Culinary Assistant

JOB OBJECTIVE: The Culinary Assistant supports daily culinary operations by providing hands-on assistance across food preparation and operational support functions in accordance with established standards. This role helps ensure consistency, accuracy, and timeliness in kitchen operations while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment. The Culinary Assistant contributes to a positive team culture by demonstrating professionalism, respect, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Assists with food preparation in accordance with established recipes, quality standards, and operational expectations.

2. Supports culinary operations by assisting with the transport, setup, and breakdown of food, supplies, and equipment across campus locations as needed.

3. Assists with routine cleaning and basic care of kitchen equipment and promptly communicates issues to leadership.

4. Scrapes, rinses, loads, unloads, and stores dishes, flatware, pots, pans, and utensils and maintains clean, safe, and organized ware-washing, kitchen, prep, and storage areas, including routine sanitation of work surfaces.

5. Receives food, beverage, and supply deliveries and ensures accurate storage using clear labeling and FIFO principles.

6. Follows proper food handling, labeling, storage, and stock rotation procedures in compliance with culinary and health regulations.

7. Works collaboratively with culinary leadership and team members to support smooth and efficient operations.

8. Participates in team meetings and contributes to an environment of open communication, mutual respect, and inclusion.

9. Demonstrates reliability, professionalism, adaptability, and a strong work ethic in daily responsibilities.

10. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

11. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

12. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. One to two years of experience in a professional kitchen, food service, dishwashing, or porter role.

2. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced culinary environment.

3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with guests, team members, and leadership.

4. Good reading, comprehension, and basic numerical skills.

5. Good hand dexterity and ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and tools.

6. Ability to manage time effectively, follow direction, and adapt to changing priorities.

7. Ability to work evenings as needed to support events and operational needs.

8. Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Familiarity with local, seasonal, or sustainable food practices.

2. Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) or willingness to obtain.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working in a kitchen environment.

2. Ability to move efficiently between buildings on Promega’s campus.

3. Capability to move or position items weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.

4. Ability to drive on behalf of the organization and hold a valid driver’s license.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.