Kitchen Coordinator
Hilo, Hawaii
Operations – Kitchen /
Full-Time /
On-site
Join Pacific Quest and make a difference!
Pacific Quest provides licensed and accredited residential mental healthcare on Hawaii Island and is a leader in integrative, nature-based residential treatment for adolescents and young adults.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Be part of a mission-driven team committed to fostering health, connection, and resilience
- Work in a collaborative, supportive environment where every role contributes to life-changing outcomes
- Enjoy competitive pay, great benefits
Primary Purpose
The Kitchen Coordinator supports daily kitchen operations across Pacific Quest sites, including meal preparation, kitchen systems, cleanliness, guide support, and food management, under the supervision of the Operations Manager and Food Service Supervisor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Food Preparation & Safety
- Prepare and cook daily meals in appropriate portions, ensuring safe food storage, preparation, and allergen management.
- Prepare packaged meals for groups going on outings or in areas without full kitchen facilities.
- Ensure compliance with Department of Health (DOH) food safety standards, including proper food storage, temperature control, sanitization, and hygiene practices.
- Training & Supervision
- Support, collaborate with, and train Guides and Residents working in the program kitchen to prepare meals.
- Set up ingredients, recipes, and instructions to enable Guides to prepare meals in your absence.
- Supervise Guides and Residents in the kitchen to ensure safe and effective participation.
- Inventory & Ordering
- Order, receive, distribute, and label food and supplies.
- Maintain organized systems for storage and inventory, including rations and first-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation.
- Complete computer data entry of receipts for all orders placed.
- Housekeeping
- Ensure hygienic washing, sanitizing, and storage of kitchen implements after meal completion.
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness, including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, sanitizing, disinfection, trash removal, vacuuming, windows, and dusting.
- Program Support
- Deliver meals and supplies to staff and residents at other Pacific Quest sites as needed (driving required).
- Execute medical and wellness plans, policies, and procedures as directed by the Medical Department.
- Participate in organizational training as required.
- Support broader program needs as necessary.
- Additional DutiesAdditional duties as assigned.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Consistent compliance with DOH food safety standards and successful health inspections.
- Meals prepared and delivered on schedule with appropriate portions and quality.
- Accurate and timely inventory management with minimal waste.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in training and supervising Program and Overnight Guides and residents.
- Positive feedback from staff and residents on meal quality, kitchen support, and teamwork.
Skills, Competencies, and Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in a commercial or institutional kitchen, with strong knowledge of food safety practices.
- Valid Food Handler’s Certification (training provided by Pacific Quest).Experience maintaining organized workspaces, labeling, and rotating food (FIFO), and ensuring safe disposal of expired items.
- Ability to train others on food safety and sanitation practices.
- Experience working with young adults and adolescents is preferred.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications (email, spreadsheets, inventory systems).Valid driver’s license and clean driving record in order to meet driving eligibility requirements.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
- Must pass pre-hire and ongoing background check, fingerprint check, drug screen, and annual infectious disease clearance.
- Alignment with Pacific Quest core values: Professionalism, Health, Connection, and Resilience.
Physical Demands
- With or without reasonable accommodation, this position requires:
- Frequent standing and walking, including up and down stairs and on uneven terrain.
- Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
- Frequent lifting and moving of up to 50 pounds.
- Clear communication skills, including seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing effectively.
$19 - $22 an hour
Pacific Quest is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Pacific Quest is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Human Resources at hr@pacificquest.org.
