Culinary Associate III

The Wonderful Company•Shafter, CA

5d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Wonderful Company is seeking a versatile, experienced Culinary Associate (Level 3) for La Cocina in Shafter, California. The role supports both back-of-house kitchen operations and front-of-house guest service, combining food preparation and cooking with customer service and order fulfillment. It helps ensure high-quality food and a positive, seamless customer experience in a fast-paced restaurant environment. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM. Flexibility is required to accommodate business needs and scheduling coverage. The role involves preparing menu items to order, maintaining cooking stations and shared work areas, fulfilling customer orders, supporting inventory and Grab & Go operations, and following food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards. The position requires standing for extended periods and the ability to bend, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds. The Wonderful Company describes itself as a privately held global company headquartered in Los Angeles, with more than 10,000 employees worldwide. Its benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage, a 401(k) with match eligibility, wellness resources, learning and development opportunities, mentorship, career advancement, and company-supported charitable giving.

Requirements

At least 4 years of restaurant culinary experience, including cooking on the line.
Demonstrated understanding of cooking methods, ingredients, and food preparation techniques.
In-depth knowledge of restaurant best practices and cooking methods.
Prior experience in both customer service and food preparation.
Exceptional customer service and teamwork skills.
Ability to operate heavy kitchen equipment safely and effectively.
Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and remain proactive and productive during slower periods.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Flexibility to adapt to changing tasks and priorities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a customer-service mindset.
Organizational skills to manage the work area and maintain station readiness.
Proficiency with kitchen equipment, food safety, and sanitation standards.
Positive, team-oriented attitude and willingness to support both front- and back-of-house needs.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing demands and remain calm under pressure.
Strong work ethic and reliability.
Reliability, consistency, and a positive, can-do attitude.

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook menu items to order, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely service.
Operate kitchen equipment and cooking stations, including grills, sauté stations, and ovens, safely and effectively.
Set up and maintain line stations with prepared ingredients, supplies, and equipment.
Follow recipes, portioning, and presentation standards to maintain menu consistency.
Monitor food quality, taste, and appearance before service and ensure dishes meet standards for taste, temperature, portion size, and presentation.
Prepare, label, rotate, and stock Grab & Go items.
Fulfill customer orders promptly and accurately.
Greet customers warmly and provide a welcoming experience that encourages repeat visits.
Answer customer questions about menu items, specials, and modifications.
Monitor inventory and communicate shortages or needs to leadership.
Assist with receiving, storing, and rotating food and supply deliveries; restock supplies and rotate stock to maintain freshness.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the line, workstations, and shared front- and back-of-house areas.
Work cooperatively with team members and anticipate operational needs.
Support additional back-of-house duties, including food preparation and workstation setup.
Follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
Complete tasks assigned by Culinary Leads and Supervisors to support restaurant operations.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
401(k) with match eligibility
24/7 online physician consultations
Virtual mental health resources
Life coaching
Employee community groups
Cash rewards for healthy habits
Fitness reimbursements
On-demand fitness videos
Career advancement opportunities and internal mobility
Learning and development resources, including leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses
Company-wide mentorship program
Continuous improvement training
Company-provided funds for charitable giving through Wonderful Giving
Opportunities to participate in community service projects through Wonderful Neighbor