.
    • Follow all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and report any safety concerns.
    • Participate in routine health and safety training as required.
• Additional Support
  • • Assist kitchen staff with any other tasks as directed to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
    • Communicate effectively with kitchen team members to support workflow and food service timing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior kitchen experience is helpful but not required; on-the-job training will be provided.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices is an asset.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and perform tasks involving lifting and bending.

Competency and Skill Requirements

• Attention to Detail
  • Ensures ingredients are prepared accurately and follows food safety standards meticulously.
  • Keeps the kitchen clean and organized, noticing and addressing issues like spills, clutter, or out-of-place items promptly.
• Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Works effectively with chefs, cooks, and other kitchen staff to maintain smooth kitchen operations.
  • Communicates clearly with team members and is willing to assist others when needed.
• Time Management and Efficiency
  • Completes tasks promptly and prioritizes duties to support a fast-paced kitchen environment.
  • Manages time effectively to complete multiple responsibilities, especially during busy hours.
• Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Responds well to changing kitchen needs, whether it’s increased demand, adjusting to new instructions, or adapting to different team members.
  • Willing to take on additional tasks as required to support the kitchen team.
• Physical Stamina and Endurance
  • Can handle the physical demands of standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and performing repetitive tasks.
  • Maintains energy and performance levels throughout the shift.
• Basic Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
  • Understands and practices food safety protocols, including safe handling of raw ingredients and proper sanitation.
  • Follows health and hygiene standards to avoid cross-contamination and maintain a safe kitchen environment.
• Reliability and Dependability
  • Consistently arrives on time, follows schedules, and completes assigned tasks responsibly.
  • Demonstrates commitment to the kitchen team, even during peak hours or challenging shifts.
• Communication Skills
  • Able to communicate effectively with kitchen staff to ensure tasks are completed correctly and timely.
  • Responds well to feedback from chefs or managers and applies it to improve performance.
• Initiative and Proactiveness
  • Takes initiative to clean, organize, or restock items without being prompted.
  • Identifies and addresses small issues before they become larger problems.
• Learning Orientation
  • Open and eager to learn new skills or techniques that improve efficiency or food preparation quality.

Working conditions / Physical requirements

• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on kitchen needs.
• Fast-paced kitchen setting with exposure to heat, noise, and sharp tools.
• Frequent standing, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and bending.