Job Details

City of Portland - Food Preparation Worker

Position Number: 7041242
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Food Services

City of Portland - Food Preparation Worker

Barron Center - Nutrition

About the City of Portland Barron Center

About Barron Center: The Health & Human Services Department consists of four unique divisions; Barron Center, Elder Affairs, Public Health, and Social Services. We strive to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Portland in collaboration with our community, state, and federal partners. Learn more about HHS and each of these divisions by starting here! The City of Portland operates the Barron Center to provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to individuals in need. The Barron Center is a mission driven facility with over 200 years of history in our community. A key part of our vision is resident- centered care, placing residents and families first. In order to do this we conduct ourselves in a fair, trustworthy manner and uphold professional and ethical standards. We act with empathy, understanding, and attentiveness toward all others; treating residents with dignity and sensitivity, and valuing their diversity. As leaders in healthcare, we rise above the ordinary through the efforts of our team to deliver high-quality services. At the Barron Center, our mission is to achieve the highest possible performance outcomes in all aspects of resident care.

Job Summary

Responsible for assisting in the food preparation and serving meals for the residents and staff at the Barron Center; both on and off the premises. This position is also responsible for maintaining the cafeteria vending machines for after hours and weekends.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Will assist Cook I in portioning food products for tray line, dining room service, cafeteria and day care programs.
Prepares ingredients for use in standardized recipes.
Prepares salads, makes cold sandwiches for tray line and vending machines. Maintains close liaison with State licensing officials.
Responsible for quality assurance; including but not limited to monitoring food temperatures.
Ability to work under the pressure of meeting schedules and deadlines and be able to work independently without constant supervision.
May be required to use a cash register to include handling cash and credit/debit card transactions.
Performs related work as required

Required Skills & Experience:

High School Graduate or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Knowledge of basic food preparation.
Knowledge of proper sanitation practices and regulations as they apply to food preparation and service.
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and be able to lift large stock pots, mixing bowls, etc.
Must be able to withstand temperature changes (i.e. going from a warm kitchen to walk in coolers or freezers)
Must be a team player and be able to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, residents and visitors.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior institutional food service experience.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), 11am - 7pm, with Wednesdays & Thursdays off.

Applications accepted until April 10th, 2026

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position: CEBA Grade 5, $19.53/hour.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment. City benefits include:

Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
Thirteen paid holidays
Sick, vacation, and personal leave
Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
Use of City recreation facilities
Fitness Reimbursement
Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=272&sreq=4&form=1000&desc=FOOD%20PREPARATION%20WORKER