Assistant Catering Chef

Title: Assistant Catering Chef
Company: Chef Dave’s Kitchen & Catering
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Position Type: Part-Time (15-20 hours per week)
Pay Scale: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour, depending on experience

About Chef Dave’s Kitchen & Catering

For over a decade, Chef Dave’s Kitchen & Catering has been a trusted culinary partner for local businesses and families. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, memorable meals crafted with care. Our kitchen is a collaborative, hands-on environment where creativity and a passion for food are celebrated.

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable, coachable, and driven Assistant Catering Chef to join our close-knit team. This is an ideal role for an aspiring culinary professional with foundational kitchen experience who is eager to learn the catering business from the ground up. The position will support our Head Chef in all aspects of meal preparation and play a key role in creating exceptional dining experiences for our clients.

Core Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Production

• Perform a wide range of food preparation tasks, including chopping, slicing, mixing, and portioning ingredients with precision.
• Execute various cooking techniques as required, such as baking, roasting, grilling, and sautéing, following all recipe specifications.
• Progress from assisting to independently managing the production and packaging of catering orders, ensuring accuracy and professional presentation.
• Contribute creative ideas during menu planning and for daily specials.

Kitchen Safety & Sanitation

• Properly label, date, and store all food items according to food safety standards to ensure quality and minimize waste.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and organization at your workstation and throughout the kitchen.
• Perform thorough cleaning duties, including rinsing, washing, and sanitizing all dishes, equipment, and food preparation surfaces.
• Safely operate and maintain standard commercial kitchen equipment.

Catering Delivery

• Perform local deliveries using a company vehicle, providing timely and courteous drop-off service to clients.
• Strictly adhere to all food safety guidelines during preparation, storage, and transport.

A Glimpse Into Your Day

A typical shift involves arriving to review upcoming orders, planning the prep and cooking schedule for the day, executing food preparation, potentially making a local delivery, and ending your shift with a full cleanup of your workspace.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a commercial kitchen or professional food service environment.
• A coachable attitude with a strong, demonstrated desire to learn and take direction.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and a clean driving record.
• Ability to obtain a California Food Handler Certificate within 30 days of hire.
• Strong understanding of fundamental cooking techniques and food safety principles.

Preferred Skills & Experience

While not required, candidates with the following experience will be given strong consideration:

• Highly Desired: Proven culinary skills.
• Baking and pastry experience is a plus.
• Previous work experience in a catering-specific kitchen.
• A current and valid California Food Handler Certificate.

Schedule & Benefits

• Hours: This is a part-time position requiring 15-20 hours per week. The schedule is created on a week-by-week basis depending on catering orders, requiring flexibility. Availability for peak event times (including some weekends/evenings) may be required.
• Benefits: This position is non-benefited.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent use of hands and wrists for repetitive tasks such as chopping, stirring, and mixing.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, and cleaning chemicals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chef Dave’s Kitchen & Catering is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 50 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $22