Entry Level Prep Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title
Prep Cook (Corporate Dining & Catering Support) – San Diego

Company
The Party Staff, Inc.

Location
Assignments take place within approximately a 25-mile radius of our Mission Valley office, supporting clients across:

North San Diego:
Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, Escondido

Central San Diego:
La Jolla, University City, Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Sorrento Valley, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Rancho Peñasquitos

South San Diego:
Mission Valley, Downtown San Diego, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, Mission Hills, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, University Heights

Assignments include corporate dining kitchens, universities, catering partners, hotels, private clubs, and event venues throughout the region.

About Us
The Party Staff, Inc. is the West Coast’s leading hospitality staffing company with more than 36 years of experience. We partner with corporate dining programs, universities, caterers, private clubs, and event venues to provide dependable hospitality professionals. Due to continued growth in the San Diego market, we are expanding our back-of-house support team and seeking dependable entry-level prep cooks and kitchen assistants interested in consistent kitchen experience.

Position Summary
This position supports food preparation, kitchen organization, and basic production tasks in professional culinary environments. It is ideal for individuals building kitchen experience, culinary students, or hospitality professionals comfortable assisting chefs and kitchen teams in fast-paced settings. This is a flexible, on-call position based on client demand.

Typical Shifts
Many assignments occur weekday mornings, often starting as early as 6:00am, though schedules vary depending on client needs and events. Flexibility is important.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with basic food prep including washing, cutting, portioning, and staging ingredients
• Support kitchen teams with simple cooking, plating assistance, and production tasks
• Maintain clean, organized prep areas and follow sanitation procedures
• Assist with kitchen setup, stocking, breakdown, and light cleaning duties
• Follow food safety standards and temperature control guidelines
• Communicate effectively with chefs, supervisors, and team members
• Follow uniform, safety, and company policy requirements

Qualifications

• Entry-level kitchen experience or culinary interest preferred (restaurant, catering, hospitality, or school training)
• Willingness to learn and follow chef direction
• Weekday morning availability strongly preferred
• Reliable transportation to assignments throughout San Diego County
• Food Handler Card required or ability to obtain within 30 days
• Professional kitchen attire required including chef coat and non-slip shoes
• Strong punctuality, teamwork mindset, and professional attitude

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (6 to 10 hours)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks
• Ability to work safely in hot kitchen environments

Work Environment

• Corporate dining kitchens, catering production environments, universities, and event venues
• Fast-paced kitchen settings with structured production timelines
• Flexible on-call scheduling through mobile staff portal

Compensation

Hourly pay range: $20.00–$21.00 per hour depending on experience, client assignment, and skill level

Notices

Fair Chance Consideration
The Party Staff considers qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance and applicable California and federal laws. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify applicants from employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ADA Accommodation Statement
Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. Applicants needing accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources or Management.

If you are dependable, eager to grow your kitchen experience, and interested in flexible hospitality work across San Diego, we encourage you to apply.