Dishwasher - Iowa City

Summary/Objective 

We are looking for a hardworking and reliable Dishwasher to join our culinary team. In this essential role, you will ensure the cleanliness and organization of all kitchenware, helping to maintain a smooth and efficient kitchen operation. The ideal candidate must thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in keeping things spotless, and works well as part of a team. If you have a strong work ethic and a keen eye for cleanliness, we’d love to have you on board!

Core Values

Big Grove only hires and retains people who exhibit our core values. Our Core Values are:

1. Set the Tone

2. Thirst for Improvement

3. We Care

4. Practice Candor

5. Passion Driven

You will be given a culture deck explaining these core values. The goal of our culture deck is to show you who we are as a company, and then you can decide if you personally align with us and are excited to begin a career here.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. On a daily basis- complete pre and post shift cleaning tasks.

2. Clean and sanitize dishes, glassware, utensils and other kitchen equipment.

3. Cleanliness and organization in the dishwashing area is crucial. This includes keeping sinks, countertops, and floors clean and free of debris, as well as regularly emptying trash and recycling bins.

4. Following proper sanitation and hygiene protocols is critical to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a safe and healthy environment for customers and staff. This includes handling chemicals safely and using protective equipment as necessary.

5. Work as a team to achieve time sensitive tasks.

6. Safely maintain and operate kitchen equipment.

Competencies

• Efficiency & Speed: Ability to clean and organize dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment quickly to keep up with restaurant demands.

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring all dishware, glassware, and utensils are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and free of residue.

• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks effectively to maintain a steady workflow in a fast-paced environment.

• Teamwork & Communication: Working closely with kitchen staff and servers to ensure a smooth and efficient service.

• Knowledge of Cleaning & Sanitization Procedures: Understanding proper food safety standards, including the use of dishwashing chemicals and sanitization methods.

• Organization Skills: Keeping dish areas, sinks, and storage spaces clean, organized, and free of clutter.

• Adaptability: Adjusting to high-volume rushes and unexpected kitchen needs with a positive attitude.

• Work Ethic & Dependability: Being punctual, reliable, and committed to maintaining cleanliness standards.

• Waste & Water Management: Using resources responsibly to minimize waste while ensuring efficiency.

Be a high performing Big Grove team member with ability to look at business as a whole, communicate with all people, collaborate with all departments, work to solve organizational problems, and accomplish goals. Contribute to and exemplify BGB values, vision, standards, and culture.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Work Environment

• Fast-Paced & High-Pressure: Constant flow of dirty dishes, cookware, and utensils requiring quick turnaround to keep up with kitchen and customer demands.

• Hot & Humid Conditions: Exposure to steam, hot water, and high temperatures from dishwashing machines and kitchen equipment.

• Physically Demanding: Long hours on foot, repetitive lifting, scrubbing, and carrying heavy racks of dishes.

• Wet & Slippery Floors:  Frequent exposure to water and soap, requiring caution and proper footwear for safety.

• Team-Oriented Environment: Close collaboration with cooks, servers, and fellow kitchen staff to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.

• Noise & Busy Atmosphere: Background noise from dish machines, kitchen equipment, and communication among staff in a high-energy setting.

• Time-Sensitive Tasks: Quick cleaning and organization of dishes and utensils to prevent kitchen slowdowns during peak hours.

• Exposure to Cleaning Chemicals: Regular handling of soaps, sanitizers, and degreasers, requiring knowledge of safe usage and protective measures.

• Repetitive Yet Essential Work: Performing the same tasks continuously but playing a crucial role in maintaining kitchen operations.

• High Expectations for Cleanliness & Sanitation: Ensuring all dishware and kitchen tools meet strict hygiene standards to comply with food safety regulations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Standing for Long Hours: Requires being on your feet for extended shifts, often 6-10 hours at a time.

• Lifting & Carrying Heavy Loads:  Regularly lifting dish racks, pots, pans, and bins of dirty dishes, often weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Repetitive Motions:  Constant scrubbing, rinsing, stacking, and unloading dishes, which can put strain on hands, wrists, and arms.

• Working in High Heat & Humidity: Exposure to steam, hot water, and heat from dish machines and kitchen equipment.

• Bending, Reaching & Stooping: Frequently bending to load/unload dishwashers, reaching for overhead storage, and stooping to clean lower areas.

• Fast & Continuous Movement: Moving quickly to keep up with the steady flow of dirty dishes, ensuring a smooth kitchen operation.

• Handling Wet & Slippery Surfaces: Constant exposure to water and soap, requiring caution to prevent slips and falls.

• Endurance & Stamina: Maintaining a steady workflow and high energy levels throughout long shifts, especially during peak hours.

• Manual Dexterity & Grip Strength: Handling wet, heavy, and sometimes delicate dishware with precision and care.

• Exposure to Cleaning Chemicals: Regular use of detergents, sanitizers, and degreasers, requiring knowledge of proper handling and safety measures.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time to full-time position and hours of work/ days may vary from week to week.  Schedules will be posted the week prior to allow time for employees to be informed of work requirements. The business is open 7 days a week during many day parts.  Evening and weekends are a requirement. 

Travel

None

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Experience working as a dishwasher is preferred but not required. We will provide on the job training.

2. A strong work ethic is needed to be successful at Big Grove. 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.