Position Summary
The Line Cook/Dishwasher supports daily kitchen operations by preparing and cooking menu items, maintaining clean dishes and equipment, and keeping food-preparation and dishwashing areas clean and organized. This is a combined position. The employee must move between cooking, preparation, dishwashing, cleaning, and restocking duties based on the needs of the kitchen.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Food Preparation and Cooking
- Prepare ingredients according to the restaurant’s recipes, portion standards, and preparation procedures.
- Cook, assemble, and plate or package menu items accurately and efficiently.
- Read and follow guest tickets while communicating with the kitchen team regarding order timing.
- Check that food is properly cooked, portioned, and presented before leaving the kitchen.
- Maintain proper food temperatures and follow all food-safety procedures.
- Label, date, rotate, and store food using the FIFO method.
- Monitor ingredient levels and restock cooking and preparation stations as needed.
- Minimize food waste and report product-quality concerns to kitchen leadership.
- Follow procedures for allergies, dietary requests, and cross-contamination prevention.
- Assist with opening preparation and end-of-shift food storage.
Dishwashing and Cleaning
- Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, cookware, trays, and kitchen equipment.
- Operate dishwashing equipment safely and use cleaning chemicals according to instructions.
- Keep clean dishes organized and return them to the proper storage areas.
- Maintain a clean and organized dishwashing station throughout the shift.
- Empty trash and recycling containers and replace liners as needed.
- Sweep and mop kitchen and dishwashing floors.
- Clean and sanitize sinks, worktables, storage shelves, walls, equipment, and floor drains.
- Clean spills immediately and place appropriate warning signs when floors are wet.
- Complete routine and deep-cleaning assignments.
- Report broken equipment, plumbing problems, safety hazards, or pest concerns immediately.
Kitchen Support and Teamwork
- Move between the cooking line, preparation area, and dishwashing station as directed.
- Help receive deliveries and properly store food, beverages, chemicals, and supplies.
- Maintain adequate supplies of clean cookware, utensils, and food containers during service.
- Communicate clearly with kitchen employees, service staff, and management.
- Assist other team members during busy periods.
- Follow opening, shift-change, and closing checklists.
- Complete assigned duties before clocking out and obtain approval from the appropriate supervisor.
- Perform other reasonable duties related to restaurant operations as assigned.
Food Safety and Sanitation
- Follow company policies and all applicable food-safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
- Wash hands at required times and use gloves or utensils when handling ready-to-eat food.
- Keep raw and cooked foods properly separated.
- Maintain a clean uniform and good personal hygiene.
- Use knives, cooking equipment, dishwashing equipment, and cleaning chemicals safely.
- Notify management immediately of any injury, illness, unsafe condition, or possible food contamination.
- Maintain a valid food-handler certification or card when required by law or company policy.
Qualifications
- Previous line cook, food-preparation, or dishwashing experience is preferred but not required.
- Ability to follow recipes, portion standards, and verbal or written instructions.
- Basic understanding of food safety and kitchen sanitation.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Dependable, punctual, and willing to perform both cooking and dishwashing duties.
- Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with kitchen and service teams.
- Availability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently bend, reach, twist, push, pull, and perform repetitive hand movements.
- Safely lift and carry supplies, cookware, or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance when needed.
- Work around hot equipment, steam, sharp utensils, cleaning chemicals, wet floors, and varying temperatures.
- Perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Performance Expectations
- Maintain consistent food quality and portion control.
- Complete orders accurately and promptly.
- Keep dishes and kitchen equipment clean and properly sanitized.
- Maintain clean, organized, and adequately stocked work areas.
- Follow food-safety and workplace-safety procedures.
- Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Cooperate with coworkers and assist wherever needed.
Job Description Notice
This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities of the position. It does not include every duty that may be assigned. Responsibilities may be modified based on the operational needs of the restaurant, subject to applicable law.
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Are you comfortable performing both line cook and dishwasher duties during the same shift?
- Do you have a current California Food Handler Card?
- Are you available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled?
Experience:
- Kitchen: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- La Jolla, CA 92037 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
