Prep Cook/Dish Washer - Production Kitchen

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations

• Execute daily prep lists by washing, peeling, chopping, slicing, dicing, weighing, and portioning raw produce, proteins, and dry ingredients per recipe specifications.

• Safely operate commercial prep equipment, including slicers, food processors, immersion blenders, and mandolines.

• Maintain strict separation of raw meats, produce, and allergen-sensitive ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.

• Assist in assembling cold grab-and-go kits, salad bases, and simple component prep as assigned.

Sanitation & Warewashing

• Operate, load, and maintain commercial dishwashing equipment and 3-compartment sink stations according to health and sanitation standards.

• Wash, sanitize, air-dry, and organize pots, pans, sheet pans, mixing bowls, utensils, cutting boards, and machine parts.

• Monitor and log dishwasher chemical concentrations, water temperatures, and sanitizer PPM levels daily.

• Store clean cookware and tools in designated storage areas to keep production lines fully supplied.

Facility Cleanliness & Safety

• Maintain clean, safe prep stations, floors, drains, and high-touch surfaces throughout shift hours.

• Empty trash, compost, recycling, and cardboard bins routinely; maintain clean and orderly dumpster areas.

• Sweep, mop, and scrub kitchen floors, walk-ins, and storage spaces using proper chemical dilutions.

• Execute daily, weekly, and monthly deep-cleaning checklists for kitchen equipment, hoods, and storage shelving.

Inventory, Receiving & Communication

• Inspect incoming raw produce and ingredients for quality, reporting defects or spoilage to management.

• Practice FIFO (First-In, First-Out) product rotation when pulling ingredients, and clearly label/date all prepped items.

• Assist with receiving, unpacking, and organizing delivery shipments in walk-ins and storerooms.

• Communicate with kitchen staff to prioritize prep needs, retrieve soiled items, and restock clean cookware ahead of production needs.

• Report chemical shortages, dish machine issues, or maintenance needs promptly to the Production Kitchen Manager.

Expectations

• Execute precise, efficient knife cuts and ingredient prep adhering strictly to recipe specifications.

• Maintain high sanitation and personal hygiene standards, ensuring clean equipment is free of food residue and chemical streaks.

• Work with urgency and adaptability to prevent dish station backlogs and complete prep lists on schedule.

• Consistently complete daily prep and cleaning routines with minimal supervision.

• Follow all chemical safety guidelines, wet floor protocols, and wear required PPE at all times.

Qualifications

• Previous prep cook, dishwashing, or food service experience preferred.

• Basic knife skills, equipment operation knowledge, and understanding of hygiene/food safety principles.

• Food handler certification or ability to obtain upon hire.

• Strong work ethic, organizational skills, reliability, and physical stamina.

• Ability to work in a hot, wet environment, stand for full shift duration, and lift up to 50 lbs regularly.

Accountability

The Prep Cook / Dishwasher is accountable for ingredient prep accuracy, raw product yield efficiency, station sanitation, warewashing compliance, and facility upkeep. Through hands-on execution and attention to detail, this role ensures raw inventory readiness and maintains MaMa Jean's standards of quality, cleanliness, and community health.

Qualifications

• Previous prep cook, dishwashing, or food service experience preferred.

• Basic knife skills, equipment operation knowledge, and understanding of hygiene/food safety principles.

• Food handler certification or ability to obtain upon hire.

• Strong work ethic, organizational skills, reliability, and physical stamina.

• Ability to work in a hot, wet environment, stand for full shift duration, and lift up to 50 lbs regularly.