What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Steward/Prep Cook position at PERA?
Position Summary:
The Kitchen Steward/ Prep Cook plays an essential role in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen while assisting with food preparation for events, banquets, and daily operations. This position is responsible for dishwashing and kitchen sanitation, supporting food prep activities, maintaining organized storage areas, and working collaboratively with the culinary team to ensure outstanding service and food quality.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Dishwashing & Sanitation:
- Load, operate, and unload the dish machine while maintaining adequate levels of clean dishes, glassware, flatware, cookware, and kitchen utensils.
- Monitor dish machine performance to ensure sanitary and effective wash cycles, and report equipment issues immediately.
- Handle all tableware, cookware, and kitchen equipment carefully to prevent breakage and loss.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the dish room and surrounding kitchen areas.
- Sweep, mop, and sanitize kitchen floors, hallways, and workspaces.
- Monitor and maintain sanitation buckets and cleaning supplies throughout assigned work areas.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Food Preparation & Kitchen Support:
- Assist the Head Banquet Chef and culinary team with food preparation for banquets, catered events, and daily operations.
- Prepare ingredients by washing, cutting, measuring, portioning, labeling, and storing food items according to recipes and production needs.
- Learn and apply proper knife skills, cooking techniques, baking methods, and kitchen terminology.
- Assist with basic cooking and baking tasks under supervision.
- Ensure all food storage areas, including refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage, are clean, organized, properly labeled, and dated.
- Restock supplies and ingredients as needed to support kitchen operations.
Teamwork & Operations:
- Communicate effectively with chefs, kitchen staff, and other team members to ensure efficient workflow.
- Perform calmly and effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Contribute positively to a professional, team-oriented workplace culture.
- Support kitchen operations as needed and perform additional duties assigned by management.
Qualifications:
Preferred Experience:
- One (1) year of experience in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, catering operation, or food service environment preferred.
- Previous dishwashing, kitchen stewarding, food prep, or culinary experience is a plus.
- No prior culinary experience required. We are willing to train motivated
candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and
eagerness to learn.
Education:
- High School Diploma or GED preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment, utensils, knives, tools, and machinery.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and food safety.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to communicate, read, and write basic English.
- Strong teamwork, reliability, and a positive attitude.
- Ability to learn new culinary skills, procedures, and food preparation techniques.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Requirements:
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of hire.
- Availability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and special events.
- Ability to work in a busy banquet environment.
Please note: Successful candidate will have to pass a background check and drug screening prior to being on-boarded.
Salary : $20