Estate Winery Prep Cook — Fast-Paced Kitchen, PTO & 401K

Ponte Winery; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K Matching

3 Weeks of PTO

2 paid holidays (Thanksgiving + Xmas)

Job summary

Ponte Family Estate Winery in Temecula, CA is seeking a Prep Cook to support daily kitchen operations. You will prepare ingredients, organize inventory, keep the kitchen clean and stocked, and assist in keeping service running smoothly with pride in quality and sanitation.

This full-time role requires 2–4 years in a kitchen, knife skills, knowledge of various cooking methods, and the ability to work weekends and holidays in a hot, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2-4 years of related experience.
• Understand how to use, operate and care of all kitchen equipment.
• Knife skills and cooking terms essential.
• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of all stations on the line.
• Knowledge of basic meat, poultry and fish butchering.
• Knowledge of basic braising, sautéing, grilling, broiling and frying techniques.
• Fluent in English (reading, writing and speaking)
• Has attention to detail and the ability to follow direction and abide by standard operating procedures.
• Ability to focus for an entire shift, trouble shooting and prioritizing skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in high temperatures.
• Must have or have the ability to obtain a Riverside County Food Handler’s Card.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare prep sheets daily, monitor, and establish par levels based on upcoming reservations.
• Take notes following the daily prep list and maintaining prep levels; keeping waste to a minimum and notify management team of any missing items/ ingredients needed for next shift.
• Organize refrigerators and all kitchen storage areas.
• Keep station clean and sanitized at all times during and at the end of the shift.
• Wipe down, sweep, and mop kitchen at the end of the shift including behind and under the equipment, tables and reach in doors.
• Ensure a temperature log of all kitchen refrigerators and freezers is maintained.
• Plan for busy rushes and ensure adequate inventory of ingredients are ready and organized to support kitchen efficiencies.
• Communicate issues that arise to the Management Team for quick resolution.
• Check food and ingredients for freshness.
• Prepare items like meat and cheese boards, flatbreads, panini , fondue on changing menu.
• Arrange and garnish dishes as directed.
• Work well under pressure and within the time limit.
• Ensuring kitchen and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Demonstrate professional etiquette as set by the Hawks View Winery values and standards
• Support Tasting Room staff in meeting guest requests/demands quickly.
• Understand and adhere to current environmental and safety practices set by the winery.
• Perform additional duties required by management team.

Skills

Knife skills

Cooking terms

Fluent English

Attention to detail

Lift up to 50 lbs

Ability to work in high temperatures

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Ponte Family Estate Winery in Temecula, CA is seeking a Prep Cook to support daily kitchen operations. You will prepare ingredients, organize inventory, keep the kitchen clean and stocked, and assist in keeping service running smoothly with pride in quality and sanitation.

This full-time role requires 2–4 years in a kitchen, knife skills, knowledge of various cooking methods, and the ability to work weekends and holidays in a hot, fast-paced environment.