Prep Cook/Utility Worker

About the role

This position plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of Patagonia’s Café by assisting with food preparation, kitchen sanitation, dishwashing, receiving deliveries, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation tasks including washing, peeling, cutting, portioning, and organizing ingredients for daily meal service.
• Support cooks and chefs in preparing hot and cold food items for breakfast, lunch, grab-and-go offerings, and catered events.
• Follow standardized recipes, production schedules, and verbal instructions to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Prepare simple menu components such as salads, sauces, dressings, fruit, vegetables, grains, and other ingredients.
• Properly store, label, and date food items according to food safety standards.
• Absorb and break down service setups as needed.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment throughout the day.
• Operate dishwashing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen workstations, food preparation areas, storage rooms, walk-in coolers, and common areas.
• Perform routine and deep cleaning of kitchen equipment and facilities.
• Dispose of waste, recycling, and compost in accordance with Patagonia's sustainability practices.
• Ensure compliance with health department regulations, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum three (3) years of food service, kitchen, utility, custodial, or related experience preferred.
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, café, hospitality, or food service environment is helpful.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to follow instructions, recipes, and cleaning procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing racial justice and equity.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and carry materials up to 50 feet.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive movement.
• Ability to wash dishes and perform cleaning tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, and noisy kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and cleaning tools.