The Kitchen Assistant will assist chefs with basic food preparation, mise en place, kitchen cleaning, and maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation. The ideal candidate should be a team player with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist chefs in the preparation of ingredients for hot and cold kitchen operations, including washing, peeling, cutting, chopping, and portioning vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, and other food items as instructed.
- Support daily mise en place activities to ensure all ingredients and equipment are ready for service.
- Assist in preparing salads, sandwiches, garnishes, basic appetizers, and other simple food items under the supervision of the chefs.
- Help organize and replenish ingredients, utensils, and kitchen supplies at designated workstations.
- Follow instructions from the Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, and other senior kitchen staff.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations, preparation areas, equipment, utensils, and storage spaces.
- Wash and sanitize kitchen utensils, cutting boards, containers, and equipment according to established procedures.
- Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, and date marking in accordance with food safety requirements.
- Follow the FIFO (First In, First Out) method when handling and rotating food stock.
- Assist with receiving and storing deliveries, ensuring that products are handled and stored appropriately.
- Monitor the cleanliness and condition of ingredients and report any damaged, expired, or unsuitable food items to the supervisor.
- Support chefs during meal preparation and service by replenishing ingredients and maintaining an organized working environment.
- Segregate waste appropriately and follow the kitchen's waste management procedures.
- Adhere to personal hygiene, food safety, HACCP principles, and applicable local food safety regulations.
- Follow workplace health and safety procedures and use kitchen equipment only when trained and authorized.
- Assist with scheduled deep cleaning and other kitchen maintenance activities as assigned. Perform other reasonable duties related to kitchen operations as instructed.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Prior experience as a kitchen steward or similar role in a professional kitchen is preferred.
- Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices, including proper cleaning and sanitation techniques.
- Familiarity with basic food preparation tasks, such as vegetable washing, peeling, and chopping.
- Ability to follow instructions and work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
- Reliability, punctuality, and a positive attitude.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the operational needs of the central kitchen.