POSITION SUMMARY
The Mashgiach is responsible for maintaining the kosher integrity of an OU-certified food service operation, including restaurants, caterers, stores, commissaries, and off-premise events as assigned. The Mashgiach serves as the on-site representative of OU Kosher by monitoring ingredients, deliveries, equipment, food preparation, sealing, and staff compliance with OU standards. This position requires reliability, discretion, sound judgment, attention to detail, and regular communication with the Rabbinic Coordinator.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Supervise daily food-service operations to ensure compliance with OU kosher requirements and site-specific instructions.
- Inspect incoming deliveries before products are put away or used; confirm acceptable kosher certification, required seals, and approved sources.
- Ensure no outside food or beverages enter the certified kitchen, store, or preparation areas.
- Light or activate stoves, ovens, and other cooking equipment as required, and monitor Bishul Yisroel controls throughout operations.
- Supervise or perform checking of eggs, vegetables, and other items requiring inspection before use; ensure unchecked items are secured from use.
- Maintain proper separation and identification of meat, dairy, pareve, and fish equipment, utensils, ovens, grills, fryers, and preparation areas where applicable.
- Monitor sensitive kosher categories, including meat, poultry, wine, Israeli produce, challah, tevillas keilim, and fish/meat separation, escalating questions to the Rabbinic Coordinator.
- Ensure outgoing orders, deliveries, and catered food are sealed properly.
- Lock or secure refrigeration, cooking equipment, restricted ingredients, and facility access points at closing, following approved closing procedures.
- Report operational, halachic, equipment, staffing, or compliance concerns promptly to facility management and the Rabbinic Coordinator.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
- Arrive on time for all scheduled shifts and notify the Rabbinic Coordinator or designated contact promptly in the event of lateness, illness, or emergency.
- Maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance appropriate for a representative of the Orthodox Union.
- Communicate respectfully and effectively with kitchen staff, management, OU personnel, customers, and vendors.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding facility operations, kosher issues, OU standards, and internal communications.
- Do not arrange a substitute or replacement without prior approval from the Rabbinic Coordinator.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous paid experience as a Mashgiach a plus.
- Rabbinic Ordination a plus.
- Expert level knowledge of kosher food-service standards and willingness to follow OU policies and Rabbinic Coordinator direction.
- Strong dependability, punctuality, integrity, and attention to detail in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Ability to identify kosher symbols, sealed products, equipment designations, and situations requiring escalation.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, inspect products and equipment, and work in active kitchen and food-service settings.
