MEADOWLARK

ASSISTANT KITCHEN MANAGER

Position Description

ANTICIPATED START DATE: February 15th, 2026

REPORTS TO: Kitchen Manager, Val Shao

EXPECTED HOURS: 20-25 hours/week

COMPENSATION RANGE: $16-$20/hour, depending on experience

About the Position

The Assistant Kitchen Manager will support the Kitchen Manager in overseeing the daily operations of a shared-use commercial kitchen facility designed to support local food-based entrepreneurs, small-scale producers, and community education initiatives. This role combines operational management, community engagement, partnership projects, and administrative responsibilities with a focus on maintaining the facility, supporting clients, and growing the kitchen’s programs and resources. The Assistant Kitchen Manager ensures efficient scheduling, compliance with health and safety regulations, and a collaborative, supportive environment for all kitchen users.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations Management: Support the Kitchen Manager in overseeing daily operations of the kitchen, including equipment maintenance, facility repairs, and inventory management. Oversee cleanliness, safety and organization of kitchen spaces, ensuring compliance with all health and safety standards. Develop and implement procedures to improve efficiency and maximize user satisfaction. Maintain an inventory of reasonable shared-use supplies and ensure availability for users.

Client Support and Development: Act as the secondary point of contact for kitchen clients and kitchen-based community users, serving as a knowledge resource and addressing any issues or concerns. Assists the Kitchen Manager in onboarding new clients, conducting facility tours, providing training on equipment and safety protocols, and ensuring adherence to kitchen procedures. Build relationships with local farmers, producers, and food entrepreneurs to promote kitchen utilization. Foster a collaborative and professional environment among kitchen users; manage client schedules to maximize equitable access to kitchen space, while accommodating fair usage for Meadowlark Kitchen.

Food Safety and Compliance: Conduct regular safety checks and ensure clients adhere to kitchen policies and health and safety standards.

Community Engagement: Represent the kitchen at community events, fostering partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses, and growing the shared-kitchen user base. Plan and host workshops, classes, or events to promote food entrepreneurship and community food security. Support initiatives that align with the mission, such as food donation programs or partnerships with local food pantries.

Qualifications

  • 0-2 years of experience in food systems management, restaurant management, nonprofit work, and/or food service, especially in rural settings. 

  • Basic understanding of food safety standards (USDA, FDA, and local), kitchen operations, and inventory management.

  • Organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse groups of people.

  • Experience with office and bookkeeping software

  • Knowledge of local food systems and rural economic development is a plus.

  • Ability to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs).

  • Ability to work flexible hours, which may include early morning, late-night, or weekend shifts, depending on client, staff, and production schedules.

How to Apply

EMAIL a resume or recent, relevant work experience, including references (with contact and relationship information) and a cover letter to kitchen@meadowlarklander.org. We encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.