Kitchen Prep Specialist

About the Role

Join our team as a Kitchen Prep Specialist and work alongside our Production Manager to transform fresh, locally grown produce into high-quality food products. This role supports local farmers, supplies healthy food to schools and institutions, and enhances food access through hospitals, restaurants, and community programs like Growing Places’ SNAP/MA Healthy Incentives Program Home Delivery.

Responsibilities

• Wash, trim, peel, cut, and portion produce using specialized equipment following pre-determined recipes.
• Operate and monitor food processing equipment, including commercial peelers, Robo Coupes, freeze-dehydrators, steam-jacketed kettles, and packaging machines.
• Accurately package and label finished products for retail or wholesale, ensuring they meet quality standards.
• Follow Growing Places’ Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure quality control and safety through regular checks of product quality, temperature, and equipment condition.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area, including cleaning equipment, tools, and processing lines in compliance with established Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Perform 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, Growing Places will sponsor costs).
• Understanding of community food systems (NCMA knowledge a plus).
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Passion for local food and its impact on community health and the environment.

Schedule

This is a year-round, up to 25-hour-per-week position based at the Growing Places Local Food Center in Gardner, MA. Some weekends and evenings may be required on occasion.

Pay

$22 to $25 per hour based on experience.