Production Cook / Lead Prep Cook Morning Shift

Job Description

Job Description

Production Cook / Lead Prep Cook (Morning Shift)

Location

Downtown Washington, DC

Pay

$21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Job Type

Full-Time

Schedule

Morning Shift Position

Typical Schedule:

Monday - Friday

5:00 AM - 1:00 PM

No Nights

No Weekends

Federal Holidays Off

Please note that schedules may occasionally be adjusted based on operational needs, special events, catering functions, staffing requirements, or business demands. Candidates must be flexible and willing to adapt to changing business needs when necessary.

While the typical schedule is an early morning shift, start and end times may vary as required by the operation.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Production Cook / Lead Prep Cook to join our team in a professional dining facility located in Downtown Washington, DC.

This position is responsible for supporting daily breakfast and lunch production, preparing food for hot bar and cold bar service, assisting with grab-and-go offerings, and maintaining food quality, consistency, and food safety standards.

The ideal candidate has experience working in high-volume food service environments such as cafeterias, buffets, corporate dining, hotels, hospitals, universities, catering operations, or similar food service settings.

We are looking for a team member who is organized, reliable, efficient, and takes pride in producing quality food while supporting smooth kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities

Food Production

• Prepare breakfast and lunch menu items according to recipes and production schedules

• Execute daily prep lists accurately and efficiently

• Prepare proteins, vegetables, starches, soups, salads, sauces, and other menu items

• Produce food for hot bar, cold bar, grab-and-go programs, and catering functions

• Follow recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines

• Ensure food is prepared and ready for service on schedule

Hot Bar & Cold Bar Support

• Assist with daily setup and maintenance of hot bar and cold bar stations

• Monitor food levels throughout service and replenish as needed

• Maintain attractive and professional food presentation

• Help ensure customer demand is met while minimizing food waste

• Maintain freshness and quality standards throughout service

Kitchen Operations

• Support kitchen leadership with daily production goals

• Follow production schedules and prep plans

• Receive, organize, and properly store deliveries

• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory rotation procedures

• Assist with inventory organization and product storage

• Maintain clean and organized workstations

• Support opening and closing duties as assigned

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures

• Maintain proper food temperatures and storage practices

• Assist with daily cleaning and sanitation responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment

• Help ensure the kitchen remains inspection-ready at all times

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of professional cooking or food preparation experience

• Experience working in cafeterias, buffets, corporate dining, hotels, hospitals, universities, catering operations, or other high-volume food service environments preferred

• Experience with batch cooking and large-volume food production

• Strong understanding of food preparation techniques and kitchen operations

• Ability to follow recipes and production sheets accurately

• Understanding of portion control and food waste reduction

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

• Strong work ethic and positive attitude

Attendance & Transportation Requirements

This position requires dependable attendance and punctuality.

Applicants must be able to consistently report to work on time for a 5:00 AM start and have reliable transportation to Downtown Washington, DC.

Please carefully consider your commute before applying.

Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Food Handler Certification

• Cafeteria or buffet experience

• Catering production experience

• Experience preparing food in large quantities

• Experience supporting hot bar and cold bar service

• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

What Success Looks Like

• Daily prep completed accurately and on time

• Breakfast and lunch production executed successfully

• Hot bar and cold bar remain stocked and visually appealing

• Food quality remains consistent throughout service

• Food waste is minimized through proper production and portioning

• Kitchen remains clean, organized, and efficient

• Strong teamwork and communication with kitchen leadership

• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Why Join Us?

Morning Shift Schedule

Monday-Friday

No Nights

No Weekends

Federal Holidays Off

Stable Full-Time Hours

Professional Work Environment

Growth Opportunities

Competitive Pay

Apply Today

If you are a dependable food service professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, takes pride in producing quality food, and values teamwork, consistency, and professionalism, we encourage you to apply.