The Finchnest is a new, independently owned restaurant in Margaretville, NY, built around a simple idea: serve food and drinks we genuinely care about in a place where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and well taken care of. We are looking for a dependable, hardworking Dishwasher / Prep Cook to join our opening team. This is an active, hands-on position and an essential part of keeping our kitchen running smoothly. We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys keeping things clean, organized, and in their proper place and who understands that a well-run dish station requires just as much awareness and attention as any other station in the kitchen. The Role A great dishwasher doesn't wait until the kitchen runs out of something to start washing it. We're looking for someone who pays attention to what's happening around them, anticipates what the kitchen will need next, and stays ahead of service whenever possible. If the cooks are going through sauté pans quickly, you notice. If we're getting low on silverware, you prioritize it. If clean dishes are beginning to pile up, you put them away before the station becomes cluttered. The goal is to keep clean dishes, cookware, utensils, and equipment continuously moving back into service while maintaining a clean and organized dish area.

Responsibilities will include:

Washing and sanitizing plates, glassware, silverware, cookware, utensils, cutting boards, containers, and kitchen equipment Keeping the dish machine and three-compartment sink operating efficiently throughout service Prioritizing items based on the immediate needs of the kitchen and dining room Returning clean items promptly to their correct designated locations Keeping the dish station clean, organized, and free of unnecessary clutter Properly sorting, soaking, scraping, washing, rinsing, and sanitizing items as appropriate Regularly changing dishwater and maintaining proper sanitizer concentrations Cleaning and maintaining the dish machine, sinks, drains, strainers, and surrounding areas Breaking down cardboard and properly handling trash, recycling, and food waste Emptying garbage and recycling throughout the shift before containers become overfilled Taking trash and recycling to designated outdoor collection areas Sweeping and mopping kitchen, dish, and other assigned floors Cleaning floor mats and maintaining clean, safe walking surfaces Cleaning spills promptly and helping maintain a safe work environment Cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces and other assigned kitchen areas Assisting with end-of-night kitchen cleaning and breakdown Cleaning and restocking guest bathrooms at the end of the evening Restocking soap, paper products, cleaning supplies, and other assigned items Helping maintain organized storage, chemical, and dry-goods areas Following all food-safety, sanitation, and chemical-handling procedures Completing assigned opening and closing responsibilities thoroughly and consistently Prep Cook Responsibilities During slower periods, this position will also assist the kitchen team with basic food preparation and kitchen support . Depending on experience and the needs of the kitchen, this may include: Washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning vegetables Preparing simple ingredients and components according to recipes Measuring, portioning, labeling, dating, and properly storing ingredients Assisting with basic prep and light cooking tasks under the direction of the Chef Receiving deliveries and putting products away promptly Rotating products and helping maintain proper FIFO organization Keeping walk-ins, refrigerators, dry storage, and prep areas clean and organized Helping cooks restock their stations before and during service Learning additional prep responsibilities as skills develop Prior prep-cook experience is helpful, but we are happy to teach someone who is dependable, attentive, and interested in learning. Who We're Looking For This role is ideal for someone who gets satisfaction from keeping a workspace clean and organized and takes pride in doing a job thoroughly. We're especially interested in someone who: Is dependable and arrives ready to work on time Has a strong sense of urgency without becoming careless Pays attention to what is happening around them Anticipates what the kitchen will need instead of always waiting to be asked Can prioritize tasks during a busy service Notices when something is dirty, empty, running low, or out of place—and takes care of it Puts things back where they belong Can follow instructions and established cleaning and food-safety procedures Communicates clearly with cooks, servers, bartenders, and management Is willing to ask questions when unsure Takes feedback well and follows through Is comfortable working independently while still being part of a team Takes pride in leaving their station clean, organized, and ready for the next shift Restaurant experience is helpful, but attitude, reliability, awareness, and work ethic are more important to us than an extensive résumé. Compensation This position pays an hourly range of $18 - $22 plus tips. Schedule This is a full-time, five-day-per-week position .

Wednesday-Sunday Start:

3:00 PM sharp

Typical End:

Approximately 10:30 PM End times will vary depending on business levels and completion of closing responsibilities. Applicants must be available to work nights and weekends . The Finchnest is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Physical Requirements This is a physically active restaurant position. With or without reasonable accommodation, employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, which may include: Standing and walking for extended periods throughout a shift Frequently bending, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, squatting, and carrying Safely lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds Moving racks of dishes, garbage containers, cases of food and restaurant supplies Repeatedly climbing and descending stairs Performing repetitive motions associated with washing, scrubbing, chopping, cleaning, and food preparation Working around water, steam, heat, cleaning chemicals, wet surfaces, and commercial kitchen equipment Working in a fast-paced, hot, noisy, and sometimes crowded kitchen environment Safely using knives and other basic kitchen equipment when performing prep responsibilities Safely navigating kitchen, dish, storage, dining, bathroom, and waste-disposal areas Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Working at The Finchnest The Finchnest is owner-operated, and the owners work alongside the staff . We will be present to provide training, support, oversight, and help when things get busy. We believe every position in a restaurant matters. A smooth service isn't possible without a clean, organized dish station, and the person working that station is an important part of the kitchen team. We genuinely care about the food we serve, the drinks we make, the experience our guests have, and the experience our employees have while working here. We're looking to build a team of people who take pride in their work, treat one another with respect, communicate openly, and understand that when one part of the restaurant needs help, we all pitch in. Equal Opportunity Employment The Finchnest is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, New York State, or local law. The Finchnest is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and for other needs protected by applicable law. This position has been made available as a provision of a grant to The Finchnest from the NYS Office of Community Renewal CDBG. Low-to-moderate income persons as defined by HUD will be given first consideration in hiring. Information can be obtained at 654 Main St. Margaretville, NY or by emailing hi@thefinchnestny.com.

Pay:

$18.00 - $22.00 per hour Expected hours: 35.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off

Work Location:

In person