Event Chef

Position: Event Chef

Company: Duvall Catering & Events

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 depending on experience

Location: 2816 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405

Schedule: Schedule varies, but usually off on Sundays and Monday. Mainly working 7:00am-5:00pm, 5 days weekly. Occasionally working parties, 11:00am-9:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Position Summary

The Event Chef supports Duvall Catering & Events' culinary operations through food preparation, basic cooking, kitchen organization, event preparation, and general culinary support. This position is an entry-level culinary role designed for individuals who are dependable, hardworking, organized, and eager to learn. The Event Chef works closely with chefs and other culinary staff to ensure food is properly prepared, organized, and ready for events. The ideal candidate takes pride in their work, follows instructions carefully, maintains a clean and organized workspace, and is willing to assist wherever needed to help the culinary team successfully execute each event.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation

• Perform basic food preparation according to recipes, prep lists, and chef direction.
• Wash, peel, cut, chop, slice, portion, and prepare ingredients.
• Prepare vegetables, proteins, sauces, garnishes, and other components as directed.
• Portion and organize ingredients for upcoming events.
• Assist with assembling appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, buffet items, and other event food.
• Properly label, date, store, and organize prepared food and ingredients.
• Follow established recipes, portion standards, and preparation procedures.

Basic Cooking

• Perform basic cooking tasks under the direction of the chef or culinary leadership.
• Assist with cooking proteins, vegetables, starches, sauces, and other menu components.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and according to established procedures.
• Monitor food during preparation and communicate concerns to the chef.
• Assist with reheating, holding, and finishing food for events as directed.

Event Preparation & Production

• Assist with preparing food and equipment for catering events.
• Help organize food according to event-specific prep lists and BEO requirements.
• Portion and package food for transport when required.
• Assist chefs with loading and organizing food for events.
• Support on-site culinary teams during event execution when assigned.
• Assist with replenishment and food preparation during events as directed.

Kitchen Organization & Sanitation

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces, equipment, and tools.
• Properly store ingredients, equipment, and finished food.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene standards.
• Assist with general kitchen cleaning and closing duties.
• Properly dispose of waste and maintain organized work areas.

Team Support

• Follow direction from chefs, culinary managers, and supervisors.
• Work cooperatively with other members of the culinary and event teams.
• Communicate clearly regarding food preparation, inventory, equipment, or production concerns.
• Assist other team members when priorities change.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform additional culinary and operational duties as assigned.

Food Safety

• Follow all Duvall Catering food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene and food-handling practices.
• Follow proper temperature control procedures.
• Prevent cross-contamination through proper food handling and storage.
• Properly label, date, rotate, and store food products.
• Report food safety concerns to culinary leadership immediately.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen, restaurant, catering, or food-service experience preferred but not required.
• Basic understanding of food preparation and kitchen safety preferred.
• Willingness to learn and follow recipes and instructions.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to take direction and complete tasks independently once trained.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry food products, kitchen equipment, and supplies.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and move throughout a commercial kitchen.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments.

Schedule

Duvall Catering operates according to an event-based schedule. The Event Chef may be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours depending on production and event schedules.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal Event Chef is reliable, hardworking, coachable, and takes pride in doing things correctly. This person does not need to know everything on day one. They should be willing to learn, accept direction, work as part of a team, and develop their culinary skills over time. A successful Event Chef understands that great catering starts with proper preparation, organization, consistency, and attention to detail. They are willing to step in wherever needed to help the culinary team deliver a successful event.