Sushi Chef

Trapper's Sushi Co.; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Dental and vision coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Paid sick leave

Employee meal discounts

Advancement opportunities

Team-oriented culture

Job summary

Trapper's Sushi Co. in Tacoma, WA is seeking a Sushi Chef who will prepare and present sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialty dishes with precision and creativity.

You will ensure quality, freshness, and consistent presentation while maintaining a clean, safe, and guest-focused work environment. You will interact with guests at the sushi bar, collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams for smooth service, and support training of new staff while upholding our core values of teamwork,

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of professional sushi preparation experience preferred.
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of sushi techniques.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and consistency.
• Positive attitude and strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Washington State Food Handler's Permit required prior to hire.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialty dishes per company standards.
• Store, label, and rotate ingredients following FIFO.
• Maintain clean, organized workstation and uphold sanitation standards.
• Provide exceptional guest interactions at the sushi bar.
• Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams for smooth service.
• Monitor inventory, restock supplies, and assist prep as needed.
• Uphold core values: Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Passion, Honesty, Kindness.
• Assist in training new sushi staff and support team morale.

Skills

Sushi preparation

Knife skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Food safety

Food handler permit

Job description

Why This Role Matters

The Sushi Chef prepares and presents sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialty dishes with precision, creativity, and attention to detail. This role ensures every dish meets Trapper's Sushi standards for quality, freshness, presentation, and consistency while maintaining a clean, safe, and guest-focused work environment.

Description

Why This Role Matters

The Sushi Chef prepares and presents sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialty dishes with precision, creativity, and attention to detail. This role ensures every dish meets Trapper's Sushi standards for quality, freshness, presentation, and consistency while maintaining a clean, safe, and guest-focused work environment.

What You'll Do

• Prepare sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialty dishes according to company standards and recipes
• Ensure all ingredients are properly stored, labeled, and rotated following FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation and uphold all sanitation and food safety requirements
• Provide exceptional guest interactions at the sushi bar, answering questions and creating a memorable experience
• Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams to maintain smooth service flow and accurate order execution
• Monitor inventory, restock supplies, and assist with prep work as needed
• Uphold Trapper's Sushi's TRAPCHK core values: Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Passion, Honesty, and Kindness
• Support training of new sushi staff members and contribute to team morale through leadership by example

What's In It For You

• Competitive pay - $19.75/hr + tips
• Medical insurance – 80% employer paid after 60 days (with qualifying hours)
• 401(k) with company match (eligible after 1 year of service)
• Voluntary dental and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid sick leave (per WA state/local laws)
• Employee meal discounts
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing restaurant group
• Supportive, team-oriented culture

Requirements

What You Bring to the Table

• 1–3 years of professional sushi preparation experience preferred
• Strong knife skills and in-depth knowledge of sushi preparation techniques
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Excellent attention to detail and consistency
• Positive attitude, strong teamwork, and communication skills
• Washington State Food Handler's Permit required prior to hire
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand for extended periods in a busy kitchen or sushi bar
• Use hands and arms for repetitive chopping, rolling, and plating motions
• Occasionally lift or carry up to 30 lbs. (ingredients, containers, etc.)
• Exposure to varying temperatures, food allergens, sharp tools, and moderate noise levels

Compliance & Equal Opportunity

This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees in this role are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek (or applicable state law standard).

Trapper's Sushi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.