Sushi Chef - BOH

Trappers Sushi Hawks Prairie; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 27,207 - 31,340; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Dental and vision coverage

EAP

Paid sick leave

Employee meal discounts

Opportunities for advancement

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Trapper's Sushi in Lacey, WA is seeking a Sushi Chef to prepare rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialty dishes with precision and creativity. You will maintain quality, freshness, and presentation while keeping a clean, safe, guest-focused work environment.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years of sushi prep, strong knife skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced setting, and teamwork. Washington State Food Handler's Permit is required before hire; evenings, weekends, and holidays may be needed.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of professional sushi preparation experience preferred.
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of sushi preparation 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 according to company standards and recipes.
• Ensure ingredients are properly stored, labeled, and rotated following FIFO procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation and uphold sanitation and food safety requirements.
• Provide exceptional guest interactions at the sushi bar and create a memorable experience.
• Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams for smooth service flow and accurate orders.
• Monitor inventory, restock supplies, and assist with prep work.

Skills

Sushi preparation

Knife skills

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Education

Washington State Food Handler's 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.

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. - $22.75/hr. DOE + 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.