Kitchen Support

Location: Honolulu, HI (Hoʻokupu Center)

Reports to: Executive Chef/Instructor

Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time, Temporary

Kupu’s Story

Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering our next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to recultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.

Established in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i.  Kupu accomplishes this by partnering with conservation and sustainability focused agencies throughout the state and pacific in providing hands-on service opportunities which educate and mentor young adults and emerging professionals to become stewards of our communities and environment.  Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green job sector by engaging over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns.”  This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of service-learning opportunities which assists in the development of Hawai’i’s emerging professionals in the green job sector while supporting over 150 conservation and sustainability organizations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

Kupu’s Mission

“To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with Ke Akua, self, and others.”

Kupu’s CHOSEN Values

C         Character

H         Humility

O        ‘Ohana

S          Service

E          Excellence

N         Nobility

Position Overview

Part-time, Temporary position, Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, dependent upon program/operational needs and availability of funds.

Provides general support for the Kupu Culinary program and the Hoʻokupu Center in daily operations such as maintaining Kupu’s safety and sanitation standards in the kitchen and larger facility, basic food preparation, trash removal, and inventory organization and management.

• Provide training and education in a basic culinary program to Hawaii’s youth.
• Help to expose youth to conservation issues and develop an environmental mindset through the culinary and hospitality industries.
• Assist community development through skills training, job and internship placement, and career pathway development.
• Provide training and employment opportunities for Kupu alumni.
• Develop a self-sustaining business that supports existing Kupu programs.

• Conduct oneself with aloha and drive Kupu’s culture.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu’s mission.
• Serve as a role model for Kupu’s culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values.
• Take part in the daily cleaning of the kitchen and larger Ho’okupu Center facilities.
• Responsible for removing trash regularly and maintaining trash bin enclosure.
• Properly wash and dry all dishes, utensils, cooking instruments and cutting boards.
• Neatly put all kitchen equipment and supplies in their respective places.
• Assist kitchen staff to unload and load food supplies on to delivery trucks.
• Pack meals for food orders.
• Prepare ingredients for the cooks, including washing, peeling, cutting, and slicing ingredients.
• Provide support in inventory management.
• Store food, supplies, and equipment according to food safety standards.
• Occasionally support front of house operations such as food service, table bussing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability and willingness to secure a food handler’s license.
• Excellent time and project management skills.
• Flexibility to be available for work Sunday-Saturday.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal organizational skills.
• Strong team and interpersonal skills.

Compensation:

• Pay range: $14 - $16 per hour based on experience

Physical Requirements:

Due to the nature of Kupu’s programs, the physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lift and carry heavy items such as bags of groceries, crates of supplies, and kitchen equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods and move around the kitchen area efficiently.
• Capability to bend, stoop, and reach low and high items within the kitchen area.
• Proficiency in handling kitchen utensils, tools, and equipment with precision and control.
• Adequate mobility to navigate through crowded kitchen spaces and operate in confined areas.
• Capability to perform repetitive motions such as chopping, stirring, and lifting throughout the shift.
• Maintain personal hygiene standards and adhere to cleanliness protocols to ensure food safety and sanitation.
• Ability to coordinate movements effectively in a team environment, especially during busy periods.

*In accordance with Federal Law, Kupu is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability