SMITHEREEN FARM

JOB DESCRIPTION—KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Position Title: Kitchen Assistant

Location: In person, on-site at Smithereen Farm’s premises in Pembroke, Maine

Reports to: Nadine Biss, Commercial Kitchen Manager

Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Employee (up to 40 hours/week)

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Employment Dates: April 13 - October 17, 2026

Pay: $22 per hour

Benefits: Six days PTO, including sick and personal

OVERVIEW

Smithereen Farm is seeking a reliable, organized, and hands-on Commercial Kitchen Assistant to support the daily operations of our licensed commercial kitchen during the busy production season. This role works closely with the Commercial Kitchen Manager to carry out food production, maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety, and support value-added processing for Smithereen Farm and partner producers.

The ideal candidate enjoys physical, detail-oriented work, thrives in a collaborative kitchen environment, and is excited to contribute to a farm-based food system rooted in sustainability, creativity, and community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Production & Processing

Assist with preparation, processing, and packaging of value-added products according to established recipes and production plans.
Support batch cooking, ingredient prep, labeling, and storage.
Maintain consistency and quality standards under the direction of the Kitchen Manager.

Kitchen Operations & Sanitation

Participate in training and follow established kitchen systems and workflows.
Support daily opening, closing, and cleaning procedures for the commercial kitchen.
Maintain cleanliness of workstations, equipment, storage areas, and shared spaces.
Follow food safety, sanitation, and allergen protocols at all times.

Inventory & Supplies

Assist with inventory tracking of ingredients, packaging, and supplies.
Help receive, organize, and store deliveries.
Manage the storeroom, including organization, packaging materials, cleanliness, and readiness for daily fulfillment.
Flag low supplies or equipment issues to the Kitchen Manager.

Takeaway & Order Support

Assist with packing online and takeaway orders accurately and efficiently.
Ensure products are properly labeled, dated, and stored for pickup.

Shared Kitchen Support

Help prepare the kitchen for use by multiple producers as scheduled.
Support general organization and reset between users as needed.
Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, farm staff, and producers.
Additional tasks as assigned by the Commercial Kitchen Manager.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in a commercial kitchen, food production setting, or similar environment preferred
Interest in local food systems, farming, and value-added production
Ability to follow recipes, procedures, and food safety standards consistently
Strong attention to detail and cleanliness
Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team
ServSafe® certification a plus (or willingness to obtain)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physically active role involving standing, lifting, repetitive tasks, and temperature variation
Fast-paced during peak production periods
Seasonal schedule may include occasional evenings or weekends based on production needs

ABOUT SMITHEREEN FARM

Smithereen Farm is a certified organic farm located in Pembroke, Maine. We’re building an abundant, dynamic, and multi-faceted agroforestry operation, producing healthy food for Washington County and beyond. For more information, visit .

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GREENHORNS

Smithereen Farm regularly hosts workshops and other events on its premises in collaboration with Greenhorns, a nonprofit devoted to reforming our agricultural system through education and advocacy. For more information about Greenhorns, visit greenhorns.org. Except as expressly provided in this job description, an employee’s participation in Greenhorn's activities and events is entirely voluntary and is not part of any employment expectation. Any such voluntary participation may only occur during non-work hours.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply through theSmithereen Farm 2026 Job Application Google Form (https://forms.gle/Dxc2Em8Mq6WnDmmC7), which requests a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to office@smithereenfarm.com.

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Smithereen Farm

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