Food Service Driver - Lanakila Kitchen

Lanakila Pacific helps individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age‑related challenges build independence and improve their quality of life. Lanakila Kitchen, its food service social enterprise, provides high‑quality food services while creating meaningful employment and job‑training opportunities for people with disabilities. The division manages contract and catering services, the Hickam Hale Aina Dining Facility, and other food‑related programs.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Food Service Driver delivers meals to locations across the island, ensures required paperwork is completed, and handles food safely throughout each route. This role also maintains vehicles and equipment and represents Lanakila Pacific by demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and our STAR service standards in every interaction.

BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work–life balance, including:

• Health Insurance (medical, vision, and dental)
• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Lifestyle Benefits (employee wellness and support programs)
• Additional organizational perks and employee support programs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of related work experience; commercial driving preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract.
• Ability to pass required clearances: TB test, criminal background check, pre‑employment drug test, and CPS/APS checks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:

Position Specific Duties:

• Review daily route schedules and delivery times.
• Verify meal counts, special meals, and all required delivery components.
• Pack meals into caddies, coolers, and other transport equipment; lift and load items into the company vehicle.
• Deliver meals on assigned routes in a timely, professional, and courteous manner.
• Maintain company vehicles, including mileage logs, fueling, basic cleaning, and general upkeep.
• Follow all traffic laws and safety regulations.
• Maintain program equipment such as heated caddies, holding caddies, coolers, and mobile phones.
• Clean kitchen areas—wiping, washing, sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces and equipment.
• Clean and sanitize appliances, utensils, pots, pans, and cooking equipment according to food‑service standards.
• Store, label, and rotate supplies using the FIFO method.
• Inspect equipment and tools regularly and report maintenance issues; do not use unsafe equipment.
• Perform routine cleaning and upkeep of tools and equipment.
• Assist kitchen staff with meal preparation and packing as needed.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and workshops.
• Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate sensitivity to older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities.
• Complete all tasks according to quality and safety standards.
• Participate in training and demonstrations to support team learning.

Other Duties:

• Follow all safety procedures and use appropriate protective gear (e.g., gloves, hairnets).
• Adhere to established work rules, policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.
• Complete all required organizational training.

WORKING CONDITIONS/HOURS:

• Full‑time schedule, Monday–Friday, typically 5:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; shift times may vary. Occasional weekend or holiday work may be required to meet operational needs.
• Fast‑paced work environment involving frequent interaction with diverse individuals, sometimes in challenging situations.
• Primarily indoor kitchen setting with heat, steam, noise, and damp or wet floors.
• Exposure to water when using steam or pressure‑washing equipment.
• Exposure to temperature extremes, including hot kitchen areas, walk‑in refrigerators/freezers, and outdoor weather conditions such as heat, rain, and humidity.

 EQUIPMENT USE:

• Assigned company vehicle for deliveries.
• Standard delivery equipment including coolers, thermal bags, heated caddies, holding caddies and pushcart.
• Assigned company cellular telephone.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Willingness to learn delivery and distribution procedures.
• Strong initiative, judgment, and ability to work independently.
• Able to multitask and perform well under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Works effectively with diverse individuals, including in challenging situations.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Basic knowledge of Oahu’s geography and ability to navigate delivery routes.
• Follows all federal, state, and local driving laws.
• Strong customer service and clear communication skills.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent: Standing, walking, sitting, lifting and carrying 25–50 lbs, handling/pushing/pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, color vision, distance vision, hearing, talking, feeling (touch/temperature/texture), and travel between delivery locations.
• Occasional: Lifting over 50 lbs, climbing stairs or ladders, and balancing.
• Rare: Working in low‑light/night conditions and performing tasting tasks.