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Prep Cook 1

Paramus, NJ

COMING AUGUST 2026!

Join our opening team as we begin on the exciting journey of opening our first location in Paramus, NJ! 
 
We are hosting an invite-only hiring event for the following open positions: 
  • Cashier: $17.50 - $17.75/hr
  • Carver: $18.00 - $18.75/hr
  • Expeditor: $18.00 - $18.75/hr
  • Prep Cook 1 (Dishes and Veggie Prep): $18.50 - $19.50/hr
  • Prep Cook 2 (Fried Rice, Lo Mein and Sauce Prep): $18.75 - $19.75/hr
  • Kitchen Lead: $20.50 - $23.50/hr
When?
  • Monday, 7/27 10AM-3PM 
  • Tuesday, 7/28 10AM-3PM
  • Wednesday, 7/29 10AM-3PM
Where?
  • Offsite Interview in Hackensack/Paramus, New Jersey - exact address will be sent to you

How to RSVP?
  • Submit your resume along with responses to the application questions

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Prep Cook 1 (Dishes and Veggie Prep)

Reports To:  Assistant Manager / General Manager

Position Overview: As Prep Cook 1, you are a foundational member of the Back of House team responsible for vegetable prep, dish operations, and kitchen readiness. Your work ensures the kitchen runs efficiently; ingredients are fresh and properly stocked, and the team can execute at speed. This role is essential to delivering consistent, high-quality meals and maintaining the standards that define the Canton Rodeo experience.

Compensation Range: $18.50 - $19.50/hr

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Brand Ambassador

Fulfill Canton Rodeo’s Mission and Vision by living our Core Values and consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences every shift.

Exceptional Guest Experience

  • Operate each shift with Canton Rodeo’s core values in mind: Hospitality First, Excellence, Growth Mindset, Speed with Purpose, Clean and Proud and Fun!

Food Preparation & Safety

  • Cut vegetables precisely and accurately according to company recipes and portion standards, ensuring consistency in taste, texture, and presentation across all batches
  • Prepare batches efficiently while maintaining quality standards
  • Minimize food waste through proper portioning and storage practices
  • Monitor sauce quality, freshness and storage conditions
  • Take ownership in preparing white rice and seasoned rice for our wok station
  • Successfully complete food safety training and comply with periodic food safety knowledge check
  • Complete daily temperature logs by recording the temperature of all relevant food items, refrigerators, freezers, and cooking equipment at designated times
  • Maintain safe work areas free of hazards
  • Follow all workplace safety procedures and report hazards immediately

 

Kitchen Readiness

  • Take ownership of prep and dish areas to ensure the kitchen is ready for service at all times
  • Anticipate kitchen needs to prevent disruptions to service
  • Ensure all prep items, sauces, and clean cookware are ready before service
  • Maintain adequate stock levels throughout the shift
  • Communicate low inventory to management proactively
  • Label, date, and rotate products using FIFO
  • Monitor ingredient levels and report shortages proactively
  • Identify and report spoilage or quality concerns

 

Dish & Sanitation Operations

  • Maintain a continuous flow of clean dishes, pans, and utensils to support kitchen operations
  • Prioritize washing of critical equipment needed for active production
  • Ensure all dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment are properly washed, sanitized, and organized in a timely manner to support smooth kitchen operations
  • Clean and maintain dishwashing station following proper procedures in the use, handling and storage of cleaning chemicals
  • Follow proper wash, rinse, sanitize procedures at all times
  • Transport soiled service wares from production and service areas to the dishwashing station promptly

Knife Skills & Safety

  • Successfully complete Canton Rodeo’s Knife Safety Certification prior to handling knives
  • Properly wear cut-resistant protective equipment according to safety standards
  • Perform daily maintenance and sharpening of knives to ensure optimal performance
  • Cut vegetables to company specifications with consistency, precision, and appropriate speed
  • Demonstrate knife skills proficiency as part of training and ongoing quality standards
  • Assist with protein carving and cutting as trained to meet production needs safely and efficiently

Facility & Workspace Cleanliness

  • Be presentable with 100% adherence to our uniform guidelines
  • Clean and maintain organization of all kitchen storage areas
  • Assist with basic cleaning duties such as taking out the trash, cleaning the floors, counter surfaces, and shelving units
  • Store food and supplies in designated areas according to organization standards
  • Follow all food safety, work safety and sanitation requirements

Team Collaboration & Support

  • Help maintain a positive, respectful work environment that supports smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences
  • Communicate effectively with leadership regarding operational challenges
  • Support and assist coworkers during peak periods (helping where needed!) to ensure smooth operations
  • Maintain a team-first work environment by embracing Canton Rodeo’s Chain Reaction philosophy

Skills Development and Growth

  • Be proactive in learning additional kitchen stations as trained
  • Support service line during peak periods when needed either at primary or secondary make lines

 

At Canton Rodeo, Prep Cook 1 is an entry point into a structured culinary career path. Team members demonstrating strong performance may be trained for advanced prep and leadership roles in the kitchen and/or beyond.

 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Must Have

  • Friendly and outgoing personality
  • Clear communicator and team player
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment under pressure and maintain a positive attitude
  • Strong sense of urgency to execute tasks with speed and purpose
  • Flexible availability including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to work varied shifts based on business needs
  • Reliable presence
  • Portioning
  • Speed standards

Nice to Have

  • Prior restaurant kitchen experience
  • Knife work
  • Wok handling
  • Carving
  • Interest in food and hospitality
  • Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus
  • Food Handler certification (per local requirements)

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Store Conditions

  • Fast-paced kitchen environment supporting continuous production
  • Extended exposure to water, steam, and humidity at the dishwashing station
  • Repetitive cleaning tasks during peak production periods
  • Elevated noise levels from dish equipment, kitchen operations, and team communication
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitation products
  • Frequent handling of wet dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment
  • Temperature fluctuations between hot dish areas and refrigerated storage
  • Continuous movement within tight Back of House spaces
  • Potential slippery surfaces during cleaning and production
  • Frequent coordination with prep and cooking stations

Physical Requirements

  • Be able to remain standing for long periods of time and move quickly
  • Must be able to lift to 50 lbs
  • Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with hot and cold foods
  • Occasionally reaches high storage shelving with use of step ladder
  • Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods during shifts
  • Frequent walking, bending, reaching, and lifting throughout the kitchen
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely (pots, pans, storage containers, supplies)
  • Ability to move quickly and safely in a fast-paced environment Ability to work safely around hot water, steam, cleaning chemicals, and sharp tools
  • dexterity to handle dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment safely
  • Ability to perform repetitive washing, scrubbing, lifting, and sorting tasks

 

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