Keep Our Culinary Spaces Clean, Safe & Ready 

We’re seeking a dependable, hardworking, and service-focused Utility Associate to support daily operations within our Culinary Services team. This position plays an important role in maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen while supporting the culinary and dining teams as needed. The ideal candidate takes pride in their work, follows sanitation and safety standards, and enjoys being part of a team.

 About the Variel

We believe the later chapters of life deserve to be lived with purpose, comfort, and connection. The Variel is a modern senior living community in the heart of Woodland Hills, built on a simple conviction: exceptional senior living should offer the same warmth, quality, and attention to detail found in a luxury hotel. 

Our residents are more than customers, they are our neighbors, friends, and community. Every interaction, experience, and detail matters, from the care we provide to the way we welcome residents and their families each day.

At The Variel, we value genuine hospitality, teamwork, compassion, and accountability. We treat each other the way we wish to be treated in return, and we are committed to creating an environment where our residents and our team members can thrive.

About the location

Set at 6233 Variel Avenue in the Warner Center district of Woodland Hills, The Variel offers a vibrant setting surrounded by shopping, dining, entertainment, and the best of the West San Fernando Valley. With Westfield Topanga, local farmers markets, parks, and everyday conveniences just minutes away, our community provides residents with a comfortable and connected lifestyle. Designed with modern living in mind, The Variel combines thoughtful amenities, inviting spaces, and exceptional service to create an environment that feels welcoming, sophisticated, and distinctly like home.

Position Summary

The Utility Associate is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food service areas, equipment, and workspaces. This position also assists with dishwashing, food preparation, stocking supplies, table service support, and other daily culinary operations.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization throughout culinary and food service areas.
• Set up and operate the ware-washing system; wash dishes, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, work surfaces, floors, and other assigned areas.
• Assist with basic food preparation and production as directed.
• Store food and non-food supplies properly and maintain organized storage areas.
• Assist dining staff with setting tables and workstations and clearing tables.
• Follow established food quality, presentation, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Follow dietary requirements and procedures to ensure meals are handled and served appropriately.
• Empty trash and maintain clean waste areas as needed.
• Attend required in-service training and education sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 6 months of previous utility, dishwashing, food service, or similar experience preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in English.
• Ability to safely set up and operate dishwashing equipment.
• Hands-on experience with kitchen organization, cleaning, and food preparation support.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and applicable Health Department, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate with Culinary Services and other departments.
• Dependable, organized, and able to follow established procedures and safety standards.

 Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to push and pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to climb, reach, bend, and twist occasionally.
• Ability to stand and walk for 3–8 hours per day (combined).
• Ability to handle food frequently while following proper food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to push and pull bus carts and tray carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to perform sweeping and mopping functions safely and effectively.
• Ability to work indoors in a kitchen and dining environment.
• May be exposed to varying hot and cold temperatures from ovens, freezers, and other kitchen equipment.
• May be exposed to industrial cleaning chemicals and hot water temperatures on a regular basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Variel of Woodland Hills is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws, and we prohibit harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not to limited, respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Completing an application does not guarantee that you will be offered a position.We review all applications and strive to hire the candidates who are the most qualified to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.