Dishwasher - Iowa City

About the Role

We are looking for a hardworking and reliable Dishwasher to join our culinary team. In this essential role, you will ensure the cleanliness and organization of all kitchenware, helping to maintain a smooth and efficient kitchen operation. The ideal candidate must thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in keeping things spotless, and work well as part of a team.

Core Values

Big Grove only hires and retains people who exhibit our core values:

• Set the Tone
• Thirst for Improvement
• We Care
• Practice Candor
• Passion Driven

You will be given a culture deck explaining these core values to help you decide if you align with our company and are excited to begin a career here.

Responsibilities

• Complete pre- and post-shift cleaning tasks daily.
• Clean and sanitize dishes, glassware, utensils, and other kitchen equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the dishwashing area, including sinks, countertops, and floors, and regularly empty trash and recycling bins.
• Follow proper sanitation and hygiene protocols to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a safe environment for customers and staff, including safe handling of chemicals and use of protective equipment.
• Work as a team to achieve time-sensitive tasks.
• Safely maintain and operate kitchen equipment.
• Contribute to and exemplify Big Grove’s values, vision, standards, and culture.
• Be a high-performing team member with the ability to collaborate across departments, solve organizational problems, and accomplish goals.

Skills & Competencies

• Efficiency & Speed: Ability to clean and organize dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment quickly to keep up with restaurant demands.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring all dishware, glassware, and utensils are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and free of residue.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks effectively to maintain a steady workflow in a fast-paced environment.
• Teamwork & Communication: Working closely with kitchen staff and servers to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Knowledge of Cleaning & Sanitization Procedures: Understanding proper food safety standards, including the use of dishwashing chemicals and sanitization methods.
• Organization Skills: Keeping dish areas, sinks, and storage spaces clean, organized, and free of clutter.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to high-volume rushes and unexpected kitchen needs with a positive attitude.
• Work Ethic & Dependability: Being punctual, reliable, and committed to maintaining cleanliness standards.
• Waste & Water Management: Using resources responsibly to minimize waste while ensuring efficiency.

Work Environment

• Fast-Paced & High-Pressure: Constant flow of dirty dishes, cookware, and utensils requiring quick turnaround.
• Hot & Humid Conditions: Exposure to steam, hot water, and high temperatures from dishwashing machines and kitchen equipment.
• Physically Demanding: Long hours on foot, repetitive lifting, scrubbing, and carrying heavy racks of dishes.
• Wet & Slippery Floors: Frequent exposure to water and soap, requiring caution and proper footwear.
• Team-Oriented Environment: Close collaboration with cooks, servers, and fellow kitchen staff.
• Noise & Busy Atmosphere: Background noise from dish machines, kitchen equipment, and staff communication.
• Time-Sensitive Tasks: Quick cleaning and organization to prevent kitchen slowdowns during peak hours.
• Exposure to Cleaning Chemicals: Regular handling of soaps, sanitizers, and degreasers, requiring knowledge of safe usage.
• High Expectations for Cleanliness & Sanitation: Ensuring all dishware and kitchen tools meet strict hygiene standards.

Physical Demands

• Standing for long hours (6–10 hour shifts).
• Lifting and carrying heavy loads (up to 50 lbs), including dish racks, pots, pans, and bins of dirty dishes.
• Repetitive motions such as scrubbing, rinsing, stacking, and unloading dishes.
• Working in high heat and humidity from steam, hot water, and kitchen equipment.
• Bending, reaching, and stooping to load/unload dishwashers and clean lower areas.
• Fast and continuous movement to keep up with the flow of dirty dishes.
• Handling wet and slippery surfaces with caution to prevent slips and falls.
• Endurance and stamina to maintain high energy levels throughout long shifts, especially during peak hours.
• Manual dexterity and grip strength for handling wet, heavy, and delicate dishware.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, requiring proper handling and safety measures.

Schedule

This is a part-time to full-time position with varying hours and days each week. Schedules will be posted the week prior. The business is open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends, which are required.

Qualifications

Experience working as a dishwasher is preferred but not required. On-the-job training will be provided. A strong work ethic is essential for success at Big Grove.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.