Prep Cook

Yardbird Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Yardbird Group is seeking a dedicated line cook to join a high-volume kitchen in Washington, DC. Plan, prep, and set up quality menu items and specials while upholding sanitation and safety standards.

You will work closely with Chefs and kitchen staff to ensure timely service. The role requires the ability to multitask, maintain composure under pressure, and communicate effectively in English. Flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, are required.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow recipes and yield guides accurately.
• Strong attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication within a kitchen team.
• Capable of prioritizing tasks and meeting production timelines.
• Comfort with flexible hours including weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prep, set up and provide quality service for menu items and specials.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment.
• Meet with Chefs to review assignments and anticipated business levels.
• Inspect line and stations for cleanliness and readiness throughout shift.
• Organize prep items from different areas to ensure readiness for service.
• Prepare all menu items following recipes and yield guides.
• Assist in monitoring inventory to minimize waste and control costs.
• Transport and manage pots, pans, and cleaning processes as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Prioritization

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

English communication

Flexible hours

Quality control

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

REPORTS TO: Sous Chef
KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Kitchen Staff, Stewarding Staff, F&B Staff

Job Description:

Plan, prep, set up and provide quality service in all areas of food production for menu items and specials in accordance with departmental quality standards and recipes. Maintain organization, cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment.

Requirements:

• Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy
• Ability to prioritize, organize and follow through
• Ability to be a clear thinker, remain calm and resolve problems using good judgment
• Ability to work well under pressure of meeting production schedules and timelines for guests' food orders
• Ability to maintain good coordination
• Ability to work with all products and ingredients involved
• Ability to use all senses to ensure quality standards are met
• Ability to differentiate dates
• Ability to operate, clean and maintain all equipment required in job functions
• Ability to comprehend and follow recipes
• Ability to perform job functions with minimal supervision
• Ability to work cohesively with co‑workers as part of a team
• Must be able to maintain tact and be cool under pressure
• Able to work flexible hours necessary including off hours, weekends and holidays
• Able to effectively communicate in English, in both written and oral form

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and strictly abide by state sanitation/health regulations (where applicable)
• Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; use equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safely
• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies and procedures
• Meet with Chefs to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other information pertinent to job performance
• Inspect the cleanliness and organization of the line and work stations; rectify any deficiencies. Maintain throughout the shift
• Organize all the various prep items needed from different areas to ensure that all items are in place and ready for service
• Prepare all menu items following recipes and yield guides, according to department standards
• Assist in monitoring inventory of prepared food items to keep waste down while managing 86's
• Minimize waste and maintain controls to attain forecasted food cost
• Transport empty, dirty pots and pans to the pot wash station

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to heat from the stoves and burners
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell
• The employee frequently is required to walk

Preferred:

• Minimum 1 years' experience in high volume or upscale kitchens
• Culinary degree from accredited school or university
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills