Hourly Sous Chef I - Washington D.C, West End

About Us

Life Alive aims to energize the vitality of all living beings and our planet. We make delicious, beautiful, plant-based food and beverages in a unique, quick-service cafe, and are looking for dynamic, ambitious team members ready to jump in and grow. We value interconnectedness, participation, integrity, pleasure, and empathy — and most importantly, we value you for you.

The Role

The Sous Chef Level I supports the Sous Chef Level II, General Manager and/or Culinary Assistant General Manager in supporting the culinary operations of the cafe. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient, smooth operation of the kitchen and maintaining our rigorous food standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Execution & Quality Control:

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  • Complete the daily prep list and assigned culinary projects.
  
  
  • Prepare food items according to established recipes and quality standards.
  
  
  • Ensure the consistency and quality of all food items leaving the kitchen.
  
  
  • Conduct regular taste tests to uphold flavor profiles and presentation standards.
  
  
  
  

• Operations & Kitchen Management:

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  • Maintain a fully stocked, clean, and organized kitchen workspace.
  
  
  • Assist with kitchen ordering procedures as needed.
  
  
  • Maintain active communication with the Front of House team to monitor prepped inventory and adjust production levels in real-time.
  
  
  
  

• Team Leadership & Development:

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  • Assist in training and developing Back of House team members.
  
  
  
  

• Cleanliness & Safety Compliance:

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  • Ensure strict compliance with all health and safety regulations, including proper food handling, temperature logging, and storage.
  
  
  
  

Our Sous Chef Level I is someone who: 

• Knowledgeable in kitchen operations and scratch-cooking food preparation techniques.


• Ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.


• Excellent organizational, leadership, and attention-to-detail skills.


• Passionate about our mission to energize the vitality of all living beings and our planet.

Perks & Benefits

• 70% meal discount and free/discounted Yoga.


• Health, dental, and vision coverage (for full-time employees).


• Free Mental Health Support (for full-time employees).


• 401(k) retirement plan with a vesting match.


• Transportation benefits.


• Education & professional development opportunities (e.g., culinary training, superfood education, wellness lifestyle, resume building).


• Flexible schedule supporting your lifestyle and personal goals.

Life Alive is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic leader who will contribute to our mission of energizing the vitality of all living beings and our planet through plant-based cuisine and sustainable practices.We strive to foster a community where all feel welcome, safe, and valued. We embrace all differences of age, sexual orientation, gender and its expression, race, culture and ethnicity, national origin, mental and physical health and ability, religious background, marital status, family structure, citizenship, education, and military or veterans’ status. Life Alive invites you to bring your whole self to work.

Please note that Life Alive is an E-Verify employer. Please review the Right to Work Poster from Department of Justice's Immigrant and Employee Rights Section.