Part Time Catering Prep Cook

Job Title: Seasonal Catering Prep Cook
Location: On-Site Kitchen + Off-Site Events
Schedule: Part-Time / Seasonal | 2 3 Days Per Week | September December (Ends before Christmas)
Reports To: Executive Chef & Sous Chef Team

Position Overview

Purple Onion Catering is a full-service catering company known for thoughtful food, seamless execution, and a strong, people-first culture. We approach everything we do through our core values of kindness, care, and elevate how we treat each other, how we show up for our clients, and how we continuously push ourselves to improve.We are seeking a Seasonal Catering Prep Cook to join our culinary team for our peak fall season. This position runs from September through December, concluding just before Christmas, and includes having Thanksgiving off. It is an ideal role for an experienced culinary professional looking for consistent, part-time seasonal hours within a highly supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute daily prep lists with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail.
  
• Maintain consistency in recipes, portioning, and overall product quality.
  
• Properly label, store, and organize all prepped items following food safety standards.
  
• Support the packing and organization of food for off-site events.
  
• Work on-site at events to support setup, service, and breakdown.
  
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment at all times.
  
• Communicate production needs clearly to the Executive and Sous Chef team.
  

Schedule & Expectations

• Weekly Commitment: 2 3 days per week.
  
• Duration: September through December (position concludes before Christmas).
  
• Holiday Schedule: Off on Thanksgiving Day.
  
• Event Requirement: Must be able to work an average of 1 event per month.
  
• Bonus Hours: Additional hours are available for candidates willing to work more events.
  
• Future Opportunities: Option to keep the employee "on retainer" for the spring busy season (March June) of the following year, as well as occasional busy weeks during the winter down season, upon mutual agreement.
  

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in a professional kitchen (catering or high-volume experience preferred).
  
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain speed and quality during busy seasons.
  
• Positive, solutions-oriented mindset and a commitment to teamwork.
  
• Reliable transportation to our kitchen and various event locations.
  
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
  
• Spanish speaking a plus, but not required.
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Pay: Starting at $21 per hour, depending on experience.
  
• Culture: A collaborative, team-focused work culture driven by kindness and care.
  
• Perks: Free staff meals provided on all shifts over 8 hours.
  
• Location: We are located two miles Vienna Fairfax GMU Metro Station
  

Job Type: Part-time, Seasonal
Work Location: In person