Dishwasher & Prep Assistant - ALMA Neighborhood Cafe

Alma; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

ALMA in San Luis Obispo is seeking a versatile kitchen teammate to split time between the dish station and the prep area. You will support both savory kitchen and pastry departments, juggle multiple tasks, and help maintain a clean, organized workspace.

No prior kitchen experience is required; there is room to learn basic knife skills and recipe reading. California Food Handler Card is preferred or obtainable within 30 days of hire. Early mornings, weekends, and holidays are common.

Qualifications

• No prior kitchen experience required; dish or prep experience is a plus.
• California Food Handler Card or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Dish and sanitation: wash and store dishware, operate the dish machine, keep the area clean, manage waste and deep cleaning tasks.
• Savory kitchen prep: wash, peel, cut and portion produce and proteins; prepare sauces and batch components; label and store items with FIFO.
• Pastry prep: scale ingredients for doughs and fillings; assist pastry production; clean and return pastry equipment to keep production on schedule.
• General: receive deliveries, maintain clean/well-stocked walk-in and storage, follow sanitation procedures, communicate needs with kitchen and pastry teams, support a positive team environment.

Skills

Food safety

Teamwork

Punctuality

Willingness to learn

CA Food Handler

Job description

About Us: ALMA ("soul" in Spanish and Portuguese) is a neighborhood coffeehouse built around the heart and community of a farmers market - rooted in community, seasonal produce from local farms and makers, and genuine hospitality. With an excellent coffee program, baked goods, savory menus, takeout, and a small beer and wine list, we aim to be a warm and welcoming spot for both locals and tourists in San Luis Obispo.

The Role: You're the engine that keeps both of our kitchens running. You'll split your time between the dish station and prep work, supporting our savory kitchen and our pastry department. On any given shift you might be running the dish machine, prepping vegetables for the savory line, scaling ingredients for the pastry team, or restocking the walk-in. This is a great role for someone who likes to stay busy, wants to learn from both sides of a small kitchen, and takes pride in a clean, organized workspace.

Our three core values shape everything we do: Authenticity, Respect, & Enthusiasm.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Dish and Sanitation

• Wash, sanitize, and put away all dishware, glassware, silverware, pots, pans, sheet trays, and utensils for the cafe, kitchen, and pastry department
• Operate and maintain the dish machine, including checking water temperature and sanitizer levels and logging them as required
• Keep the dish area, floors, and drains clean and organized throughout the shift
• Take out trash, recycling, and compost, and keep outdoor bin areas tidy
• Complete opening, closing, and deep cleaning tasks using station checklists
• Handle and store cleaning chemicals safely according to labels and SDS guidelines

Savory Kitchen Prep

• Wash, peel, cut, and portion produce and proteins according to recipes and prep lists
• Prepare basic items such as sauces, dressings, and batch components as directed by the Kitchen Leadership
• Label, date, and store all prepped items correctly, following FIFO rotation

Pastry Prep

• Scale and measure ingredients accurately for doughs, batters, and fillings
• Support pastry production with tasks like lining and greasing pans, cracking and separating eggs, zesting citrus, and prepping fruit
• Wash and return pastry equipment promptly so production stays on schedule
• Follow allergen procedures carefully, keeping tools and surfaces separate to prevent cross contact (especially nuts, gluten, and dairy)

General

• Receive, check, and put away deliveries; keep the walk-in and dry storage clean and organized
• Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation, including knives, cutting boards, and equipment
• Follow all food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures
• Communicate with the kitchen and pastry teams about priorities, low stock, and equipment issues
• Help build a positive work environment through teamwork and mutual respect
• Handle equipment with care and with safety in mind
• Perform other duties as assigned by kitchen or pastry leadership

Required Skills and Abilities:

• No prior kitchen experience required; experience in dish or prep work is a plus
• Willingness to learn basic knife skills, recipe reading, and measuring
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work at a steady pace during busy periods
• Able to take direction from multiple team members and shift between tasks as priorities change
• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and food safety
• A positive attitude and a team first mindset
• California Food Handler Card (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Flexible availability, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements:

• High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing, upright position for long periods of time up to 8 hours
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, and transport furniture, equipment, and deliveries up to 50 pounds