Prep Cook

POSITION: Prep Cook CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Café General Manager Position Summary The Prep Cook plays a key role in supporting the café’s daily operations. This position ensures all food items are prepared with consistency, quality, and care. A successful Prep Cook values food safety, follows recipes with precision, and contributes to a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment. Food Preparation & Quality Prep all cold and hot food items using prep worksheets and standardized recipes. Assemble dishes to spec, ensuring consistent quality and presentation. Cut, peel, wash, and prepare produce. Follow proper knife safety procedures. Operate ovens and hot prep equipment; ensure proper time/temp for all hot and cooked foods. Maintain strict adherence to food safety and quality standards to prevent cross contamination. Follow standardized recipes precisely to ensure consistent flavor, portioning, and guest experience. Kitchen Maintenance & Safety Maintain clean, food-safe prep stations, dishes, and overall kitchen environment. Assist with dishwashing and cleaning tasks throughout the shift. Take full responsibility for maintaining a clean and organized back-of-house area. Service & Operations Support Receive and follow through on daily prep lists and orders. Support floor operations as needed, including running food to the counter or dining areas. In cafés without a full kitchen or stove, prepare basic recipes using pre-developed culinary guides. When the Prep Cook is the sole back-of-house team member, take on a wider range of duties including food running, detailed cleaning tasks, and general support to keep operations flowing smoothly. Qualifications and Requirements Some food preparation experience preferred. Ability to follow instructions, take direction, and work collaboratively as part of a team. Sense of urgency and a hospitable attitude toward guests and coworkers. Ability to maintain positive working relationships with co‑workers, leadership, and customers. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities. Must maintain a current state‑issued Food Handler Card. Must be 16 years of age or older. Physical Requirements The employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear; stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch; use hands to handle, feel, and reach; stand and exert well‑paced mobility for periods of up to 4 hours; frequently wash hands; occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work Environment This job operates in a kitchen, may be working near co‑workers. Noise level is usually moderate. Hazards may include cuts, slipping, and tripping. Compensation Available to all employees: Commuter Benefits – pre‑tax parking and transit; Employee Assistance Program – mental and physical health support; free mental health app subscription; employee discount on merchandise, coffee gear, and at Equator cafés; continuing coffee education; free coffee; paid time off for voting on Election Day. After 60 days as an employee: Healthcare Benefits (full‑time over 30 hrs) – 100% employer‑covered premium medical insurance; voluntary insurance plans (dental, vision, long‑term disability, pet, supplementary life); employer covered life insurance premium; Flexible Spending Account for healthcare and dependent care. After 90 days as an employee: Holiday Pay after 90 days of employment; paid time off with tenured increases for full‑time employees; one paid volunteer day per year. After six months as an employee: 401K with up to 4% company match on employee contributions. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Equal Opportunity Employer Equator Coffees is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, and discharge will be based on competence, performance and the business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr