Sushi Apprentice

Kuza Scottsdale; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 48,216,000 - 61,992,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Job summary

KUZA Scottsdale in Arizona is seeking a Sushi Apprentice to support the restaurant's Japanese-American culinary program, learning fish handling and progressing to sushi, sashimi, rolls, and cold-kitchen dishes with precision, speed, and consistency.

Candidates should have basic knife skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to KUZA's standards for freshness, presentation, and flavor. The role requires physical stamina and reliability in a fast-paced kitchen.

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in a food service establishment.
• Good knife skills.
• Willingness to learn seafood safety, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control.
• Ability to follow recipes and plating guides with consistency.
• Must have (or obtain) AZ Food Handler Card.
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for long periods in a high-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn how to safely handle, clean and cut seafood, then moving up to learning sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls, poke, and cold-kitchen menu items according to KUZA recipes and specs.
• Maintain accurate knife skills and learn all the skills for sushi rice handling, seasoning, and storage.
• Learn and Ensure all fish, produce, and ingredients are labeled, dated, rotated, and stored properly.
• Maintain workstation cleanliness, including cutting boards, knives, containers, and refrigeration areas.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures, especially temperature control for raw seafood.
• Assist with daily prep, including slicing fish, portioning ingredients, making sauces, and preparing garnishes.
• Communicate with the Sushi Chef and line team regarding low product levels, quality concerns, or 86'd items.
• Support service through fast, accurate execution during high-volume periods.

Skills

Good knife skills

Food safety awareness

Ability to follow recipes

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

AZ Food Handler Card

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Department: Back of House (BOH) Reports To: Sushi Chef > Executive Chef

Location: KUZA Scottsdale (Tatum & Cactus)

Pay Rate: $17/hour

Job Summary

The Sushi Apprentice supports KUZA's Japanese-American culinary program by learning all the basics of fish handling, and working your way up to executing high-quality sushi, sashimi, rolls, and cold-kitchen dishes with precision, speed, and consistency. This role requires basic knife skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining KUZA's standards for freshness, presentation, and flavor.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn how to safely handle, clean and cut seafood, then moving up to learning sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls, poke, and cold-kitchen menu items according to KUZA recipes and specs.
• Maintain accurate knife skills and learn all the skills for sushi rice handling, seasoning, and storage.
• Learn and Ensure all fish, produce, and ingredients are labeled, dated, rotated, and stored properly.
• Maintain workstation cleanliness, including cutting boards, knives, containers, and refrigeration areas.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures, especially temperature control for raw seafood.
• Assist with daily prep, including slicing fish, portioning ingredients, making sauces, and preparing garnishes.
• Communicate with the Sushi Chef and line team regarding low product levels, quality concerns, or 86'd items.
• Support service through fast, accurate execution during high-volume periods.

Skills & Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in a food service establishment.
• Good knife skills
• Willingness to be a sponge and learn proper seafood safety, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control.
• Ability to follow recipes and plating guides with consistency.
• Must have (or obtain) AZ Food Handler Card.
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for long periods in a high-paced environment.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Professional appearance aligned with KUZA kitchen and grooming standards.
• Punctuality, reliability, and calm focus during busy service periods.
• Willingness to learn KUZA's Japanese-American fusion style and flavor profiles.
• Positive attitude and strong teamwork ethic.