Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Free meals during shifts

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Panda Restaurant Group's Kitchen Team Associate role invites friendly, customer-focused individuals to prepare meals, handle payments at the counter, and keep the kitchen and dining area clean. Training is available if you have no prior experience, and you’ll join a team that supports career growth and community involvement through Panda Cares.

This position offers flexible scheduling, competitive pay between $22 and $25 per hour, and benefits including health coverage, meals during shifts, and

Qualifications

• Food handler certification may be required depending on local requirements; the associate will be responsible for acquiring it at their expense.

Responsibilities

• Provide an exceptional dining experience by greeting guests, taking orders, and handling payments at the cash register.
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance of the store.
• Follow operations standards and safety procedures to serve fresh, quality food.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen and may fill different positions—front counter, drive-through, or kitchen—based on daily needs.
• Collaborate with team members to meet daily goals in a positive environment.

Skills

Friendly team player

Operations experience

Education

High school education

Job description

Kitchen Team Associate

We’re looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and supportive work environment with teammates who become friends. There’s always something new to learn, do, and accomplish. If you don’t have experience, we’ll train you! You’ll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go. We’re all about giving back, so you’ll also get the chance to impact your community through our Panda Cares initiative.

Essential Functions

• Provides an exceptional dining experience to guests by greeting them, serving food, and handling payments at the cash register.
• Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the store.
• Follows operations standards and safety procedures to serve fresh, quality food.
• Works efficiently in a fast‑paced kitchen environment and may fill different positions—front counter, drive‑through, or kitchen—based on daily needs.
• Works effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun, positive environment.

Qualifications

• Friendly and helpful team player.
• Operations experience is a plus.
• Some high school education.
• Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements; the associate will be responsible for acquiring it at their expense.

Benefits

• Flexible schedules
• Competitive pay
• Free meals while working at Panda
• Medical, vision, dental, voluntary short‑term disability, and cancer income protection insurance for full‑time associates
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates
• Associate discounts for many brands
• Referral bonus for eligible associates
• Opportunity to give back to your community
• Hands‑on paid training to prepare you for success
• On‑going career & leadership development
• Opportunities for growth into management positions
• Pre‑tax dependent care flexible spending account
• Read more about benefits here: https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf

Pay

Pay Range: $22 per hour – $25 per hour. Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer / ADA Statement

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding workplace accommodations. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process. If you need an accommodation, please reach out to [e-mail]. While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam and food vapors. Workspace is restricted; employees are typically standing for long periods. Responsibilities include preparing hot and cold foods, using specialized kitchen equipment, and working quickly while maintaining accuracy. Workers must lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, and reach across 36‑inch counter tops. Fast‑paced environments, effective verbal communication, adaptability to changing priorities, and conflict management are essential.