Prep Cook

Prep Cook (Full or Part-time)

Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG) in Mesa, AZ is one of the nation's largest youth sports and event facilities, featuring multiple fields, courts, stadiums, and performance facilities. As part of the Food & Beverage team, you'll help prepare, maintain and deliver exceptional service to major events such as professional soccer, top-tier basketball & volleyball, professional boxing, MMA, baseball, softball, national pickleball competitions, cheer and gymnastics showcases, special events, markets and more.

Position Summary

At Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG), part-time Prep Cooks will assist with food preparation and kitchen support operations for our various indoor and outdoor activations across our 275+ acre complex. Primary responsibilities include ingredient preparation, workstation setup, food assembly, stocking, sanitation, and supporting kitchen operations during events and peak service periods. All AAG employees make our guests & athletes feel welcome, and support teammates to ensure all areas of AAG Food & Beverage, grounds, and equipment are cared for to help ensure a safe and exceptional experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and food items for service, including washing, chopping, slicing, portioning, mixing, and labeling products.
• Assist with preparing a wide variety of menu options for concessions, food stands, and event operations.
• Ensure ingredients and prepared food items are fresh, properly stored, and rotated.
• Follow recipes and food preparation guidelines, including measuring, weighing, and mixing ingredients.
• Prepare food items using basic cooking methods including grilling, frying, steaming, baking, and heating as assigned.
• Assist with assembling, garnishing, packaging, and presenting food items for service.
• Set up and stock workstations with required ingredients, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including utensils, equipment, prep surfaces, and dishes.
• Handle, label, store, and rotate ingredients and food products in accordance with food safety standards.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards at all times.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, kitchen equipment, and utensils throughout shifts.
• Execute opening, restocking, and closing procedures for kitchen and prep areas.
• Check quality and freshness of ingredients and notify supervisors of shortages or concerns.
• Assist with monitoring inventory levels and restocking supplies as needed.
• Operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, fryers, grills, slicers, mixers, warmers, and prep equipment safely and properly.
• Adhere to safety, health, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with team members and supervisors.
• Work locations may be inside or outside, including concessions areas or food and beverage trailers.
• Support overall kitchen operations during busy event periods while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Assist in additional duties and events as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

• Previous food preparation and short-order cooking experience in concessions, fast-casual, or high-volume food service environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting while maintaining accuracy, quality, and food safety standards.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices and compliance with health department regulations.
• Skill in operating kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, and warmers.
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities to handle multiple orders efficiently.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with other kitchen and front-line staff.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, often during peak event hours.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25-40 lbs.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Food Handler Certification may be required
• Alcohol Server Certification may be required

Physical and Other Job Requirements

• Required availability to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to stoop, kneel, reach, and bend
• Energy and enthusiasm
• Demonstrate AAG's Core Values: Grit, Trust, Excellence, and Kaizen (continuous self-development)
• Must be able to tolerate moderate to loud noise levels and busy environments.
• May work in high/low temperature climates inside or outside at events at AAG.
• Walking, standing for periods of time, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and bending
• Requires ability to occasionally lift up to 20-40 lbs.
• Moving, setting up/taking down, cleaning, preparing, and other physical activities related to sports and event setup.

Any job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. All qualified candidates for this position must be eligible to work in the United States.

AZ Athletic Associates LLC. and Arizona Athletic Grounds are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.