Prep Cook - Externship

Role summary

Prep Cook - Externship is a full-time role at Hope The Mission in Los Angeles, California, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-10-13. Salary: USD 19 per hour. Experience level: 2-5. No degree required.

Job title

Prep Cook - Externship

Company

Hope The Mission

Location

Los Angeles, California, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Employment type

full-time

Category

Hospitality

Salary

USD 19 per hour

Experience level

2-5

Degree required

No

Date posted

2026-10-13

Job description

Hope Mission Statement

The mission of Hope the Mission is to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

Position Purpose and Summary

Scratch cooking at scale begins before anything hits the heat. It begins with vegetables that are washed, peeled, and cut correctly. With ingredients that are measured accurately and ready on time. With a workstation that is organized and a kitchen that can move without stopping to find what it needs. The Prep Cook is responsible for that foundation — and without it, production does not happen.

Reporting to the Chef de Cuisine, the Prep Cook supports HTM's high-volume meal production through ingredient preparation, portioning, basic cooking tasks, inventory monitoring, equipment operation, and workstation maintenance. Recipes are followed precisely. Ingredients are stored and labeled properly. Food safety standards are non-negotiable.

This is an entry-level production role, but entry does not mean low-stakes. Every vegetable improperly cut, every ingredient mismeasured, every station left disorganized creates a ripple that affects everything downstream — including the meals served to people experiencing homelessness. Showing up with skill, consistency, and a genuine commitment to the work is what this role requires every day.

Responsibilities

Ingredient Preparation & Production

Wash, peel, and chop vegetables, fruits, and other food items to recipe specifications

Measure and portion ingredients accurately according to established recipes

Assist with cooking food according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, and required portion sizes

Apportion and serve food to residents, employees, or patrons as directed

Follow recipes and production guidelines to maintain consistency in food quality and presentation

Monitor the quality of ingredients and finished dishes; report any issues to the supervisor promptly

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

Operate kitchen equipment including scales, ovens, steam kettles, braising pans, flat tops, steamers, slicers, food processors, and stovetops safely and efficiently

Maintain kitchen tools and utensils to ensure they are clean and in good working condition

Inspect all equipment and kitchen appliances regularly; report any malfunctions or safety concerns to the supervisor

Workspace Organization & Sanitation

Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation throughout the entire shift

Organize and clean all kitchen areas including dry storage, refrigeration, and freezer storage

Follow all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards at all times

Assist with post-service cleanup including dishwashing as needed

Inventory Support

Monitor inventory levels and notify the supervisor when supplies are running low

Restock ingredient bins and assist with putting away daily deliveries

Team Support & Cross-Functional Assistance

Support chefs and kitchen staff with cooking tasks to ensure timely and smooth meal preparation

Assist the bakery team and dish team as needed

Work with volunteers and workers who support meal preparation and service

Assist with staff meals and special events as needed

Adapt to changes in menu or kitchen priorities as directed

Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Must pass pre-employment background check

Must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings

Must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States

Must comply with all HTM policies including safety, confidentiality, conduct, and HIPAA standards

Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire

Ability to read and follow recipes accurately

Ability to take direction from the Chef de Cuisine and Executive Chef

Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the full duration of the shift

Ability to carry, lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.

Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and reach overhead regularly

Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist motions throughout the shift

Ability to work weekends and holidays as required

Full-Time | Non-Exempt classification

Qualifications

Minimum two years of culinary experience in a professional kitchen

High-volume production experience preferred

High school diploma or GED required

Basic knife skills and understanding of kitchen safety required

Familiarity with food safety regulations and proper food handling and storage practices

Commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness

Skills

Working knowledge of ingredient preparation techniques including washing, peeling, chopping, portioning, and measuring

Ability to operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment safely and effectively

Knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation standards

Ability to follow recipes precisely and maintain consistency across high-volume production

Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail under time constraints

Ability to manage multiple prep tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively

Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Ability to collaborate with kitchen staff, bakers, dish team members, and volunteers

Mandatory Requirements

Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks as required per worksite.

Drug and Alcohol Testing – Candidates must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policy.

Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check – For roles requiring driving, employment is contingent upon an acceptable driving record.

Legal Eligibility to Work – Candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the US.

Compliance with Company Policies and HIPAA standards