Utility Porter - Matteson School Nutrition

Do you take pride in keeping things clean, organized, and running smoothly? Our school nutrition team is looking for a dependable Food Service Utility Worker to help us maintain a safe, spotless kitchen and support meal service for students every day.

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  Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment

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  Clean and sanitize prep areas, counters, and floors

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  Take out trash and keep storage areas tidy

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  Assist with receiving and organizing food deliveries

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  Support the kitchen team with basic prep tasks when needed

• Take pride in cleanliness and working efficiently

• Follow safety and sanitation rules carefully

• Stay positive and helpful—even when it’s busy

• Enjoy being active and on your feet throughout the day

• Have previous food service or janitorial experience (a plus, not required!)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES 

Education 

• High school diploma or GED required; must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required. 

Experience 

• Some prior experience in a kitchen, food service, or janitorial role helpful; willingness to learn and follow detailed sanitation and cleaning procedures required. 

Certifications 

• Food handling certification preferred; local food safety certification required in any jurisdiction of employment. 

Other Qualifications 

• Must be able to speak and read English sufficient to understand job assignments, follow cleaning procedures, and communicate with the team and management. 

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds; physical stamina to stand and work on feet for the majority of the workday; reliable, hardworking, and committed to maintaining a clean and safe work environment. 

Core Competencies 

• Sanitation & Food Safety: Follows all dishwashing, pot washing, and surface sanitation procedures accurately and consistently; understands that cleanliness in the kitchen directly supports food safety and health compliance. 

• Execution & Reliability: Completes all assigned cleaning, dishwashing, and organizational tasks on time and to standard every shift; follows schedules, procedures, and break assignments consistently. 

• Attention to Detail: Inspects dishes and utensils for cleanliness, monitors soap and water levels, records temperatures accurately, and ensures storage areas are organized and pest-free. 

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with the food service team to support smooth kitchen operations; responds to requests from the Chef Manager and colleagues with a positive, can-do attitude. 

• Professionalism: Arrives on time, maintains proper dress and hygiene, follows all Whitsons policies, and consistently presents a positive image on behalf of the team. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS 

Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Hours are aligned with the facility’s food service schedule. Occasional extended hours including evenings or weekends may be required. 

Travel Requirements 

This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other work sites may be required. 

Physical Demands of the Job 

The Team Member is required to stand and walk for the majority of the workday; use hands and fingers to handle, operate, and control equipment, tools, and controls; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds frequently, including while turning side to side. Must be able to see in dimly lit areas such as walk-ins and storage areas. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Environment 

This position operates primarily in kitchen and storage environments. Standing is required for the majority of the workday. The noise level is moderate to loud. The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the role. 

The work is performed primarily in kitchen and storage setting the noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.  

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.