Prep Cook/Dishwasher

California Fresh Market - Pismo Beach; Pismo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

California Fresh Market - Pismo Beach is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support high-volume food preparation. You will follow prep lists, operate grills and other equipment, and help maintain clean, organized work areas.

The role requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, weekend availability, and strong teamwork. Training will cover safety, standards, and customer service within a fast-paced store kitchen.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience in high volume food preparation or equivalent experience
• Organized and reliable with strong follow-through
• Ability to handle multiple demands in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Experience serving the public and friendly demeanor
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40–50 lbs
• Flexibility to work weekends and varied shifts

Responsibilities

• Perform routine kitchen tasks and follow prep lists
• Clean all dishes, work stations, cooking equipment, and storage areas
• Operate grills, ovens, fryers, and steam kettles to cook items
• Label, date, and store food at proper temperatures
• Assist with unloading deliveries and monitoring inventory
• Report damaged or faulty equipment
• Maintain logs and cleanliness standards and assist customers as needed
• Participate in training to improve skills and department processes

Skills

Multitasking

Customer service

Communication

Physical stamina

Food safety awareness

Job description

Description

• Perform routine kitchen tasks
• Follow prep lists created by department leadership
• Cleaning all dishes, work stations, cooking equipment, and food storage areas in accordance with food safety regulations and company policies
• Washing, chopping, shredding, and grating ingredients for subsequent use by the department
• Operating grills, ovens, fryers, and steam kettles to cook meats, fish, vegetables, and other dishes
• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Assisting with the unloading of deliveries
• Storing ingredients according to prescribed food safety regulations and company policies
• Assisting with the monitoring of inventory
• Reporting all damaged or faulty equipment
• Cleaning trash cans and disposing refuse on a regular basis
• Labeling, dating, and storing food at proper temperatures to avoid spoilage.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year experience in high volume food preparation or equivalent experience
• Organized, consistently follows through on commitments
• Demonstrates the ability to handle multiple demands
• Communications skills – clear directions, good listener
• Experience serving the public
• Ability to project friendly, outgoing personality
• The potential for prolonged standing, walking, squatting, and/or bending
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to work in cold, wet conditions
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as department manuals and reports
• Ability to prioritize work tasks, multi-task, and maintain focus
• Willingness to work weekends
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job
• Evening/night work may be required
• Occasional high stress when dealing with systems/customers/staff, working a flexible schedule to include a variety of shifts -- afternoons, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Always have a positive attitude
• Understand key business standards related to food, service, and cleanliness
• Problem solving – Anticipating, analyzing, and identifying problem
• Understand key business standards related to food, service, and cleanliness
• Continuously interacting with customers and co-workers
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job
• Ability to lift heavy boxes frequently up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods
• Ability to work in cold, wet conditions
• Prolonged standing, walking, squatting, and/or bending
• Repetitive use - hand to finger motions, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to adjust vision to both day and night lighting and be able to focus on distant and close-range projects
• Occasionally high stress when dealing with systems/customers/staff
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and in stressful situations
• Willingness to work weekends
• Regular, predictable attendance
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include a variety of shifts -- afternoons, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Perform other tasks assigned by management.
• Assist other customers in all departments, in prompt friendly courteous manger, referring them to other staff when necessary.
• Maintain department logs, cleaning schedules, safety materials, and inventory documents.
• Must have basic knowledge of math, weights, and measures.
• Performs duties in a safe and efficient manner
• Participates in training activities to increase personal skill levels, and to improve overall department processes and customer service.
• Meets the physical requirements to perform the job functions listed above