Location: Event sites throughout New York City and all five boroughs
Title: Dishwasher / Catering Utility Worker
Job Type: Temporary, Part-Time / Per Diem, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Hours as needed for events, including evenings and weekends
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Reports To: Kitchen Management / Event Management
About Us
Salsa Caterers & Special Events, Inc. is an off-premises catering, food service, and special events company known for delivering memorable events and attentive hospitality. Our team supports a wide range of social, corporate, and special events throughout New York City, with a focus on quality, organization, cleanliness, and professional service.
Salsa Caterers is seeking reliable, hardworking **Dishwashers / Catering Utility Workers** to support our culinary and event operations. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, take pride in maintaining clean and organized workspaces, and can support kitchen teams during catered events.
Overview
The Dishwasher / Catering Utility Worker is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of dishes, utensils, cookware, kitchen equipment, and food preparation areas during catered events.
This position supports culinary staff with event setup, kitchen organization, equipment handling, and post-event breakdown to ensure efficient operations and compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Dishwashing and Sanitation
- Wash, rinse, sanitize, and properly store dishes, glassware, utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment.
- Operate commercial dishwashing equipment and maintain proper sanitation procedures.
- Ensure that clean dishes and equipment are available throughout event service.
- Separate, organize, and properly handle dirty and clean equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintain clean and organized dishwashing stations and surrounding work areas.
- Follow established food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
Kitchen and Event Support
- Assist with setting up kitchen workstations, dishwashing areas, and equipment before events.
- Support culinary staff by organizing and transporting kitchen supplies, cookware, and equipment.
- Replenish clean dishes, utensils, and other kitchen supplies as needed.
- Assist with loading, unloading, and organizing catering equipment and supplies.
- Help maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas, storage spaces, and service areas.
- Perform additional kitchen utility duties as assigned by management.
Event Breakdown and Cleaning
- Assist with the breakdown and cleaning of kitchen and dishwashing areas following events.
- Collect, sort, and organize used dishes, utensils, and catering equipment.
- Remove garbage, recycling, and food waste in accordance with established procedures.
- Sweep, mop, and sanitize floors, work surfaces, and equipment.
- Properly pack and secure kitchen equipment and supplies for transportation.
- Ensure assigned work areas are clean, organized, and ready for the next event.
About You
- Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to perform physically demanding tasks.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen or catering environment.
- Attention to cleanliness, organization, and food safety.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with kitchen and event staff.
- Willingness to assist with various kitchen and event-related responsibilities.
- Availability for event-based assignments, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
- Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills are a plus.
Preferred Experience
- Previous dishwashing, kitchen utility, restaurant, banquet, or catering experience.
- Familiarity with commercial dishwashing equipment and sanitation procedures.
- Experience supporting off-premises catering or large-scale events.
Prior experience is preferred but not required. Training may be provided to qualified candidates.**
Required
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be willing to undergo employment screening as required by the Company.
- Must be able to travel to assigned event locations throughout New York City and the five boroughs.
- Must be available to work flexible, event-based schedules.
- Must be able to follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
Environmental and Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during event preparation, service, and breakdown.
- Ability to frequently bend, reach, lift, carry, and move kitchen equipment and supplies.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to work in wet, hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
- Ability to work around commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning products, and dishwashing machinery.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining safety and sanitation standards.
- Ability to work varying hours based on event schedules, including evenings and weekends.
Job Description Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other responsibilities as business needs evolve.
Employment is at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Salsa Caterers & Special Events, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
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