Prep Cook/Utility Worker

Role: Prep Cook / Utility Worker

Team: Café
Scope: Individual Contributor, ES2
Years of Experience: 3+ Years
Location: Ventura, CA (Onsite)
 

As a Prep Cook / Utility Worker, you play a vital role in supporting the daily operations of Patagonia’s Café by assisting with food preparation, kitchen sanitation, dishwashing, receiving deliveries, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment. This position supports the culinary team in preparing ingredients and basic menu items while ensuring that all kitchen areas, equipment, and supplies meet the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and operational readiness.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, service-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced team environment. Flexibility, strong work ethic, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming workplace are essential.

What You'll Do

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Prep Cook / Utility Workers will be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Food Preparation & Kitchen Support

• Assist with food preparation tasks including washing, peeling, cutting, portioning, and organizing ingredients for daily meal service.

• Support cooks and chefs in preparing hot and cold food items for breakfast, lunch, grab-and-go offerings, and catered events.

• Follow standardized recipes, production schedules, and verbal instructions to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.

• Prepare simple menu components such as salads, sauces, dressings, fruit, vegetables, grains, and other ingredients.

• Properly store, label, and date food items according to food safety standards.

• Assist with service setup and breakdown as needed.

Utility & Sanitation Responsibilities

• Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment throughout the day.

• Operate dishwashing equipment safely and efficiently.

• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen workstations, food preparation areas, storage rooms, walk-in coolers, and common areas.

• Perform routine and deep cleaning of kitchen equipment and facilities.

• Dispose of waste, recycling, and compost in accordance with Patagonia's sustainability practices.

• Ensure compliance with health department regulations, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.

Receiving & Organization

• Receive and inspect deliveries for quality and accuracy.

• Organize and stock food, supplies, and cleaning products.

• Rotate inventory using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) procedures.

• Maintain organized storage areas and ensure supplies are readily available.

Teamwork & Culture

• Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers, guests, and vendors.

• Communicate effectively with culinary team members regarding production needs and kitchen operations.

• Demonstrate strong teamwork and willingness to assist where needed.

• Support an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace environment.

Who You Are

• Passionate about creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming work environment.

• Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

• Service-minded with a strong commitment to supporting teammates and delivering excellent service.

• Proactive and reliable, demonstrating initiative and follow-through.

• Motivated to learn and continuously improve.

• Collaborative with strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Inclusive and experienced working respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Experience You Bring

• Minimum three (3) years of food service, kitchen, utility, custodial, or related experience preferred.

• Experience working in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, café, hospitality, or food service environment is helpful.

• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.

• Ability to follow instructions, recipes, and cleaning procedures.

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing racial justice and equity.

• Actively works toward creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of Patagonia's community.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

Physical Requirements

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and carry materials up to 50 feet.

• Able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive movement.

• Ability to wash dishes and perform cleaning tasks for extended periods.

• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, and noisy kitchen environments.

• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and cleaning tools.

Hiring Range: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour USD

At Patagonia, pay ranges are assigned to a job based on the location specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.

Benefits

Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment. 

Workplace Location Overview

This position is On-Site, requiring employees to work at our Ventura/Reno office during standard business hours.

Employee Conduct
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.