Food Preparation Workers
What is a Food Preparation Worker?
Food Preparation Workers are essential members of the culinary team in restaurants, cafeterias, and other foodservice establishments. They assist in the preparation of food by performing a variety of tasks, such as washing, chopping, and slicing vegetables, meats, and other ingredients. These workers often help with basic cooking tasks and ensure that food is prepped in accordance with safety and hygiene standards. They are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, including washing dishes and sanitizing surfaces, and they may also assist chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients for recipes and helping to organize food storage. Their work contributes directly to the efficiency of the kitchen and the quality of the meals served.
Tasks
- Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
- Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
- Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
- Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
- Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Computer based training software
- Quizlet
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Data base user interface and query software
- CBORD NetRecipe
- Culinary Software Services ChefTec
- MicroBlast Recipe Wizard for Windows
- ValuSoft MasterCook
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Video creation and editing software
- YouTube
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Commercial use scales
- Commercial use food slicers
- Commercial use food choppers or cubers or dicers
- Cappuccino or espresso machines
- Soft serve machines
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Trunk Strength
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
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Doctoral degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Detailed Work Activities
- Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment.
- Clean tableware.
- Assist chefs or caterers with food or drink preparation.
- Assess equipment functioning.
- Distribute resources to patrons or employees.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$22970.0 - $42990.0
This career will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.