Prep Cook - Paloma

Acme Hospitality Group; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Acme Hospitality Group in California is seeking a dedicated prep cook to support our kitchen teams across multiple concepts. You will prepare, portion, and assemble ingredients for daily service, following recipes and safety standards. Required are basic knife skills, ability to stand long hours, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

A current State Food Handler Certification is preferred. This non-exempt role offers steady hours in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Prev prep cook or similar role preferred.
• Basic food prep techniques and kitchen equipment knowledge.
• Familiarity with food handling, storage, sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Basic knife skills and safe operation of kitchen tools.
• Stand for extended periods; lift pots and pans.
• Flexible to evenings, weekends, holidays.
• Attention to detail and fast-paced teamwork.
• Current State Food Handler Certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion ingredients according to recipes.
• Wash, peel, chop, and dice vegetables and other items.
• Measure and mix ingredients for sauces and dressings.
• Set up workstations with ingredients, utensils and equipment.
• Assist in inventory management and stock organization.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen.
• Assist in receiving deliveries and quality checks.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely service.
• Follow food safety regulations and proper handwashing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Prep Cook experience

Food preparation techniques

Kitchen equipment handling

Following recipes

Knife skills

Physical stamina

Shift flexibility

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Job description

Description

Who We Are

Acme Hospitality owns and operates a collection of highly acclaimed and award-winning food & beverage concepts and boutique hotels throughout California. In addition to a collection of restaurants and hotels, we create hospitality experiences that inspire people, create a sense of camaraderie, and make people happy.

Mission & Core Values

Above all else, we are committed to providing our team members with a work environment and experience that we can be proud of. Our Core Values of Delivering Excellence, Embrace Originality, Act with Integrity and Celebrate Community are the essential ingredients for success.

Position Summary

Prep cooks are responsible for the preparation and set up of all ingredients and stations for kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion ingredients according to the recipes and instructions provided by the culinary team.
• Wash, peel, chop, and dice vegetables, fruits, and other food items.
• Measure and mix ingredients for recipes, such as marinades, sauces, and dressings.
• Prepare and assemble ingredients for salads, soups, stews, and other dishes.
• Assist in the preparation of meat, fish, and poultry by cleaning, cutting, and marinating.
• Follow proper food handling and safety procedures, including storing ingredients at the correct temperatures, labeling and FIFO.
• Set up workstations with necessary ingredients, utensils, and equipment before each shift.
• Assist in inventory management, including monitoring stock levels, reporting shortages, spoilage and organizing storage areas.
• Keep kitchen equipment and utensils clean and in good condition.
• Assist in the receiving and inspecting of deliveries, ensuring they meet quality standards.
• Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and timely service.
• Adhere to food safety and sanitation regulations, including proper handwashing and wearing appropriate protective gear.
• Assist in washing all silver, plate wares, pots and pans and cooking utensils for the restaurant.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and utensils to maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
• Follow instructions and recipes accurately to maintain consistency in flavor and presentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the chef, sous chef, or kitchen leads.

Requirements

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Prep Cook or in a similar role is preferred but not always required.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen equipment.
• Familiarity with proper food handling, storage, product identification and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Basic knife skills and the ability to safely operate kitchen tools and equipment.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to stand for extended periods, lift heavy pots and pans, and maneuver in a busy kitchen.
• Flexibility to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Attention to detail and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic math skills for portioning and measuring ingredients.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to learn and take direction from the culinary team.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations and willingness to adhere to them.
• Culinary training or relevant certification is a plus but not always required.
• Current State Food Handler Certification

Schedule

Required availability: AM Shifts, Wednesdays through Sundays

Job Status

Non-Exempt

Important Notice

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an Acme Hospitality Team Member in this position may be asked to perform from time to time. Based on business needs or Guest service objectives, you may also be asked to perform other duties or tasks in addition to those listed above and will be required to have completed required training associated with the other duties or tasks.