Food Production Associate (Per Diem)

Job Title: Per Diem Food Production Associate 

Reports to: Director of Culinary Social Enterprise 

Type: Per Diem Associate 

Category: Culinary 

Pay: $20 to 23.00/hr 

Background on UTEC 

UTEC is a youth development and social justice organization. The mission is to ignite and nurture the ambition of young adults to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. We are dedicated to helping young people ages 18-25 in the communities of Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill, Massachusetts, overcome the very real challenges of interrupted education, gang involvement, and incarceration. We believe that if young adults who are caught up in the school-to-prison pipeline are productively engaged in UTEC activities and supports for an extended period during the critical ages of 18-25, then by 25, they will have the skills and resilience they need to pursue their dreams and avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system. For more info, please visit www.utecinc.org. 

UTEC’s vision and pledge for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is to honor, value, support, and protect individuals' lived experiences and expertise regardless of their position or title in the organization. This is how we create a space of comfort, courage, and growth. See the full pledge here. We strongly encourage people of color, individuals from historically marginalized communities, and those with lived experience related to the communities we serve to apply. UTEC is also proud to be a second-chance employer. We believe that past involvement with the legal system should not be a barrier to meaningful employment, and we welcome applicants regardless of criminal record.

Job Summary: 

The Enterprise Food Production Associate will support all aspects of culinary enterprises, including: Madd Love Meals, internal meals for 2Gen (childcare center), and YA lunches, catering, and the food truck as needed. The candidate will be reliable, arriving at work as scheduled and working a full shift. The role may require food handling, including sandwich and prepared food prep and setup, fresh produce handling, hot meal prep (if supporting YA or 2gen lunches), and support on deliveries. Teamwork, ability to take feedback and coaching, and ability to stay on task for a full shift are essential to success in this role. This is a per diem role, meaning hours will be allocated on an as-needed basis.

Responsibilities 

● Work with the Enterprise Team to meet all deadlines and fulfill Madd Love Meal orders ● Follow safe food-handling practices, including product rotation, temperature control, and allergen awareness. 

● Ability to remain productive and engaged for a full shift 

● Ability to arrive earlier (8-8:30 am) before regular program hours is strongly preferred ● Willingness to support deliveries to external customers 

Skills/Abilities 

● Experience in the restaurant and/or catering events field 

● A quick and adaptable learner 

● Ability to multitask and prioritize 

● Positive attitude 

● Collaborative communication skills and teamwork 

● ServSafe & Allergen Awareness Certificates required 

● Ability to self-manage, follow through on responsibilities and commitments, and be self-motivated 

● Ability to demonstrate independence, including problem-solving independently before asking for help, setting goals, and plans to achieve them 

Physical Requirements 

● Work standing for extended periods 

● Intermittent bending, stooping, and/or squatting 

● Possible exposure to different temperatures and humidity levels 

● Exposure to food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, eggs, milk) ● Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull weights of up to 50 pounds 

Compensation 

Per diem position with pay of $20-$23/hour. 

UTEC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, UTEC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting,

hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.