Kitchen Associate
Job ID 1599
Hiring Manager(s): Perry Kelley ([email protected]) Internal/External: Internal Only
Description
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
About Heifer International
In 1944, Heifer International’s founder, Dan West, began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War.
He had seen firsthand that giving people food was a short-term solution, whereas providing them with animals offered a steady supply of nutritious food for an entire family. His philosophy still inspires Heifer’s work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, we create unique solutions to local challenges.
Today, Heifer International has operations in 19 countries around the world, working alongside local farmers, business owners and their communities, as they mobilize and envision their futures. Together, we build inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.
To date, we have supported more than 42 million farming families across Africa, Asia and the Americas and in the past five years alone. We have worked alongside 2.7 million families to close the living income gap or set them on a path to doing so. Between now and 2030, we will support an additional 10 million people to reach a living income by scaling up our signature programs. To achieve this, Heifer International relies on its passionate, committed, and highly skilled staff.
ROLE FUNCTION
The Heifer USA Team believes in holistic farming practices that benefit the planet, consumers, and
farmers. The Kitchen Associate will support the daily operations of Heifer Ranch’s food service programs, ensuring meals are prepared, presented & served in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This role contributes to the ranch’s living learning ecosystem by providing high-quality food service that meets the needs of visitors, program participants, and staff, while upholding Heifer’s commitment to health, sustainability, and hospitality. The Kitchen Associate/Specialist will assist with food preparation, maintaining kitchen and dining areas (clean, sanitize, and remove waste). This role will also support meal service for groups of varying sizes. This includes working collaboratively with other departments to coordinate ranch events, educational programs, and guest reservations. The Kitchen Associate will maintain high standards in food preparation, presentation, and kitchen upkeep, the Kitchen Associate/Specialist plays a key role in creating a positive guest experience and supporting Heifer International’s mission through service that reflects dignity, care, and community. This role is a part-time position, averaging between 15-29 hours as needed.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Mission-Driven: Passionate about food systems transformation and regenerative agriculture.
Action-Oriented: Proactive in driving projects and solving challenges.
Adaptable & Resilient: Thrives in dynamic environments and embraces innovative approaches.
Results-Focused: Committed to delivering measurable impact in alignment with Heifer USA’s mission.
Resourcefulness: Thrives in dynamic, hands-on settings. Find creative solutions with limited resources and adapt quickly to changing circumstances on the farm and in the classroom.
Lifelong Learner: Curious and open to new ideas. Embraces feedback, seeks continuous improvement, and models a growth mindset for participants and peers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Food Preparation and Service (60%)
- Assist in preparing meals according to menus, recipes, and portion standards for ranch operations, events, and Heifer U.S.A activities
- Prep ingredients including washing, chopping, measuring, and portioning
- Ensure meals are prepared on time and served at the correct temperature
- Set up and maintain serving lines, buffets, and dining areas during service
- Assist in accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests when directed
- Prepare beverages, condiments, and side stations for services and events
- Support Heifer’s sustainability goals through composting, recycling, and waste reduction practices Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, including participant satisfaction, knowledge transfer, and on-farm impact
Kitchen Operations and Sanitation (25%)
- Maintain kitchen, dishwashing, and storage areas in a clean, organized, and sanitary condition
- Wash, dry, and store dishes, utensils, and cookware following sanitation protocols
- Follow proper food storage procedures to ensure freshness and safety, including labeling and dating items
- Assist with receiving and storing food and supply deliveries
- Monitor and log refrigerator and freezer temperatures to ensure compliance with food safety standards
- Perform deep cleaning of kitchen equipment, appliances, and storage areas on a scheduled basis
Inventory and Event Support (15%)
- Monitor kitchen inventory and communicate supply needs to the supervisor
- Process food shipments, arrivals, and storage requests
- Assist with event catering, including setup, service, and breakdown
- Coordinate with other departments to align meal service with program and event schedules
- May perform other kitchen duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements:
- High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate equivalent
- Minimum 4 years of experience in food service, commercial kitchen operations, or related food-service role
- Basic knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation procedures, and kitchen equipment operation
- Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and established portion standards
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks
- Ability to work a varied schedule including early mornings, weekends, and evenings as needed
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues
- Must have fluency or professional proficiency in English
- Valid vehicle driver’s license
Preferred Requirements:
- 5 or more years of experience in a commercial kitchen, catering, or hospitality role
- SERV Safe or equivalent food safety certification, or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire
- Experience preparing meals for large groups, events, or conferences
- Knowledge of sustainable and farm-to-table food practices
- Familiarity with dietary restriction accommodation, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive preparation
- Experience with kitchen inventory management and ordering supplies
- Ability to operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment safely
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:
- Constant face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication with colleagues and the public
- Constant sitting, standing, and walking with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to work in a physically demanding role for extended periods using a variety of equipment, tools, and cleaning materials
- Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid environments
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines, and establish priorities
- Must have access to reliable transportation
- Must be eligible to work in the United States
Salary Information:
- The expected hourly rate is $20.19 - $21.63. Placement within the range will be based on the experience and competency level of the candidate. To be considered for this position, please apply at your earliest convenience.
What We Offer:
- Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week.
- Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
- Employee assistance program
- 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match +3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
- 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
- Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
- Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection
- And more!
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.