Commis Chef (Entry-Level)

1440 Multiversity; Scotts Valley (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mission-aligned nonprofit culture

Competitive wages and robust benefits

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

PTO, paid holidays, and retirement

Growth, mentorship, and continuous学习

75-acre redwood campus with wellness

Strong community and team recognition

Job summary

1440 Multiversity is a nonprofit learning destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains seeking a Commis Chef to join its French brigade-style kitchen as an entry-level team member, learning professional culinary foundations while supporting daily prep and service.

You will work with Sous Chefs and Chef de Partie to develop skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment and build a long-term culinary career within a mission-driven setting.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience as a prep cook or junior line cook.
• Culinary school is preferred but not required.
• Current California Food Handler's Card.
• Basic knowledge of professional kitchen operations and food safety.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn.
• Collaborative, positive, and dependable team member.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily mise en place for all kitchen stations.
• Wash, cut, and prepare vegetables and ingredients using proper knife techniques.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment.
• Follow recipes, prep lists, FIFO, labeling, and SOPs.
• Assist with inventory, storage, and stock rotation.
• Support station cooks and culinary leadership during service.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and responsibly.
• Maintain food quality, freshness, and proper temperatures.
• Work collaboratively in a high-volume, team-based environment.
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene standards.

Skills

Food safety

Kitchen operations

Teamwork

Work ethic

Education

Culinary school preferred but not required

Job description

Commis Chef (Entry-Level) | Kitchen Table

1440 Multiversity | Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

Join Our Team at 1440 Multiversity

1440 Multiversity is a nonprofit philanthropic learning destination nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Every booking serves our community and advances our mission of creating hope for living well. We offer programing that inspire people to Live, Lead, Love, Work, and Wonder more fully.

At 1440, hospitality is more than service - it's Deep Hospitality: an authentic and genuine love for others. Every team member plays a role in shaping meaningful guest experiences while contributing to a mission-driven culture of care, learning, and transformation.

Why Work Here

• Mission-aligned nonprofit culture
• Competitive wages and robust benefits
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays, and retirement
• Growth, mentorship, and continuous learning
• 75-acre redwood campus with wellness classes and trails
• Strong community and team recognition

Your Role

As a Commis Chef, you are an essential junior member of our French brigade-style kitchen, learning professional culinary foundations while supporting daily production and service. You will work closely with Sous Chefs and Chef de Partie to execute prep and service at the highest standard while developing your technical skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

This role is ideal for a motivated, early-career cook who wants to build a long-term culinary career in a mission-driven setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute daily mise en place for all kitchen stations
• Wash, cut, and prepare vegetables and ingredients using proper knife techniques
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment
• Follow recipes, prep lists, FIFO, labeling, and SOPs
• Assist with inventory, storage, and stock rotation
• Support station cooks and culinary leadership during service
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and responsibly
• Maintain food quality, freshness, and proper temperatures
• Work collaboratively in a high-volume, team-based environment
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene standards

What We’re Looking For

• 1-3 years of experience as a prep cook or junior line cook
• Culinary school preferred but not required
• Current California Food Handler's Card
• Basic knowledge of professional kitchen operations and food safety
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn
• Collaborative, positive, and dependable team member
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Why This Role Matters

This is the foundation level of our brigade system - the first step in a clear growth pathway toward Chef de Partie and beyond. You will learn directly from experienced chefs while contributing meaningfully to guest experience and mission impact.