Potwasher/Utilities Maint.

Pay Rate: $22/hr

Benefited, Three-Quarter Time position

Position Purpose

Responsible for the sanitation and cleanliness of pots, pans, prep tables and equipment in the kitchen and adjacent areas.

Must embody the mission of the Dining Services Department: “A Team of Professionals dedicated to providing quality food service with a personal touch.”

This position is considered “Essential Personnel” in the event that:

• an emergency occurs on the PEA Campus or in the vicinity that would impact PEA;
• inclement weather forces the closing of campus or;
• other emergency events deemed appropriate.

Essential Personnel are required to report to or remain at work if instructed to do so if contacted directly by the supervisor (or his/her designee), the Principal or a member of the Principal’s Staff (Leadership Team).

Key Accountabilities

• Cleans and sanitizes pots, pans, cabinets, prep tables, equipment and other items in the kitchen, including the floors.
• Ensures proper cleaning procedures and policies to guarantee correct sanitation levels.
• Practices proper cleaning procedures for all kitchen equipment and observes all MSDS policies/procedures for safety and sanitation.

• Assists in maintaining equipment and supplies in the kitchen area.
• Assists in the dish room when necessary, as time allows.
• Assists in the general maintenance and orderliness of the kitchen area.
• Removes and properly disposes of daily trash and recyclables (including crushing cans).
• Assists with the storage of incoming deliveries of food, cleaning supplies and other goods as necessary.
• Reports all broken equipment, safety hazards or equipment/chemical needs to supervisor.

• Promotes a positive and congenial atmosphere for students, employees and other customers.
• Contributes to a positive working environment with managers and other coworkers.

Degree of Independent Action Performed

Incumbent works under the guidance of the First Cook, Assistant Manager and Dining Manager, but is expected to work with a high level of independence and autonomy, and exercise a high degree of initiative, influence, and judgment in decisions impacting staff and department operations.

Expected to solve problems or address issues that require immediate attention.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None

Internal & External Contacts

Frequent contact with students, Dean of Students office, PEA administrative and academic offices, faculty, coaches, and staff. External contacts may include parents, outside organizations, visitors and local community neighbors.

Position Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Knowledge of large-scale food service operation, equipment and methods of cleaning preferred.
• Experience in institutional food service or housekeeping is helpful.
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of proper safety and sanitation principles when operating equipment and using cleaning supplies.
• Committed to teamwork.
• Practices excellent personal hygiene habits; follows and adheres to uniform standards daily.
• Regular and consistent attendance with the ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Must possess excellent guest service and hospitality skills and projects a positive image while interacting with students, faculty, staff and guests.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills as well as a strong customer focus.
• A strict adherence to confidential policies is required.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• Possess basic computer skills.

• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy.
• Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work and will require the ability to remain standing for extended periods of time, go up and down flights of steps, lift and push heavy objects as well as stoop, squat, bend, kneel, crouch, and lift.
2. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
3. Ability and dexterity to grasp and grip and safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
4. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using a keyboard.
5. Communication skills using the spoken and written word.
6. Ability to see with normal parameters.
7. Ability to use a visual display terminal with continuous wrist movement on a keyboard.
8. Ability to hear within normal range.
9. Ability to lift and transport up to 50lbs without assistance.
10. Ability to work in hot temperatures with daily exposure to hot water.

Additional Requirements

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).
2. Clean Driving record (reviewed annually).
3. Must consistently wear assigned uniform and equipment and adhere to the appearance guidelines.