Kitchen Aide I – Camp Jones Gulch

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Food Service Director and Shift Lead, the Kitchen Aide supports all aspects of food preparation, service, and inventory. This position is also responsible for dishwashing, maintaining sanitation standards, and keeping the kitchen and dining areas clean and organized. Because the role interacts regularly with guests, strong customer service is essential.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to all guests, participants, and staff.
• Prepare attractive, high‑quality, and nutritious food following established recipes and standards.
• Wash dishes and maintain a clean, orderly, and hazard‑free kitchen and dining hall.
• Support the Shift Lead with food preparation tasks that meet Food Service Director expectations.
• Assist the Food Service Director with any kitchen operations as requested.
• Properly shut down, clean, secure, and lock the dining hall and kitchen at the end of each shift.
• Follow all branch and department safety procedures and emergency protocols.
• Maintain a professional image through appropriate attire, conduct, and communication.
• Adhere to all applicable YMCA, ACA, local, state, and federal regulations and standards.
• Complete all mandatory LMS safety training and Y‑USA e‑Learning before the first shift.
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings.
• Uphold YMCA policies on safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Some experience in food service or a related field preferred.
• Strong communication, flexibility, customer service, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
• Knowledge of commercial kitchen operations, organization, inventory control, and equipment use.
• Ability to remain professional and respectful at all times.
• Willingness to learn conflict mediation and other job‑related skills.
• YMCA‑approved First Aid and CPR certification (may be completed upon hire).
• Food Safety Certification required within 30 days of hire (e.g., ServSafe or equivalent).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position works primarily in a commercial kitchen and dining hall environment. The role requires prolonged periods of standing; frequent bending, lifting, and carrying of items up to 40 pounds; and the ability to work in hot, humid, or fast‑paced conditions typical of a camp kitchen. Work involves exposure to commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and varying outdoor weather when moving between camp facilities. The Kitchen Aide may also work irregular or extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on camp programming and meal schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Kitchen Aide position offers a compensation range of $19.50 to $21.00 per hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.