Kitchen Steward (Olive & Finch - DIA)

Job Description - Kitchen Steward (DEN Airport)

Job Title: Kitchen Steward - DEN Airport

Reports to: General Manager / Kitchen Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Eligible for Tips:

Security Clearance: Must pass a federal background check and fingerprinting to obtain a Denver International Airport (DEN) security badge.

About Olive & Finch Collective

Olive & Finch Collective is a Denver-based hospitality group committed to fresh, chef-driven meals, exceptional guest experiences, and a people-first culture. Since opening in 2013, our growing portfolio now includes restaurants, neighborhood cafés, a full-service bakeshop, a robust catering and events division, retail and grab-and-go operations, and multiple locations at Denver International Airport. At Olive & Finch, we believe in inclusive leadership, sustainable growth, and nourishing both our guests and our teams.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Steward at our Denver International Airport (DEN) locations is the backbone of our back-of-house (BOH) operations. This role is essential for maintaining a safe, sanitary, and highly efficient kitchen environment in a fast-paced travel hub. The ideal candidate takes pride in cleanliness, handles high volumes of dishwashing with speed and care, assists with light food preparation, and ensures our culinary team is fully stocked and supported.

Key Responsibilities

Dishwashing & Sanitation

• Dish Station Management: Wash, rinse, and sanitize all plates, utensils, glassware, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment quickly and efficiently.
• Storage & Organization: Properly dry and return clean dishes, cookware, and service items to their designated storage areas.
• Chemical Safety: Safely operate and maintain the commercial dishwasher, checking and documenting chemical and temperature levels as required.

Kitchen Cleanliness & Trash Removal

• Facility Upkeep: Sweep and mop kitchen floors, wipe down stainless steel work surfaces, and keep all walk-ins, freezers, and storage areas clean and organized.
• Waste Disposal: Empty kitchen trash cans, recycling bins, and compost regularly throughout the shift, transporting garbage to designated airport disposal areas safely.
• Deep Cleaning: Execute daily, weekly, and monthly deep-cleaning tasks for kitchen equipment, hoods, walls, and vents.

Light Prep Work & Stocking

• Culinary Support: Assist the line cooks and kitchen leadership with basic, light food preparation tasks (e.g., washing produce, peeling vegetables, assembling simple items) as directed.
• Inventory Stocking: Help receive, unpack, and properly store incoming food, beverage, and chemical deliveries, adhering to FIFO (First In, First Out) standards.
• Line Support: Monitor the kitchen lines to ensure cooks have the clean tools, pans, and equipment they need to keep service moving smoothly.

Safety & Compliance

• Sanitation Procedures: Strictly follow all local health department regulations and airport-specific safety, health, and food sanitation procedures.
• Hazard Awareness: Maintain a dry, slip-free kitchen floor by immediately cleaning up spills and utilizing "wet floor" caution signs.

Qualifications

• Airport Badging: Must be able to successfully pass the required federal background screening and fingerprinting process mandated by Denver International Airport to secure an airport badge.
• Previous dishwashing, kitchen steward, or restaurant back-of-house experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced kitchen environment and handle multiple physical tasks under pressure.
• Strong teamwork, communication skills, and a positive attitude.
• Availability: Schedule flexibility to work weekends, evenings, early mornings, and holidays as needed to align with airport flight schedules.

Physical Requirements

• This is a highly physical, hands-on position requiring extended periods of standing, walking, and moving quickly in a hot, humid kitchen environment.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, and safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs (such as heavy trash bags, chemical buckets, or food crates).
• Frequent exposure to water, steam, and commercial cleaning chemicals.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay
• PTO, Sick Pay (Up to 6 days) & Holiday Pay
• Meal discounts, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for advancement within a growing company.
• Medical, Dental, Vision and IRA (eligible for full-time equivalent employees)

EEO & At-Will Statement Olive & Finch Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Olive & Finch is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time, with or without notice or cause. This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated as business needs evolve.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.

Must be able to pass a federal background check.