Kitchen Help – Job Description
Location:
Company: Nouska Indian Bistro
Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Position Summary
At Nouska Indian Bistro, our Kitchen Help plays an essential role in supporting the preparation and production of our fresh, high-quality food offerings within the Deli, Bakery, and Prepared Foods Departments. The Kitchen Help is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment, assisting with ingredient preparation, supporting cooks and bakers, and ensuring that all food items meet company standards for freshness, quality, and presentation.
This position requires strong attention to detail, teamwork, time management, and adherence to all food safety and sanitation standards. The Kitchen Help directly contributes to the overall guest experience by ensuring that products are consistently well-prepared and visually appealing for our customers.
Key Responsibilities
1. Food Preparation & Production Support
- Assist cooks, bakers, and deli staff in the preparation of food according to established recipes and quality standards.
- Wash, peel, chop, slice, and portion ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
- Measure and combine ingredients accurately, ensuring consistency in recipe preparation.
- Support in the preparation of simple dishes such as salads, sandwiches, hot entrees, soups, sauces, and sides.
- Assist bakers with basic tasks such as dough preparation, portioning, and packaging baked goods.
- Prepare and plate ready-to-eat products for the deli and grab-and-go sections.
- Monitor cooking and baking times to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Ensure all food is handled, stored, and labeled according to First In, First Out (FIFO) and company standards.
2. Workstation Setup & Organization
- Set up and stock stations with all necessary ingredients, tools, and equipment prior to each shift.
- Ensure that kitchen equipment (mixers, slicers, ovens, etc.) is clean, properly assembled, and in safe working condition.
- Maintain an organized prep area, ensuring ingredients and supplies are easily accessible.
- Assist in maintaining kitchen flow and efficiency during peak hours by anticipating staff needs.
3. Sanitation & Food Safety
- Strictly follow all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations as per Ontario Food Premises Regulations and company policy.
- Clean and sanitize all kitchen surfaces, tools, and equipment throughout and after shifts.
- Dispose of waste and recycling appropriately and keep garbage areas clean.
- Ensure coolers, freezers, and storage areas are maintained at proper temperatures and kept organized.
- Remove and record expired products; assist in inventory rotation to reduce waste.
- Report any food safety concerns, maintenance issues, or equipment malfunctions immediately to the Store Manager or Kitchen Supervisor.
4. Customer & Team Interaction
- Work collaboratively with kitchen, bakery, and deli teams to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations.
- Support front-of-house staff by restocking prepared food displays and ensuring presentation quality.
- Maintain a polite, professional, and positive attitude toward coworkers, management, and customers.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and a willingness to help across departments as needed.
5. Inventory & Supply Management
- Monitor stock levels of ingredients, packaging materials, and cleaning supplies; notify the Store Manager or Kitchen Lead of shortages.
- Assist in receiving, unpacking, and storing deliveries, verifying product quality and accuracy.
- Label, date, and store all incoming ingredients properly according to health regulations.
- Support inventory counts and assist in maintaining accurate records of ingredients used.
6. Equipment & Maintenance
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and only after proper training (e.g., slicers, ovens, mixers, dishwashers).
- Conduct daily cleaning and inspection of equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Immediately report any equipment requiring servicing or repairs.
- Follow proper procedures for cleaning and sanitizing tools between uses to avoid cross-contamination.
7. Professionalism & Company Standards
- Uphold the image, values, and reputation of Nouska Indian Bistro, maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Ensure all food preparation areas reflect the company’s commitment to excellence, quality, and cleanliness.
- Follow all company policies, procedures, and dress code standards.
- Maintain a calm, positive attitude in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
Qualifications
- Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Culinary or food service training is an asset.
- Experience:
- Previous experience in a grocery store, café, bakery, or restaurant kitchen preferred.
- Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen best practices.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Excellent time management, organization, and multitasking abilities.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining cleanliness and quality.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Reliable, punctual, and proactive.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and move continuously for extended periods.
- Capability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly.
- Manual dexterity for handling knives, kitchen utensils, and machinery safely.
- Ability to work in varying temperature environments (e.g., kitchen heat, coolers, and freezers).
*Please Note
All other duties as assigned. Employees may be required to assist in other departments as operationally necessary.
Nouska Indian Bistro is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
