Part-Time Co-Chef

The Big Wave Project; Half Moon Bay (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Part time

Job summary

The Big Wave Group in Half Moon Bay, CA is seeking an experienced Part-Time Co-Chef to join the culinary team at the Big Wave Center. Working with our Executive Chef, you will prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals for adults with IDD, caregivers, staff, and visitors.

You will supervise kitchen operations during shifts, support volunteers, and uphold high standards of food quality, safety, and hospitality. Reports to the Executive Chef.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary education or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years in a commercial kitchen, hotel, catering operation, or upscale restaurant.
• ServSafe certification required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Experience serving adults with IDD or similar populations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute daily lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch service.
• Assist with menu execution and contribute ideas for enhancements.
• Prepare plated dinners and oversee buffet-style service.
• Ensure meals meet dietary restrictions and nutritional needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen.
• Independently manage kitchen operations during assigned shifts.
• Supervise volunteers and interns as needed.
• Support inventory management, receiving deliveries, and food storage.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Dietary accommodations

Education

Culinary education or equivalent

Job description

The Big Wave Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Half Moon Bay, CA, is seeking an experienced Part-Time Co-Chef to join the culinary team at the newly opened Big Wave Center .

Working alongside our Executive Chef, the Co-Chef will help deliver a high-quality daily food program serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), along with caregivers, staff, and visitors. The Co-Chef will prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals, lead kitchen operations during assigned shifts, supportvolunteersand kitchen assistants, and helpmaintainthe highest standards of food quality, safety, and hospitality. This position reports to the Executive Chef.

About Big Wave Group

The mission of the Big Wave Group is to provide access to opportunity, housing, anda strong senseof community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The newly opened 50,000 square-foot Big Wave Center is designed to be a premier destination for the Bay Area IDD community and includes:

• 38 apartments (studio, one-, and two-bedroom units)
• A commercial kitchen serving residents, staff, caregivers, and visitors
• A Culinary & Catering Program and Day Programoperatedby a nonprofit
• A Fitness and Recreation Club and Game Room
• A 10,000-square-foot outdoor events courtyard and outdoor kitchen
• The adjacent Big Wave Farm

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute daily lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch service.
• Assistwith menu execution while contributing ideas formenu enhancements.
• Prepare plated dinners and oversee buffet-style weekend brunch service.
• Ensure meals accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special nutritional needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen.
• Independently manage kitchen operations during assigned shifts.
• Supervise and direct volunteersand interns as needed.
• Maintainhigh standardsfor food quality, presentation, sanitation, and food safety.
• Assistwith inventory management, receiving deliveries, food storage, labeling, and rotation.
• Support equipment care and daily kitchen organization.

Community & Mission

• Create a welcoming dining experience for residents and guests.
• Interact respectfully with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and staff.
• Support the Big Wave mission by fostering an inclusive, positive, and collaborative environment.
• Represent Big Wave’s values of dignity, hospitality, and community through every meal served.

Qualifications & Experience

• Formal culinary education or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a commercial kitchen, hotel, catering operation, or upscale restaurant.
• Strong breakfast and brunch experience, including buffet service.
• Excellent baking skills are highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and confidentlyleadthe kitchen during assigned shifts.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• ServSafecertificationrequired.
• Experience accommodating special diets and food allergies is a plus.
• Experience working with—or a commitment to serving—the IDD community is preferred.
• Warm, patient, collaborative, and professional demeanor.
• Ability to stand for extended periods andlift upto 40 pounds.
• Reliable transportation

Schedule

Current shifts include:

• Sunday Dinner
• Monday Dinner

Additionalshifts may become available as the food program expands.

Compensation

• Hourlycompensationbasedon experience.
• A unique opportunity to combine culinary excellence with meaningful community impact.