Prep Cook

About Company:

New School Mediterranean Celebrating 55 Locations Our journey began in downtown San Diego, where we worked alongside our team to create a ‘New-School’ Mediterranean style, combining traditional flavors, familiar ingredients, and genuine service to create memorable experiences for all.

About the Role:

The Prep Cook plays a crucial role in the kitchen operations within the accommodation and food services industry by ensuring that all ingredients and food items are prepared efficiently and to the highest quality standards. This position supports the culinary team by performing essential food preparation tasks such as washing, chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients to facilitate smooth meal production. The Prep Cook contributes to maintaining a clean, safe, and well-stocked kitchen environment, adhering strictly to food safety and sanitation guidelines. By preparing ingredients ahead of service times, the Prep Cook helps reduce wait times and supports the timely delivery of meals to guests. Ultimately, this role is vital in upholding the establishment’s reputation for quality and consistency in food service.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen safety standards.
• Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Availability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a professional kitchen or food service environment.
• Certification in food handling or food safety (e.g., ServSafe).
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment and culinary terminology.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize duties during high-volume service times.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and portion ingredients including vegetables, meats, and sauces according to recipes and kitchen standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the prep area, including washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Assist chefs and cooks by providing prepped ingredients in a timely manner to ensure efficient kitchen workflow.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures to comply with health regulations and company policies.
• Monitor inventory levels of ingredients and supplies, reporting shortages to the kitchen manager for timely replenishment.
• Support the kitchen team during busy periods by performing additional tasks as needed to maintain service quality.

Skills:

The Prep Cook utilizes their knowledge of food preparation techniques daily to efficiently and accurately prepare ingredients that meet recipe specifications. Attention to detail and organizational skills are essential to maintain a clean and orderly workspace, which supports overall kitchen hygiene and safety. Communication skills enable the Prep Cook to coordinate effectively with chefs and other kitchen staff, ensuring smooth operations and timely meal service. Physical stamina and manual dexterity are important for handling kitchen tools and performing repetitive tasks throughout the shift. Additionally, problem-solving skills help the Prep Cook adapt to changing priorities and assist in managing inventory to prevent shortages during service.