Food Preparer - Taco Express Mexican Grill - Bayside

Job Description: Kitchen Prep Worker & Cleaner
Position: Kitchen Prep Worker & Cleaner

Job Summary
We are seeking a reliable, hardworking, and detail-oriented Kitchen Prep Worker & Cleaner to support our culinary team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients for our chefs, maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen, washing dishes, and handling waste disposal. The ideal candidate is efficient, follows safety guidelines, and understands the importance of a clean, organized workspace to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation (Prep Cook Duties)

• Wash, peel, chop, slice, and dice vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients for daily service.
• Measure, portion, and label ingredients according to recipe specifications and prep lists.
• Prepare simple items such as salads, dressings, and sauces.
• Cut, grind, and portion meats, poultry, and seafood.
• Set up workstations with required ingredients and tools for line cooks.
• Restock ingredients as needed throughout the shift.

Kitchen Cleaning & Sanitization (Cleaner Duties)

• Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and cookware promptly to ensure a clean supply for cooks.
• Sanitize workstations, cutting boards, and knives frequently to prevent cross-contamination.
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors, including walk-in coolers and storage areas.
• Clean and maintain kitchen equipment (e.g., grills, ovens, fryers).
• Empty, clean, and disinfect trash bins and recycling containers.
• Follow "clean as you go" procedures to maintain a tidy workspace.
• Maintain cleanliness of floor drains and grease traps.

Safety & General Duties

• Properly store food items in refrigerators and freezers using the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) method.
• Report any maintenance issues or equipment malfunctions to the manager immediately.
• Assist in receiving and storing deliveries.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience as a prep cook, kitchen helper, or dishwasher is preferred.
• Knowledge of health and safety sanitation regulations.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and lift up to 40–50 pounds.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work weekends and holidays.

Tips for Customizing this Description

• Hours: 9am - 3pm
• Pay: Starting at $13-$18/hr
• Benefits: Free meals, Paid training.