Prep Cook at Trappers Sushi Hawks Prairie – LACEY, Washington

Job Purpose

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen organization, and supporting daily food production in alignment with Trapper’s Sushi standards. This role plays a key part in ensuring product quality, food safety, and efficient kitchen operations while contributing to a clean, safe, and team-oriented work environment.Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients—including vegetables, proteins, sauces, and sushi components—according to standardized recipes and production lists.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality in all prep work to support smooth service periods.
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of prep stations, storage areas, equipment, and tools.
• Follow all food safety guidelines, including proper storage, labeling, temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Restock and rotate ingredients to maintain freshness and minimize waste.
• Set up and break down prep areas, ensuring all equipment is cleaned and stored properly at the end of each shift.
• Assist cooks, sushi chefs, and kitchen team members as needed to support overall kitchen operations.
• Communicate supply shortages, equipment issues, or safety concerns to leadership promptly.
• Demonstrate and uphold all TRAPCHK core values of teamwork, respect, accountability, professionalism, communication, honesty, and kindness.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive pay ($18.25–$20.75/hr. DOE)
• Medical insurance – 80% employer paid after 60 days (with qualifying hours)
• 401(k) with company match (eligible after 1 year of service)
• Voluntary dental and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid sick leave (per WA state/local laws)
• Employee meal discounts
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing restaurant group
• Supportive, team-oriented culture

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous prep cook or kitchen experience preferred but not required.
• Strong knife skills and familiarity with basic food preparation techniques.
• Ability to follow recipes, portion standards, and verbal instructions consistently.
• Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Valid Washington State Food Worker Card required prior to first day of work.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the shift.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Work performed in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, knives, cleaning chemicals, and moderate noise levels.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including cut-resistant gloves and non-slip footwear, is required.

Compliance & Equal OpportunityThis role is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees in this position are eligible for overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek (or applicable state law standard).Trapper’s Sushi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.