Mar Vista - Kitchen Prep

Yama Sushi Marketplace; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips available

Job summary

Yama Sushi Marketplace is seeking a Kitchen Prep Team Member to support end product production, ingredient prep, and hot food cooking in our LA kitchen. This role emphasizes speed, quality, and cleanliness across prep stations.

Base hourly pay ranges from $20 to $25, with tips estimated at $3 to $5 per hour based on past earnings, and weekend shifts are required. Join us to grow in a neighborhood sushi market with a long-standing LA presence.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen prep experience preferred but not required.
• Food Handler Certification or able to obtain within 2 weeks of start date.
• Eagerness to grow within culinary or sushi-focused roles.

Responsibilities

• Assist with prepping ingredients (cutting vegetables, portions, marinating fish).
• Fry and bread chicken, spam, shrimp, curry bread, dumplings.
• Stock and organize stations with fresh ingredients, tools, and packaging.
• Wash and sanitize prep surfaces, tools, and storage containers.
• Follow all food safety and hygiene protocols (glove use, labeling, temp logs).
• Assist in wrapping, garnishing, assembling and cutting basic rolls or platters.
• Support dishwashing and general kitchen cleaning tasks.

Skills

Learn sushi techniques

Follow prep methods

Team oriented

Attention to detail

Knife safety basics

Education

Food Handler Certification

Job description

Shift Range: 5-8 hours | Weekends are a must!

Position Summary:

The Team Member in the Kitchen Prep role supports all end product production and general kitchen prep. This role assists in ingredient preparation, hot food cooking, station setup, and overall kitchen cleanliness. The Kitchen Prep plays a key role in supporting quality, speed, and consistency in food operations.

Base Hourly Pay Range: $20 - $25, plus TIPS which are estimated to be an additional $3 - $5 per hour based on past earnings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with prepping ingredients (cutting vegetables, preparing chicken portions, marinating fish collars)
• Frying, breading chicken, spam, shrimp, curry bread, dumplings
• Stock and organize stations with fresh ingredients, tools, and packaging
• Wash and sanitize prep surfaces, tools, and storage containers
• Follow all food safety and hygiene protocols (glove use, labeling, temp logs)
• Assist in wrapping, garnishing, assembling and cutting basic rolls or platters as directed
• Support dishwashing and general kitchen cleaning tasks

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Willingness to learn sushi techniques and kitchen operations
• Ability to follow instructions and standard prep methods
• Strong work ethic, punctuality, and attention to detail
• Basic knife and food safety knowledge
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and a team-oriented attitude. Join us in creating delicious meals while developing your skills in the culinary field!

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods (up to 8 hours)
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
• Exposure to refrigerated environments and kitchen equipment
• Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motions

Qualifications:

• Previous kitchen prep experience preferred but not required
• Food Handler’s Certification (or obtained within 2 weeks of 1st work day)
• Eagerness to grow within culinary or sushi-focused roles

Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, per applicable laws.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities that are reasonably related to the role, based on operational needs and in alignment with the scope of the position.

Yama Sushi Marketplace is your neighborhood Japanese sushi market, proudly serving the community for over 40 years. We now have three locations across San Gabriel, West LA, and Koreatown. We’re best known for our premium grab-and-go sushi, consistently ranked among the best in Los Angeles. But we’re more than just a sushi spot—we’re a window to Japan. From LA’s largest selection of sake to rare Japanese snacks, artisanal sauces, and specialty items sourced directly from Japan, we bring the authentic tastes and spirit of Japan to your everyday life.