Description
Prepare ingredients and basic menu components to support kitchen service. Wash, chop, portion, and label foods; follow recipes for sauces, soups, and sides; set up and restock stations; maintain sanitation and food safety; and assist line cooks as needed.
- • Receive, inspect, and put away deliveries.
- • Track temperatures, yields, and waste.
- • Operate slicers, mixers, ovens, and food processors safely.
- • Maintain clean and sanitized work areas and equipment.
- • Sweep, mop, and take out trash to keep kitchen sanitary.
- • Wash, dry, and store utensils, pans, and small wares as needed.
- • Clean and organize walk-ins, reach-ins, and dry storage.
- • Read prep lists and recipes; prioritize daily production.
- • Wash, peel, chop, slice, and dice produce.
- • Trim, portion, and marinate meats and seafood to spec.
- • Measure, mix, and prepare sauces, dressings, and marinades.
- • Prepare stocks, soups, grains, and basic sides.
- • Scale and portion ingredients for line cooks.
- • Label, date, and store items; follow FIFO rotation.
- • Set up, restock, and break down prep and service stations.
- • Assemble cold items such as salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
- • Wrap and package items for storage or takeout.
- • Plate and garnish dishes to spec when needed.
- • Replenish ingredients on the line during service.
- • Monitor par levels; notify chef of shortages or special orders.
- • Follow food safety and allergen protocols; prevent cross-contamination.
- • Assist line cooks during service with prep, heating, and fetching items.
- • Maintain knives and tools; sharpen and store properly.
- • Assist with training new prep staff on recipes and procedures.
- • Support inventory counts and order restocking as directed.
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Hospitality, Events & Tourism
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
