Watchdog Cafeteria

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.