Line Cook

Discovery Cube; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

14 Free admission tickets

On-site dining and shopping discounts

Employee discounts through ADP and Fun

Job summary

Discovery Cube in Santa Ana, CA seeks a Line Cook to support kitchen operations, prepare high-quality food per recipes, and maintain a clean, safe environment, reporting to the Cafe Manager.

You will coordinate with team, follow FIFO, assist with deliveries, inventory, and trainings; must have at least 3 years in food & beverage, a high school diploma, knife skills, ServSafe or equivalent, and ability to lift 30–50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in food & beverage, hospitality, or restaurant kitchen operations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knife skills and ability to work multiple cooking stations.
• Valid Food Handler’s Permit or ability to obtain required certifications (e.g., ServSafe).
• Ability to lift 30–50 lbs., tolerate hot and cold environments, and stand for extended periods in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients according to prep lists, portion standards, and station requirements provided by leadership.
• Execute menu items accurately by following recipes, plating guidelines, and established presentation standards.
• Coordinate timing with other cooks to ensure all components of dishes are completed and served together.
• Properly store, label, and rotate ingredients using FIFO and all food safety protocols.
• Assist with receiving deliveries, stocking inventory, and organizing walk-ins and dry storage areas.
• Maintain prep sheets, waste logs, and temperature logs; report findings to the Head Cook.
• Provide station updates to assist with inventory counts and ordering needs.
• Assist with updating prep lists or station sheets when menu changes occur.
• Promptly report equipment issues, low-stock items, or safety concerns to leadership.
• Participate in scheduled trainings, team meetings, and performance discussions.
• Complete additional BOH tasks assigned by leadership.

Skills

Knife skills

Multiple cooking stations

Food rotation

Labeling

Waste reduction

Flexible hours

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For over 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands‑on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits. Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future‑forward in promoting life‑long‑learning. Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration. As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real‑world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good. Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today!

Position Summary

The Line Cook supports the kitchen team by executing daily café and kitchen operations. This role is responsible for preparing high‑quality food according to established recipes, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and ensuring compliance with health and sanitation standards. The Line Cook contributes to a positive, efficient, and well‑coordinated back‑of‑house team and helps maintain smooth service flow by following direction, communicating effectively, and upholding Discovery Cube’s quality standards. This role reports to the Cafe Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Station Execution

• Prepare ingredients according to prep lists, portion standards, and station requirements provided by leadership.
• Execute menu items accurately by following recipes, plating guidelines, and established presentation standards.
• Coordinate timing with other cooks to ensure all components of dishes are completed and served together.
• Properly store, label, and rotate ingredients using FIFO and all food safety protocols.
• Assist with receiving deliveries, stocking inventory, and organizing walk‑ins and dry storage areas.

Quality Assurance & Food Safety

• Monitor cooking and holding temperatures to ensure all food is served safely and consistently.
• Conduct basic quality checks on ingredients to identify spoilage or inconsistencies.
• Practice proper portioning and prep‑level management to minimize waste.
• Follow sanitation, allergen‑awareness, and cross‑contamination prevention procedures at all times.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain accurate prep sheets, waste logs, and temperature logs; report findings to the Head Cook.
• Provide station updates to assist with inventory counts and ordering needs.
• Assist with updating prep lists or station sheets when menu changes occur.
• Promptly report equipment issues, low‑stock items, or safety concerns to leadership.
• Participate in scheduled trainings, team meetings, and performance discussions.
• Complete additional BOH tasks assigned by leadership.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in food & beverage, hospitality, or restaurant kitchen operations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knife skills and ability to work multiple cooking stations.
• Familiarity with food rotation, labeling, and waste‑reduction practices.
• Valid Food Handler’s Permit or ability to obtain required certifications (e.g., ServSafe).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to lift 30–50 lbs., tolerate hot and cold environments, and stand for extended periods in a fast‑paced kitchen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary coursework or certificate from a recognized culinary training program.
• Experience supporting menu changes or providing feedback on recipe execution.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and allergen‑safe workflows.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain focus in a fast‑paced, high‑volume setting.

What’s In It For You:

• 14 Free general admission tickets per year
• On‑site dining and shopping discounts
• Employee discounts through ADP and FunEx

Compensation

$21 - $21 USD

Discovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.