Chicharronero: Authentic Mexican Prep Cook

Vallarta Supermarkets; California; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid vacation

Legal services

Holiday pay

Savings marketplace & credit union

Recognition programs

Job summary

Vallarta Supermarkets is hiring a Chicharronero to prepare and cook authentic Mexican dishes, ensuring quality and safety.

You will gather ingredients, maintain clean work areas, and provide friendly service in a fast-paced setting. Attention to food safety, teamwork, and reliability are essential. This full-time role supports a dynamic kitchen and customer-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of preparing authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Familiarity with equipment and tools used in food preparation.
• Prior cooking or prep helper experience helpful.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic understanding of English language.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook chicharrones, carnitas, and other authentic Mexican foods to company standards.
• Assist in gathering and preparing ingredients and meats for cooking.
• Provide outstanding, prompt, and courteous service to customers.
• Communicate with management regarding supply and ingredient needs.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in all prep, cooking, and work areas.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and dress code standards.
• Operate tools and equipment safely, report equipment issues promptly.
• Treat coworkers and customers with respect at all times.
• Support department operations by assisting coworkers and completing assigned tasks.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Knowledge of Mexican cuisine

Food safety

Teamwork

English (basic)

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we’re more than just a grocery store, we’re a vibrant part of the communities we serve. We’re seeking friendly, service-oriented individuals who take pride in delivering extraordinary customer experiences and thrive in a fast-paced, festive environment. If you’re passionate about fresh, quality baked goods and love making people smile, we’d love to meet you!

About the Role

The Chicharronero prepares and cooks chicharrones, carnitas, and other authentic Mexican dishes following Vallarta’s standards for consistency, quality, and safety. This role supports cooking with gathering and prepping ingredients, maintains a clean and safe work area, and provides excellent customer service while working in a team-focused environment.

What You’ll Do

Prepare and cook chicharrones, carnitas, and other authentic Mexican foods to company standards.

Assist in gathering and preparing ingredients and meats for cooking.

Provide outstanding, prompt, and courteous service to customers.

Communicate with management regarding supply and ingredient needs.

Maintain cleanliness and organization in all prep, cooking, and work areas.

Follow food safety, sanitation, and dress code standards.

Operate tools and equipment safely, report equipment issues promptly.

Treat coworkers and customers with respect at all times.

Support department operations by assisting coworkers and completing assigned tasks.

Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Physical Requirements

Stand and walk constantly (6–8+ hours/day).

Frequently bend, squat, twist, and reach above/below shoulders.

Frequent use of hands for grasping, pulling, pushing, and fine manipulation.

Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. frequently, up to 50 lbs. occasionally, and up to 75 lbs. when handling pork bellies.

Work in hot environments with temperature and humidity changes.

No driving, heavy machinery, or work at heights required.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge of preparing authentic Mexican cuisine.

Familiarity with equipment and tools used in food preparation.

Prior cooking or prep helper experience helpful.

Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment.

Basic understanding of English language.

Team-oriented, respectful, and reliable attitude.

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Exposure to hot temperatures, perishable products, and cooking equipment.

Team-focused environment.

Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.

Full-Time Team Members

Free $25,000 Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.

401(k) Retirement Plan.

Paid vacation.

Access to legal services.

Premium pay for holidays.

Savings marketplace & credit union membership.

Recognition programs (birthdays, years of service, spirit days, etc.).

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we believe our culture drives execution. If you’re hardworking, detail-oriented, and passionate about authentic foods, we invite you to apply today to join our team as a Chicharronero!

Explore Exciting Job Opportunities

We offer positions to match your lifestyle and career goals. Whether you’re seeking part-time or full-time, Vallarta Supermarkets provides a dynamic and rewarding workplace with?real opportunities for growth.