Kitchen Prep Specialist

About the Role

Join our team as a Kitchen Prep Specialist and help transform fresh, locally grown produce into high-quality food products that reach families, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and other communities across Massachusetts. This up to 25-hour-per-week position is based at the Growing Places Local Food Center in Gardner, MA, where you'll be part of a mission-driven team strengthening our local food system.

What You'll Help Make Possible:

• Prepare and lightly process fresh, local produce
• Support NCMA farmers by creating new markets for their products
• Help supply healthy, local food to schools and institutions
• Support food access through hospitals, restaurants, and community partners
• Provide fresh, nutritious food directly to households through Growing Places' SNAP/MA Healthy Incentives Program Home Delivery Program

Responsibilities

• Processing and Preparation: Wash, trim, peel, cut, and portion produce using specialized equipment following pre-determined recipes
• Production Line Operations: Operate and monitor food processing equipment, including commercial peelers, Robo Coupes, freeze-dehydrators, steam-jacketed kettles, and packaging machines
• Packaging and Labeling: Accurately package and label finished products for retail or wholesale, ensuring they meet quality standards
• Quality Control and Safety: Follow GP's Good Manufacturing Practices, ensure quality control and safety through regular checks of product quality, temperature, and equipment condition
• Sanitation and Maintenance: Maintain a clean and sanitary work area, including cleaning equipment, tools, and processing lines in compliance with established Good Manufacturing Practices
• Documentation: Record keeping per Growing Places Standard Operating Procedures
• Other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Experience working in fast-paced food environments
• Experience with food processing, specifically produce preferred
• Experience with food processing equipment operation and maintenance
• ServSafe Certification and Allergy Awareness Certification (if not certified, will sponsor costs)
• Understanding of community food systems, NCMA a plus
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Passion for local food and its impact on community health and the environment

This position is year-round. Some weekends and evenings may be required on occasion.

Pay

$22 to $25 per hour based on experience