Kitchen Lead/ Prep Cook

Job Summary

Kitchen Assistant & Tea Service Lead

Part-Time | Sebastopol, CA

Typical Schedule

• Friday: Approximately 8-hour prep shift.
• Saturday & Sunday: Approximately 9:30 AM–5:00 PM during tea service.
• Additional hours may be available for catering, special events, and seasonal projects.
• Typical hours may vary slightly depending on scheduled events and business needs.

Muir's Tea Room is looking for someone who takes pride in creating beautifully prepared food and helping deliver an exceptional guest experience.

This is a unique position that combines kitchen preparation, artistic food presentation, and leading our elegant High Tea service. Every tiered tray is thoughtfully assembled with attention to detail, consistency, and timing.

If you enjoy working in a beautiful environment, appreciate thoughtful presentation, and take pride in the little details that make each guest's experience special, we'd love to meet you.

About Muir's Tea Room

Located in a charming Queen Anne Victorian in downtown Sebastopol, Muir's Tea Room has been serving English-inspired High Tea for over 11 years.

We specialize in beautifully presented tiered tea service featuring homemade pastries, delicate finger sandwiches, savory bites, fresh salads, and desserts. Every menu is thoughtfully crafted using high-quality ingredients, with a strong focus on beautiful presentation, seasonal flavors, and creating memorable experiences for our guests.

What You'll DoTea Service Days

• Prepare the kitchen before guests arrive.
• Complete final food preparation before service begins.
• Coordinate kitchen operations throughout tea service.
• Assemble and plate elegant tiered tea trays with consistency, care, and attention to detail.
• Ensure food is served beautifully and on time.
• During quieter moments, begin preparing for upcoming tea services.

Prep Days

• Prepare sauces, spreads, fillings, salads, and savory menu items.
• Slice vegetables and prepare ingredients for upcoming services.
• Assist with recipe development and seasonal menu offerings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen.
• Help monitor inventory and communicate prep needs.

Qualifications

• At least one year of commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• Current California Food Handler Card.
• Strong knife skills; experience using a mandoline is a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in food presentation.
• Ability to remain calm and organized during busy service.
• Dependable, punctual, and self-motivated.
• Takes initiative and looks for ways to help when tasks are complete.
• Weekend availability is required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a café, bakery, tea room, or fine dining kitchen.
• Savory cooking experience.
• Experience with food presentation and plating
• Experience preparing food in a fast-paced environment
• Baking experience is a plus.

Why Join Our Team

• Beautiful and welcoming work environment in a historic Victorian.
• Small, supportive team that values quality, creativity, and craftsmanship.
• Employee discount in our gift shop and pastry case.
• Complimentary staff lunch every shift.
• Complimentary pot of tea during your shift.
• Flexible scheduling whenever possible.
• Primarily daytime hours—enjoy your evenings, with only a few evening events throughout the year.
• Opportunity to contribute ideas and seasonal menu creations.
• Opportunity for additional hours as our catering and events continue to grow.
• Loyal guests who genuinely appreciate what we create.

To Apply

Please send us:

• Your resume
• A brief introduction about yourself.
• If available, photos of food you've prepared or plated—we'd love to see your work.

At Muir's Tea Room, we believe the little details create unforgettable experiences. If that sounds like the kind of work you love, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Pay: $24.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $32