Job Title: Culinary Technician
FLSA Status: Salary Hourly, Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-Time, Days and Hours may vary
Reports To: Sous Chef
Location: Chittenango, NY
Salary: $40,000 - $45,000 / annually
Clear Path for Veterans is a Central New York-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans, service members, and their families through programs that promote wellness, community, and purpose. Founded on the belief that veterans thrive when they are connected, valued, and supported, Clear Path has built a strong reputation for impactful programming, trusted partnerships, and meaningful engagement with the veteran community.
The Culinary Technician reports directly to the Sous Chef and is responsible for supporting all aspects of daily culinary operations while providing a 5-star experience for guests, veterans, volunteers, and staff. This position assists with food preparation, weekly canteen service, catering, and food truck operations both on and off campus. The Culinary Technician will regularly operate and drive the Clear Path food truck to community outreach events, assist with catering setup, execution, and cleanup, and support the Culinary Team in delivering exceptional hospitality. The incumbent must thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate flexibility, and be available to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays in support of special events, catering functions, and organizational programming. As a member of the Culinary Team, this position contributes to a high-functioning, efficient, and successful culinary operation while upholding Clear Path's mission and commitment to excellence.
- Ensures guests, veterans, volunteers, and patrons are greeted with hospitality and unconditional service while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
- Supports daily culinary operations under the direction of the Sous Chef.
- Assists with food preparation, cooking, plating, and service for daily operations, Wednesday Canteen, catering events, and special programs.
- Safely operates and drives the Clear Path food truck to community outreach events and catering locations.
- Supports food truck operations, including setup, breakdown, food preparation, customer service, inventory management, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
- Assists with the coordination, execution, transportation, service, and cleanup of all catered events both on and off campus.
- Creates a warm, welcoming, and professional atmosphere for all guests and visitors.
- Follows proper food preparation, storage, labeling, rotation, sanitation, and inventory control procedures to maximize food quality and safety.
- Monitors kitchen and food truck inventory and assists with receiving, stocking, and organizing supplies.
- Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, vehicles, and food service areas while maintaining health and safety standards.
- Removes trash and maintains clean and organized kitchen and food truck workspaces.
- Effectively multitasks while maintaining high-quality food production and timely service.
- Assists with administrative duties, including menu preparation, production records, and event documentation as assigned.
- Coordinates and works alongside culinary volunteers to ensure successful execution of culinary programs and events.
- Supports food and beverage operations at all designated service locations and off-site events.
- Demonstrates flexibility in responding to changing operational needs and priorities.
- Maintains awareness of workplace safety and may assist with risk assessments for culinary activities and events.
- Works a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support catering, food truck operations, and organizational events.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Background as a Culinary Assistant/Prep Cook or related experience.
- Manual dexterity to ensure proper operation of kitchen utensils and cutting tools.
- Effective communication skills.
- Proficient in English.
- Adept at performing tasks well in a fast-paced environment.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Needed to Perform Effectively in the Position
- Good knowledge of Clear Path for Veterans' mission, policies, and protocols.
- Good knowledge of the care and use of food service equipment, appliances, and cooking utensils
- Good knowledge of the principles and practices of sanitation and personal hygiene as applied to food preparation and service.
- Ability to exhibit passion and support for the Clear Path for Veterans' mission.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
- Ability to complete mandatory induction and training courses when required.
- Ability to maintain professional knowledge and competence.
- Ability to use and manipulate kitchen utensils and equipment
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to operate organization-owned vehicles, including the food truck.
- Valid New York State driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and must have use of a reliable vehicle.
- Required travel within New York State during all times of the year in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and some holidays as necessary to accommodate for special event attendance.
- Participate in special events as required.
- Must be comfortable with dogs in the workplace.
Job-related Physical Abilities needed in order to perform the job in a satisfactory manner
Must possess speech and hearing sufficient for telephone and in-person communications. Manual dexterity sufficient for regular use of computer keyboard and other office equipment. Vision sufficient for frequent use of a computer monitor to write and read documents. Must be able to stand and be actively mobile for extended periods of time, including bending, stooping, reaching, running, balancing, etc. Must be able to lift a maximum of 35 lbs.
- All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
- All Clear Path for Veterans employees are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner towards others to include but not limited to; Veterans, volunteers, visitors and other Clear Path employees.
- Ensure that Veterans, volunteers, employees, donors and visitors have a positive experience with Clear Path.
- Supports and promotes the Clear Path mission.
- Adheres to Clear Path for Veterans policies and procedures.
- Promotes teamwork amongst coworkers.
- Meets or exceeds expected performance standards, including consistently reporting to work on time prepared to perform the duties of the position.
