Kitchen Operations Specialist - ARCHES

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency • Salem, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kitchen Operations Specialist is responsible for advanced coordination and oversight of food systems across ARCHES shelter sites. This role ensures food safety compliance, develops and manages food partnerships and donations, oversees kitchen operations, and supports meal planning, inventory tracking, centralized purchasing, and strategizes meal planning for efficient food utilization to decrease waste. This position plays a key role in maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant food program.

Requirements

• Associates Degree in Culinary, Social Services, Public Health, or related field.
• Two years of experience in Culinary, commercial or community kitchen operations.
• Two years of experience with food safety compliance, inventory systems, and coordination with partners and vendors.
• Driver qualifications are required for this position.
• Valid driver license.
• Insured vehicle available for use on the job.
• Satisfactory drive record for the previous three years.
• Food Handlers Certification.
• Food Manager Certification within 60 days of employment.
• CPR Certification.
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Candidate must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment operation and preventive maintenance (ovens, grills, fryers, refrigeration, dishwashing systems).
• Knowledge of waste reduction, sustainability, and food cost optimization practices.
• Knowledge of internal policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational reporting requirements.
• Basic proficiencies in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Must possess excellent planning, organization and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and engages with others in a cooperative and supportive manner.
• Must be willing to work day, evenings and weekend shifts as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the principles of trauma-informed care, trauma awareness, working with unsheltered or vulnerable populations, as well as best practices in homeless service delivery is preferred.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of becoming homeless.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary operational lead for kitchen services across multiple shelter sites, ensuring safe, consistent, and dignified meal service for program participants.
• Coordinates daily kitchen operations and acts as the central point of contact to resolve cross‑site issues and maintain continuity of service.
• Develops and manages community food partnerships, including vendors, food banks, and donors, to support food security and program sustainability.
• Oversees meal planning and menu development that meets nutritional guidelines, cultural considerations, and volume demands of shelter operations.
• Manages central purchasing, bulk ordering, inventory controls, and cost efficiency to responsibly steward nonprofit resources.
• Maintains food safety, inventory, and quality systems, including FIFO, temperature monitoring, and pantry tracking.
• Conducts regular kitchen inspections, compliance audits, and corrective actions to ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Ensures all required safety postings, documentation, and operational records meet regulatory and organizational standards.
• Leads training and onboarding for staff and volunteers using trauma‑informed, safety‑focused, and policy‑compliant kitchen practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees