Kitchen Assistant/Dishwasher

About Enso VillageEnso Village is a Zen-inspired community with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, sustainability and contemplative life and care for adults 60+. Enso Village is a collaborative endeavor between the Kendal Corporation—an esteemed, nationally recognized leader in senior living guided by the Quaker values of its founders—and the San Francisco Zen Center, one of the first Zen Buddhist organizations in the US, founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

Enso Village is informed by a set of nine Guiding Principles. These are based on the awareness that we are all connected. We share a commitment to compassion and strive to pay careful attention to the details of everyday life.

As America’s first and only Zen-inspired senior living community, Enso Village is a workplace like no other place you have ever worked. Here, our staff and residents engage fully and form close and meaningful relationships. We seek to uphold our professionalism and our humanity in equal measure. We listen with open minds and hearts. We learn something meaningful from every person and every experience. Sustaining others is what sustains us.

The Role

The Kitchen Assistant/Dishwasher plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of the kitchen. This position is responsible for washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, as well as supporting general kitchen tasks to ensure smooth operations. The ideal candidate will be a team player with a strong work ethic and a focus on cleanliness and safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dishwashing and Cleaning

• Wash and sanitize dishes, glassware, utensils, pots, and pans efficiently and according to health and safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain commercial dishwashing equipment safely.
• Ensure all dishware and utensils are clean, dry, and ready for kitchen and dining use.

Kitchen Support

• Assist with basic food preparation tasks as directed, such as peeling vegetables, portioning ingredients, or plating dishes.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, workstations, and equipment throughout the day.
• Restock clean dishes, utensils, and supplies to the appropriate areas.
• Properly dispose of trash, recyclables, and food waste, maintaining a clean work environment.

Maintenance and Safety

• Sweep, mop, and clean kitchen floors and other surfaces to maintain a safe and hygienic workspace.
• Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures, including maintaining cleanliness in all kitchen areas.
• Monitor and refill cleaning supplies, such as dish soap, sanitizers, and paper towels.
• Report any equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs to the supervisor.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure efficient workflow during meal preparation and service times.
• Assist with additional kitchen tasks as needed, such as unloading deliveries and organizing supplies.

Position Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Title 22 regulations.
• Previous experience in a kitchen or food service environment is a plus but not required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• A positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to a team environment.
• Familiarity with food safety and sanitation practices.
• Food Handler certification is preferred.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed.

• Ability to effectively communicate with team members and residents, understand and follow work instructions, and comply with workplace safety procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.

• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions while washing dishes, cleaning equipment, and maintaining kitchen areas.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with assistance or appropriate equipment when needed.

• Ability to push, pull, and maneuver dish racks, carts, trash containers, and kitchen equipment.

• Ability to use hands and arms repetitively to handle dishes, utensils, cookware, and cleaning equipment.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, moisture, noise, and varying temperatures.

• Ability to safely work around wet surfaces, hot water, cleaning chemicals, and commercial kitchen equipment while following established safety procedures.

• Ability to reach overhead and access lower storage areas as necessary to perform assigned duties.

• Ability to perform essential cleaning and sanitation tasks throughout the shift while following established workplace safety practices.

As a responsible organization, Enso Village is committed to maintaining a secure, drug-free work environment. All candidates must undergo a background check and drug testing as part of the hiring process to ensure the well-being of our team and guests.

Compensation & Benefits:

Enso Village is committed to equal pay and transparency. The hourly pay for this position ranges from $20.00 - $23.50 per hour. Compensation is based on experience, education, skills, and business considerations.

We provide team members with a supportive and inclusive work environment focused on health and well-being.  Eligible team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on your first day of employment.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for the future.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
• Healthy Meals: Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development within the organization.

We value applicants of all different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. If you think you could excel in this role (regardless of whether you meet all of the qualifications), we encourage you to apply. Enso Village is an equal opportunity employer which means that we consider applicants for hire and make employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who request accommodation.