Kitchen Staff Job Description
Employees who are considered kitchen staff may work in restaurants, bars, hotels, and catering companies. This role stands out from other restaurant positions because of its generalist focus. A kitchen staff employee will be asked to do a little bit of everything to support the restaurant as it strives to reach its full potential.
For example, kitchen staff may be asked to assist with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and sanitizing the workspace. Additionally, a kitchen staff member may also spend time managing inventory, organizing previously prepared ingredients, and dealing with customers. Ultimately, the specific tasks that a kitchen staff member is responsible for will depend heavily on the needs of their employer.
Kitchen Staff Job Description Template
Our kitchen is looking for a skilled kitchen staff member to join our existing team. You will be tasked with doing your part to help our restaurant operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. This will require you to be adaptable and willing to do a little bit of everything that our kitchen needs to do its best work.
For example, you may be asked to assist with food preparation, clean the kitchen, wash dishes, prepare simple meals, and more. To find success in this role, you will need to be adaptable, hard-working, and willing to take direction. You should also be comfortable with managing competing priorities in a fast-paced restaurant setting.
Kitchen Staff Responsibilities
- Clean and sanitize dishes, cookware, and utensils
- Clean and sanitize food preparation work stations
- Assist in the food preparation process by cutting, chopping, slicing, and washing vegetables, meats, and other ingredients
- Follow all food health and safety requirements
- Assist with the unloading of deliveries and their proper storage
- Communicate kitchen needs to supervisors
- Interact with customers as needed
Kitchen Staff Requirements
- Food handler’s license
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Previous experience in a restaurant preferred
- Physical ability to stand for an entire shift and lift 50+ pounds
- Willingness to work weekends and nights
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Existing knowledge of food safety procedures preferred
Kitchen Staff FAQ
What tasks are kitchen staff responsible for?
Kitchen staff members may be asked to do just about anything in a kitchen. The specific tasks that employees in this role perform can change as often as daily based on the shifting needs of the restaurant. With that in mind, a kitchen staff member may spend time preparing ingredients, unloading deliveries, cleaning dishes, sanitizing work stations, interacting with customers, and performing many other tasks.
Can I use your kitchen staff job description template?
Yes, feel free to use our template as a starting point for your kitchen staff job posting. However, don’t make the mistake of copying it verbatim. Instead, add some details that differentiate your position from others. Doing this can help attract more qualified applicants and pre-screen applicants who don’t match what you’re looking for.
What should I include in my kitchen staff help-wanted ads?
Your best option is to follow the template that we’ve used here. Begin with an opening paragraph or two that describes the kitchen staff position you have in general terms. Use engaging language and highlight what you think makes the job special. This can help you get more qualified applicants interested in your job.
After that, move into two bulleted lists that highlight the responsibilities and the requirements of the position, as we’ve done here. This is your opportunity to detail the aspects of your position that differ from other open kitchen staff jobs. It’s another chance to attract the qualified candidates that your restaurant wants.
