Position Title: Culinary Services Chef

Food Justice Coalition – Salt Lake County, Utah

About Food Justice Coalition

Food Justice Coalition (FJC) is a nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger in Utah through immediate relief, education, and advocacy. Since 2020, we have served more than 80,000 meals, launched innovative community education initiatives, and built a coalition of partners to ensure all Utahns—especially those experiencing time poverty, systemic barriers, and food insecurity—have access to nutrient-dense, culturally relevant, fully prepared meals. Our work is rooted in dignity, justice, and the belief that food is a human right.

Position Summary

The Culinary Services Chef plays a central role in advancing FJC’s mission by leading meal production, overseeing kitchen operations, and supporting community-based events and catering. This position combines professional culinary skill with program leadership—ensuring that meals are not only delicious and high-quality, but also culturally responsive, plant-based, and aligned with the health and wellness goals of the communities we serve.

The Culinary Services Chef will manage day-to-day kitchen activities, mentor volunteers and interns, and contribute to educational programming that uplifts food justice as both a value and a practice.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Production & Menu Development

• Maintain a professional appearance with clean uniform and grooming.
• Correctly label, date, and store all food products.
• Follow proper procedures for prepping, cooking, plating, and cleaning.
• Learn and follow all recipes, ingredients, and menu standards.
• Prepare dishes across stations, including grill, sauté, cold prep, and specials.
• Keep workstations stocked and organized with necessary prep and backups.
• Maintain a clean and safe workstation; complete opening and closing duties as assigned.
• Taste food regularly to ensure quality, flavor, and consistency.
• Regularly taste and check meals to ensure quality, consistency, and cultural relevance.
• Use creativity and good judgment to minimize food waste and maximize available resources.
• Uphold FJC’s standards for nutritious, plant-based, and culturally competent meals.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure smooth kitchen operations and community impact.
• Plan, prepare, and execute production of nutrient-dense, plant-based, culturally relevant meals for FJC programs.
• Design menus that reflect seasonal availability, nutritional standards, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and quality.

Program Leadership & Education

• Collaborate with staff to integrate culinary education into community workshops, events, and partnerships.
• Represent FJC’s values of food justice and cultural competency in all program offerings.

Kitchen & Operations Management

• Oversee daily kitchen operations including inventory, procurement, and equipment maintenance.
• Manage relationships with food donors, vendors, and community partners.

Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Train and supervise kitchen volunteers, interns, and occasional staff.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for all participants.

• Qualifications and Requirements: MUST BE 21
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a food service
• Knowledge of product, standard recipes, and food preparation
• Must be able to work a varied schedule of days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to accurately read and communicate duties amongst team members
• Basic understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills
• Ability to work in a community environment
• Ability to work calmly, productively, and effectively under pressure
• Must have problem solving abilities, self-motivated, and organized
• Commitment to quality service, quality food, and high standards of cleanliness
• Proper and up to date knowledge to obtain a current ServeSafe Manager License
• Must be willing and available to work weekends

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.00 – $22.00 per hour, DOE

Work Location: In person

Interested applicants, please email your resume, a cover letter, and 3 references to info@foodjusticecoalition.org with the subject line: Culinary Services Chef Role.