Job Title: Prep Cook –2 Month Fixed Term Contract
Team: Café
Scope: Individual Contributor, ES2
Experience: 2+ years
Location: Ventura, CA
Compensation: $25.50–$26.00 per hour
The Prep Cook supports the culinary team by preparing, portioning, cooking, baking, and presenting a variety of hot and cold menu items for Breakfast, Lunch, Grab ’N Go, and occasional special or catered events. This role includes producing in‑house baked goods—such as muffins, cookies, quick breads, and pastries—under the direction of the Café’s Cooks, Bakers, and Chefs.
This position also plays a key role in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen. Responsibilities include dishwashing, deep cleaning, equipment upkeep, proper storage of ingredients, and strict adherence to sanitation standards. Flexibility with scheduling is required. Daily reliability, punctuality, and a positive team attitude are essential.
What You’ll Do
- Support daily culinary and baking production as assigned by supervisors.
- Prepare ingredients and execute menu items accurately and on time.
- Assist with garde‑manger preparation such as dressings and chia pudding.
- Set up and break down breakfast and/or lunch service, including displays and dishwashing.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of knife cuts (julienne, dice, mince).
- Ensure stations and service areas are fully stocked and ready by deadline.
- Properly store all food ingredients, ensuring labeling, dating, and rotation.
- Follow allergen labeling standards for all prepared items.
- Consistently follow safety practices, including safe handling of ovens, mixers, and equipment.
- Work from prep lists or verbal instructions to complete daily culinary and baking tasks.
- Communicate clearly to ensure accuracy and consistency in production.
- Maintain clean, organized workspaces and support cleaning routines across the kitchen.
- Assist with receiving and putting away deliveries and pantry items.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and service-oriented environment.
Who You Are
- Passionate about contributing to an inclusive, safe, and welcoming workplace.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Influential with strong communication skills in challenging or high-pressure moments.
- Proactive, dependable, and committed to following through on responsibilities.
- Service-minded, with a strong sense of hospitality and teamwork.
- Motivated toward continuous personal development and growth.
- Self-reflective and aware of your impact on others and the workplace culture.
- Inclusive, with experience working respectfully across differences.
Experience You Bring
- Minimum 2 years of culinary and/or baking experience, or equivalent training.
- Commitment to racial justice, equity, and creating an inclusive environment.
- Ability to follow instructions, production schedules, and baking timelines with precision.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail in both savory and baking applications.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a high-volume kitchen.
- Excellent service skills and professional demeanor during service or events.
- Genuine enthusiasm for collaboration and creativity in both savory and sweet food preparation.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly and carry items up to 50 feet.
- Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions (bending, lifting, chopping).
- Ability to wash dishes for extended time periods.
- Must be able to work in a small, sometimes loud space.
Compensation & Benefits
Hiring Range: $25.50–$26.00 per hour (depending on experience and skills).
Patagonia assigns compensation based on local market data and individual qualifications.
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
All employees are expected to support a positive, cooperative, and professional work environment with coworkers, customers, and vendors—aligned with Patagonia’s mission to save our home planet.
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.
