Dish Steward - SE Portland

About Elephants

A locally owned company since 1979, Elephants Delicatessen pioneered the gourmet food industry in the Pacific Northwest and now operates seven Portland-metro retail locations and a thriving catering company. As a certified B Corporation, we are committed to sustainability, transparency, and using business as a force for good — while serving exceptional, scratch-made food rooted in our local community. Elephants Delicatessen is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion.

About the Role

We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented, and team-focused Dish Steward to support our Central Kitchen Production team. The Dish Steward is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment by washing and sanitizing dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and equipment while supporting daily kitchen operations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining food safety, operational efficiency, and workplace cleanliness in a fast-paced production kitchen environment. This position is a great fit for someone who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment, enjoys being part of a collaborative team, and takes pride in maintaining cleanliness, organization, and operational excellence.

What You'll Do

• Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment using approved cleaning and sanitation procedures
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free dishwashing and kitchen areas throughout the shift
• Support kitchen cleanliness by sweeping, mopping, wiping down surfaces, and assisting with end-of-shift cleaning
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, chemical handling, and workplace safety standards
• Safely operate dishwashing equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly
• Support recycling, trash removal, inventory organization, and supply restocking as needed
• Assist kitchen and production staff with maintaining efficient workflow and operational readiness
• Maintain organization of cleaning supplies, storage areas, and sanitation tools
• Participate in required food safety, sanitation, and workplace training programs

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Previous experience in dishwashing, kitchen support, food production, janitorial, warehouse, or similar fast-paced work environments preferred
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain organization in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to cleanliness, food safety, and workplace safety standards
• Reliable attendance, accountability, and a positive, team-oriented attitude
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically active work, including lifting, bending, and repetitive cleaning tasks

Benefits

• Employer contributed vacation and sick time
• Opportunities for advancement
• Discounts on our delicious made-from-scratch food
• Pet insurance
• Chance to win employee raffles
• Discounts at Sketchers, Shoes for Crews, Verizon, Sprint, select B Corporations, and many more
• A commitment to inclusion, diversity, community involvement, employee well-being, and environmental protection

Pay

$18/hour

Schedule

Full-Time Position | Monday–Friday | 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Required

Current Oregon Food Handler's Card

Location & Transportation

Elephants Central Kitchen is located at 1611 SE 7th Ave. Reliable transportation is required. Due to our location, dependable transportation to and from our store is essential.