Job TitlePrep Cook (Corporate Dining & Catering Support) – San Diego
CompanyThe Party Staff, Inc.
LocationAssignments 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 UsThe 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 SummaryThis 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 ShiftsMany 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 ConsiderationThe 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 OpportunityThe 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 StatementReasonable 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.
The Party Staff, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to actual or perceived race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locks, afros, and twists), religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, military service and status, veteran status, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
*For California Candidates: Candidates with arrest/convictions records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.