Prep Cook / Receiver

Position Overview

The Prep Cook / Receiver supports culinary operations in the preparation and execution of daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. Additionally, this role assists back-of-house (BOH) personnel in maintaining optimal standards of cleanliness, organization, and maintenance across all BOH facilities and equipment.

This position is vital to upholding a demanding production schedule. The successful candidate will operate efficiently in a high-volume environment, demonstrating strong initiative, a commitment to productivity, and a professional demeanor that enhances a collaborative workplace culture.

Candidates must possess exceptional time-management capabilities to ensure strict compliance with meal preparation deadlines and to execute shifting operational requirements effectively under high-pressure conditions. 

Working collaboratively within a dynamic team, the individual will support key protocols regarding sanitation, facility organization, and workplace safety to support seamless culinary operations.

NOTE: High-volume production experience is required. This setting differs significantly from traditional restaurants and most catering operations, as all items are prepared in bulk batches utilizing 200 pans and large lexan containers. Must be available to start at 5:00 AM, Monday through Friday, to assist with receiving duties.

About Just Fare

Just Fare is building a just world where food is a force for social change. We make good food — for people who enjoy eating, and for those who want a more equitable and just food system. Based in Oakland, CA, we offer a variety of services for workplaces; such as, Office Catering, Snack & Drink programs, event catering, commercial kitchen design and operate a community kitchen. We ground everything we do in service of creating a more responsible and ethical world.

1% of our revenue supports donated meals made by our charitable arm, Just Fare Community Kitchen. So far, we have delivered over 494,250 meals to communities fighting food insecurity in the Bay Area.

Tastes good. Does good.

About Workplace

Our Workplace business unit prepares and serves food for a variety of Bay Area companies and institutions. Ingredients are carefully selected from organic, local, independent farms - prioritizing purchasing from BIPOC and women-owned purveyors. Prepared to satisfy refined palettes and a diverse range of dietary sensitivities and preferences, our nourishing meals aim to delight employees. Our Workplace business unit offers multiple food program solutions to meet our clients' needs.

Responsibilities

Prep Cook:

• Daily execution of hot and cold food prep, salad bar and grab & go production
• Assist in completing opening and closing duties
• Ensures time, temperature, and labeling standards are achieved
• Follow direction of Leads and execute preparation lists

Receiver:

• Assist in the receiving and proper storage of all orders and inventory
• Receiving and Proper Storage of all BoH Daily Deliveries (Proteins, Produce & Dry Goods) including but not limited to: Checking in orders, labeling product, proper storage etc. using proper FIFO methods
• Support and assist with the Dish area, including Wash, dry, stock and maintain dishes; as needed.
• Maintain trash and recycling from deliveries by breaking down boxes etc, and placing them in the appropriate bins.

Additional Responsibilities (as needed):

• Support and assist with the Dish area, including Wash, dry, stock and maintain dishes
• Clean and maintain the commissary kitchen in accordance with all safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Complete deep cleaning and maintenance projects for the entire kitchen when needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 2+ years experience in a formal kitchen environment with a passion for food and people
• Basic understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills, local and seasonal ingredients and diverse cooking styles and cultures
• Fast-paced worker with a strong sense of urgency who is able to match the high speed of our daily production schedules. 
• Quick and efficient in executing high-volume kitchen prep.
• Able to communicate effectively with team leads and managers
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and patience
• Brings high energy and speed to a kitchen team that loves working at a fast pace.Motivated by tight deadlines and energized by a bustling kitchen environment.
• Attendance and punctuality is required with schedule flexibility determined by needs 
• Ability to lift heavy boxes containing produce/meat (50+lbs)
• Ability to be a self-sufficient problem solver and make sound decisions on-the-fly 
• Strong understanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation and food handling procedures
• Basic Food Handler Certification

Compensation & Benefits

• $23/hourly. Competitive wages in an equitable tiered pay structure for all positions. Non-Negotiable.
• Cell Phone Stipend
• Health, dental, and vision insurance and Paid Time Off (PTO) Accruals
• All employees 401K (retirement account) - After 90 days
• Commuter (pre-tax) - After 30 days
• Meals provided daily onsite at Oakland Commissary Kitchen
• Opportunity to develop your skills, work with amazing people & be part of a force for social change!

Schedule & Expectations

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday with hours dependent on the service. You are responsible for managing your schedule, based on your shift availability, with your supervisor.

Shift details: 5am shift time required. Start times may fluctuate to 6am, throughout the week to support production and receiving needs.