Steward

Proper Hospitality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Proper Hospitality is seeking a dedicated Steward to maintain cleanliness and sanitation across kitchens and dining areas. You will support dishwashing, storage organization, waste disposal, and assist the kitchen team to ensure smooth operations and high hygiene standards.

The role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to safety guidelines, and the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, including evenings and weekends. Prior kitchen experience is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous kitchen/restaurant experience is a plus, but not required.
• Knowledge of basic kitchen safety, food safety, and sanitation procedures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Dishwashing & cleaning: wash items and operate dishwashing equipment; sanitize all kitchen surfaces and equipment.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness and order in storage areas, walk-ins, and refrigerators.
• Organize and label cleaning supplies and ensure proper storage of chemicals and equipment.
• Help stock and organize kitchen supplies, and assist in setup and breakdown during meal shifts.
• Support health & safety compliance by following sanitation procedures and reporting issues.
• Work closely with kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery of clean equipment.
• Communicate effectively with team members to maintain efficient workflow and cleanliness.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Teamwork & communication

Dishwashing equipment

Kitchen safety knowledge

Physical stamina

Fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Situated in Downtown’s Second Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences is an iconic luxury destination just steps from Lady Bird Lake, ACL Live, and the city’s best shopping. With expressive interiors by Kelly Wearstler and culinary concepts by McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality, the hotel offers 238 design-forward rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, immersive wellness experiences, and menus built around local farms, vibrant produce, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Wellness, design, and culture, seamlessly woven into every stay.

Job Summary:

The Steward is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in all kitchens and dining areas, ensuring that dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment are properly cleaned and sanitized for the kitchen and restaurant staff. You will also assist in organizing storage areas, handling waste disposal, and supporting the kitchen team with various tasks to ensure smooth and efficient kitchen operations. The Steward plays a vital role in maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety throughout the kitchen environment.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Dishwashing & Cleaning:
  • Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and glassware used in the kitchen and dining areas, ensuring all items are cleaned to the highest standard.
  • Operate dishwashing equipment and ensure proper sanitization of all kitchenware.
  • Clean and sanitize all kitchen equipment, work areas, and surfaces, including floors, walls, and countertops, following health and safety guidelines.
  • Ensure that the dishwashing area remains organized and that clean items are stored appropriately.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness of kitchen storage areas, including dry storage, walk-ins, and refrigerators.
• Organize and label cleaning supplies, chemicals, and other equipment to ensure easy access and proper use.
• Help stock and organize supplies in designated storage areas and kitchens to ensure efficiency during peak times.
• Assist in setting up and breaking down kitchen areas during meal shifts, ensuring all areas are ready for service.
• Collect and dispose of trash, food scraps, and waste in accordance with hotel policies and local health regulations.
• Ensure that trash and recycling are separated and disposed of in the correct containers.
• Keep the dumpster and waste storage areas clean and organized to prevent contamination and odors.
• Support to Kitchen Staff:
  • Assist the kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, such as prepping ingredients, refilling supplies, and helping with mise en place.
  • Ensure that all kitchen staff have clean, sanitized tools and equipment to perform their duties efficiently.
  • Assist in the proper storage of food items, ensuring they are labeled and stored in the correct conditions to maintain freshness and safety.
• Health & Safety Compliance:
  • Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures, ensuring that kitchen and dining areas comply with health regulations and standards.
  • Clean and sanitize all kitchen equipment and surfaces according to established guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Assist in monitoring the cleanliness and maintenance of the kitchen's waste disposal areas, making sure they remain odor‑free and hygienic.
  • Report any kitchen safety issues or equipment malfunctions to the kitchen supervisor or management team.
• Work closely with kitchen staff, chefs, and other stewards to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery of clean equipment and utensils.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure that cleaning duties are being carried out efficiently and without interruption to kitchen operations.
• Provide assistance during busy times or special events, ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in a kitchen or restaurant setting is a plus, but not required.
• Knowledge of basic kitchen safety, food safety, and sanitation procedures is preferred.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced kitchen environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain cleanliness and order in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Ability to operate dishwashing machines, sinks, and other kitchen cleaning equipment.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling and sanitation protocols.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions, including bending, lifting, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and carry heavy items such as boxes or kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in a hot and humid environment, especially near cooking equipment.
• Ability to work in wet conditions, with frequent exposure to water and cleaning chemicals.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by kitchen schedules.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them. As a best‑in‑class employer, we’re committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it’s an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state‑protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.