Dishwasher / Steward

Description

Job Title: Dishwasher / Steward
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Reports To: Sous Chef / Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef / Stewarding Manager
Department: Back of House – Stewarding
Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt

About José Andrés Group

José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.

Position Summary

Dishwashers (Stewards) keep the operation moving by ensuring all wares, tools, and kitchen spaces are clean, safe, and service-ready. You’ll operate dish machines and 3-compartment sink to standard, maintain par levels for wares, uphold DOH sanitation, and support the culinary and service teams during high-volume shifts.

Key Responsibilities

Ware washing & Machine Operation

• Sort, scrape, and rack wares; load/unload dish machine to spec; air-dry—no towel drying.
• Set up, monitor, and break down the dish machine; check temps and sanitizer/PPM; delime as scheduled.
• Properly use the 3-compartment sink (wash/rinse/sanitize) and test sanitizer concentration.

Smallware, Glassware & Flatware

• Ensure plates, glassware, silverware, cookware, and utensils are spotless and promptly returned to stations.
• Polish glassware/silver as needed, handle breakage safely and report immediately.

Sanitation, Safety & Cleaning

• “Clean as you go”; sweep/mop floors, maintain floor drains, and keep the dish area dry and organized.
• Follow DOH standards, allergy/cross-contact protocols, and chemical/PPE safety; reference SDS as needed.
• Complete opening/closing and deep-clean tasks (walls, hoods/filters, racks, mats, trash/recycling areas).

Stocking, Par Levels & Organization

• Maintain par levels of wares; restock stations (line, bar, server stations, PDR) throughout service.
• Keep walk-ins, dry storage, and shelves tidy, labeled, and mapped.

Waste, Recycling & Receiving

• Break down cardboard; manage trash, compost, grease, and recycling per policy; keep dock/compactor areas clean.
• Assist with receiving count, quality check, date/label, and store product to spec.

Equipment Care & Communication

• Handle equipment correctly (sprayers, racks, sinks, machine); report malfunctions and maintenance needs promptly.
• Communicate shortages, 86’d wares, or sanitation concerns to leadership in real time.

Team Support & Events

• Support BOH/FOH during peak service; run wares to stations and assist with resets.
• Help with events/private dining setup and breakdown as assigned.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Stand/walk for extended periods (up to 8+ hours).
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 35–50 lbs.; frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motion.
• Exposure to hot/cold, steam, humidity, and cleaning chemicals; slip-resistant footwear required.

In Return, We Offer You

• Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for growth
• Eligible health & wellness benefits (for qualifying positions)
• Employee dining and partner discounts
• Growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity Employer

José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 6+ months steward/dish experience in a high-volume kitchen preferred; we will train the right candidate.
• Knowledge of basic sanitation, ware washing, and safe chemical handling; Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain).
• Organized, reliable, and team-oriented; able to follow checklists and direction in a fast-paced environment.
• Schedule flexibility (nights, weekends, holidays).