This Prep Cook role is responsible for providing a supportive role to kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and ingredients. Their duties include organizing and labeling food items in storage areas, preparing hot sauces for lunch & dinner menus, performing tasks like chopping ingredients for bulk batch prep including veggies, proteins, and grains. Maintains a sanitized workstation during and after service.
Prep Cook duties and responsibilities
Prep Cooks perform various food preparation, cooking, and cleaning tasks to ensure the kitchen remains efficient in creating and delivering dishes for patrons. Their duties and responsibilities include:
Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list from the Head Chef
Labeling and stocking all ingredients on easily accessible shelves
Washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and meats
Measuring quantities of seasonings and other cooking ingredients
Parboiling food, reducing sauces, and starting first steps in various dishes
Cleaning dishes, washing cooking utensils and cookware, taking out the trash and sanitizing kitchen
Adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary regulations and standards
Keeping track of ingredient inventory and collaborating with other kitchen and management staff to order resupply
Prep Cook skills and qualifications
Prep Cooks use soft skills, role-specific hard skills, and industry knowledge to maintain quality and efficiency standards. Their skills and qualifications include:
Superior dexterity skills to operate cutting tools quickly and safely
Keen understanding of industry-standard best cooking and preparation practices
Familiarity with safe and sanitary food handling and preparation
Washington State Food Handlers card within 2 week of start date
Good math skills with a clear understanding of cooking measurements
Keen sense of smell and taste
Excellent organizational, time management and multitasking skills
Great collaboration and teamwork skills
Effective communication skills
Prep Cook salary expectations
A Prep Cook makes an average of $20-22. Pay rate may depend on a candidate’s level of experience.
Prep Cook education and training requirements
High school GED or equivalent
2-5 years Prep experience including sauces, marinades, bulk batch cooking of meats and vegetables.
Solid understanding of basic food safety standards and practices
