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Prep Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

José Andrés Group

Bar Prep

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Position Summary Bar Prep ensures the bar is service-ready every day by producing high-quality ... Track usage and report low stock/ordering needs; help with weekly counts as assigned. * Minimize ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$12.77 - $21.25/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Waldorf, MD · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Columbia, MD

$16 - $26.75/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Columbia, MD · On-site

$16 - $26.75/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Columbia, MD · On-site

$16 - $26.75/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

$15 - $25.25/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Laurel, MD · On-site

$15.30 - $25.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

BJ's Restaurants

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $17/hr

Prep Cook We build jobs that advance into lifelong careers. Start crafting yours today. You give ... Career path programs to help you advance your career. We love promoting our team members!

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Laurel, MD · On-site

$15.30 - $25.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Hanover, MD · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Waldorf, MD · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $21.50/hr

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrep Helper JobsPrep Helper Jobs in Washington

Prep Helper information

What are the typical daily tasks and team interactions for a prep helper in a commercial kitchen?

As a Prep Helper, your daily tasks often include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting chefs with basic food preparation. You'll usually work closely with line cooks and kitchen staff to ensure ingredients are ready for meal service, and may also help with maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Teamwork is essential, as you'll need to coordinate timing and workflow to keep the kitchen running efficiently. Communication skills and the ability to follow instructions are key to succeeding in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Prep Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectPrep HelperKitchen Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary knowledgeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some culinary experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering events, food prep areasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering companies, food service providersRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Common Search & ComparisonPrep Helper vs Kitchen Assistant

Prep Helpers and Kitchen Assistants often perform similar roles in food preparation and support. While both roles require basic culinary skills and work in similar environments, Prep Helpers typically focus on basic food prep tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader responsibilities including cleaning and equipment maintenance. The roles are often interchangeable depending on the employer's needs, but understanding these distinctions can help job seekers target the right position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prep helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prep Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (such as a food handler’s permit), and inventory systems are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting smooth kitchen operations and high-quality meal service.

What is a prep helper?

Prep helpers, also known as kitchen assistants or food preparation workers, assist chefs and cooks by performing basic tasks in the kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, organizing supplies, and maintaining cleanliness in the work area. Prep helpers play a crucial role in ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently by preparing ingredients ahead of time and supporting the cooking staff as needed.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prep jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Prep jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Prep Helper jobs in Washington? For Prep Helper jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Helper jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Helper jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Prep Helper jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Prep Helper job openings:
Prep Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Helper job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution.

Bar Prep

José Andrés Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About José Andrés Group
José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.
Position Summary
Bar Prep ensures the bar is service-ready every day by producing high-quality juices, syrups, cordials, purees, infusions, and batched cocktails; prepping garnishes; maintaining par levels; and upholding stringent sanitation and labeling standards. You'll support bartenders and barbacks with organized mise en place, accurate recipes, and timely restocks that keep service smooth and consistent.
Key Responsibilities
Mise en Place & Production
  • Execute daily prep lists: fresh juices, simple/compound syrups, cordials, shrubs, purees, infusions, tinctures, oleo-saccharum, dehydrated/fruited garnishes.
  • Scale recipes up/down accurately (weight/volume); document yields and losses.
  • Batch cocktails to spec, verify ABV/dilution targets, and label with production date, shelf life, and responsible preparer.

Quality & Consistency
  • Taste and calibrate products for balance (sweetness/acid/bitterness); log adjustments per standard.
  • Maintain uniform garnish cuts and presentations; ensure consistency across service stations.
  • Rotate stock using FIFO; pull and discard expired product per policy.

Sanitation, Safety & Compliance
  • Adhere to DOH/HACCP standards: handwashing, glove use, allergen and cross-contact prevention, cooling and holding temps.
  • Complete temperature and batch logs; maintain accurate labels and date stamps on all items.
  • Handle chemicals and equipment safely; follow SDS guidance and PPE protocols.

Bar Readiness & Restocking
  • Set and maintain pars for juices, syrups, garnishes, ice, glassware, napkins, straws, picks, and smallwares.
  • Restock stations pre-service and during peak periods; polish and stage glassware as needed.
  • Keep prep areas, walk-ins, and dry storage clean, organized, labeled, and mapped.

Inventory, Receiving & Waste Control
  • Assist with receiving check quantities, temperatures, and quality; store promptly in correct zones.
  • Track usage and report low stock/ordering needs; help with weekly counts as assigned.
  • Minimize waste through smart batch sizing, proper storage, repurposing within guidelines, and citrus/trim management.

Equipment & Facilities
  • Safely operate/clean juicers, blenders, centrifuges, dehydrators, sous vide units, iSi whippers, vacuum sealers, and slicers.
  • Support care of kegs/CO2 and draft systems as directed; report malfunctions immediately and tag out unsafe gear.
  • Maintain ice wells/ice machines per cleaning schedule; keep drains and floors dry and safe.

Teamwork & Service Support
  • Partner with bartenders/barbacks to protect ticket times and product quality; jump in on restocks and glass runs.
  • Participate in tastings, line-ups, and menu rollouts; learn new specs quickly and share feedback respectfully.
  • Uphold a positive, inclusive, and learning-focused bar culture.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
6+ months experience in bar prep, bar backing, or culinary prep in a high-volume environment (or strong interest and willingness to learn).
Ability to read/convert recipes (metric & imperial), weigh/measure precisely, and follow SOPs.
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation; valid Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain).
Organized, efficient, and calm under pressure, strong communication and teamwork.
Comfort with basic bar equipment and tools; Google Workspace familiarity a plus.
Schedule flexibility (nights, weekends, holidays).
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Stand and move for extended periods (up to 8+ hours); frequent bending/reaching.
Lift/carry up to 35-50 lbs.; roll/move full kegs with proper equipment and assistance.
Exposure to varying temperatures (walk-ins, hot equipment), moisture, and cleaning chemicals; repetitive knife/equipment use.
Slip-resistant footwear required.
In Return, We Offer You
Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for cross-training and advancement
Eligible health & wellness benefits (for qualifying positions)
Employee dining and partner discounts
Growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group
Equal Opportunity Employer
José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.

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