Transpecos Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Downtown San Antonio, Texas

LINE COOK / PREP CHEF

Job Type: Full-Time & Part-Time Available | Schedule: Flexible | Pay: Competitive, Based on Experience

ABOUT US

We are an independent café concept rooted in warmth, craft, and community. Located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio, we're building something special - a gathering place where every guest feels at home and every dish is made with intention. Our food program is as important to us as our beverage program, and we're looking for kitchen talent who feel the same way.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Line Cook / Prep Chef is the backbone of our kitchen operation. You'll be responsible for executing our food menu with consistency and care - from daily prep through service - while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen at all times. This is a flexible role: some days are heavy on prep, some days you're running a station, and some shifts support catering or events. You need to be comfortable with all of it. We're a small, tight team and everyone contributes.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Execute daily prep work accurately and efficiently - mise en place done right sets the whole team up for success
• Cook and plate menu items to recipe, portion, and quality standards during service
• Support catering and private events - prep, transport, setup, and breakdown as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized station throughout your shift and leave it better than you found it
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control protocols without exception
• Properly store, label, and rotate all food items to minimize waste and ensure freshness
• Communicate clearly with front-of-house and fellow kitchen staff during service
• Assist with receiving and organizing deliveries - verify quantities and quality
• Flag any equipment issues, supply shortages, or food safety concerns to the chef/manager immediately
• Pitch in wherever the kitchen needs you - this is a team kitchen, not a silo

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Solid knife skills and fundamental cooking techniques - you know your way around a kitchen
• Flexibility: prep cook one hour, line cook the next, catering support the day after - you adapt without complaint
• Reliability: kitchens run on trust; show up on time, ready to work
• Attention to detail: recipes, portions, temperatures, and presentation all matter
• A clean, organized working style - you don't let your station get away from you
• A team-first attitude: egos slow everything down
• A desire to grow and learn in a craft-focused kitchen environment

REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Food Handler Manager Certification required (or must be obtained within 30 days of hire) - non-negotiable for anyone working in our kitchen
• Minimum 1 year of kitchen experience preferred - café, restaurant, catering, or similar
• Working knowledge of food safety standards, proper storage, and temperature guidelines
• Must be available for flexible scheduling including early mornings, weekends, and occasional catering or event shifts
• Experience with catering or events prep is a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for the duration of a full shift
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (bulk ingredients, sheet pans, supply deliveries)
• Comfortable working in hot kitchen environments near open flame, ovens, and hot surfaces
• Must be able to work in cold environments - walk-in refrigerators and freezers are part of the job
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks - chopping, slicing, mixing - for extended periods
• Must be able to reach, bend, kneel, and stoop to access equipment, shelving, and storage areas
• Clear verbal communication with kitchen and front-of-house staff in a fast-paced environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

You'll work in a kitchen environment in Downtown San Antonio. Shifts vary and may include early mornings, weekends, and extended hours during events. Kitchen uniforms and safety footwear are required. This is a physically demanding role - you'll be on your feet and moving the entire shift. We keep a professional, respectful kitchen and expect everyone to contribute to that culture. Parking is easy and accessible for all team members.