Prep Cook (Olive & Finch - DIA)

Job Description - Prep Cook (DEN Airport)

Job Title: Prep Cook - DEN Airport

Reports to: General Manager / Kitchen Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Eligible for Tips: No

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 Prep Cook at our Denver International Airport (DEN) locations is responsible for setting our culinary operation up for success in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. This role requires an organized, detail-oriented individual who executes chef-driven recipes with precision, maintains strict quality and portion controls, and manages inventory levels to reduce waste. Working in a clean, professional manner, the Prep Cook ensures that all ingredients meet Olive & Finch brand standards before they ever reach the line.

Key Responsibilities

Recipe Execution & Quality Control

• Recipe Standards: Accurately measure, chop, portion, and prepare ingredients, sauces, dressings, and proteins according to established Olive & Finch recipes.
• Quality Assurance: Inspect all ingredients for freshness, flavor profile, and visual appearance to maintain our commitment to exceptional meals.
• Portion Control: Consistently use scales, measuring tools, and specified cutting techniques to guarantee product uniformity and exact portion sizes.

Inventory & Waste Management

• Waste Tracking: Monitor and manage waste by practicing proper rotation, tracking scrap, and reporting food waste diligently to culinary leadership.
• Par Levels: Maintain optimal inventory levels on the prep line, communicating any low-stock items or ordering needs proactively.
• FIFO Rotation: Strictly enforce the FIFO (First In, First Out) method for all prepped items, ensuring items are labeled with exact dates, times, and shelf-life expectations.

Kitchen Cleanliness & Professionalism

• Station Organization: Work in a highly organized, clean, and professional manner, keeping the prep station sanitary throughout the shift.
• Sanitation Procedures: Follow all health, safety, and sanitation procedures, including proper handwashing, chemical use, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Equipment Care: Safely operate and clean standard kitchen equipment (e.g., knives, food processors, slicers, mixers) according to safety standards.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Shift Readiness: Complete daily prep lists efficiently to ensure the line cooks and service stations are fully stocked for heavy travel rushes.
• Effective Communication: Communicate seamlessly with the management and kitchen teams to ensure seamless shift operations.

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 prep cook, line cook, or culinary back-of-house experience is required.
• Strong knife skills, recipe-reading comprehension, and an understanding of culinary weights and measurements.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-energy, fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks calmly under pressure.
• Availability: Schedule flexibility to work weekends, evenings, early mornings, and holidays as needed to align with airport flight schedules.

Physical Requirements

• This is a hands-on, physically demanding position requiring extended periods of standing, walking, and utilizing sharp cutlery.
• Must be able to bend, reach, move quickly, and lift up to 50 lbs to support kitchen inventory and prep storage.

Compensation & Benefits

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

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.