Chef

This job opportunity is with a vibrant food service operation specializing in Salvadoran and Guatemalan cuisine delivered through a mobile food truck experience. The establishment operates primarily in the fast-casual segment offering authentic cultural dishes prepared freshly on location for a diverse and enthusiastic community across the DC metro area, particularly Langley Park, MD. The company prides itself on its commitment to serving quality food that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Central America, making it a popular destination for food lovers seeking an authentic cultural dining experience in a convenient, mobile format.

The role is a contract position running from September 2025 to January 2026, designed for an experienced Line Chef who can thrive in a fast-paced, compact kitchen environment. The selected individual will be integral to the daily operations of the food truck, responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving a rotating menu featuring staples such as pupusas, tamales, guisados, rice and beans, and curtido. This position demands a high level of culinary skill, meticulous attention to food safety standards, and consistency in portion control to maintain the authenticity and quality of each dish.

The ideal candidate for this bilingual role is fluent in both Spanish and English, enabling effective communication within a diverse team and with the community served. They must have at least two years of experience working in mobile kitchens, fast-casual dining environments, or Latin American restaurants, with a deep familiarity of Salvadoran and Guatemalan ingredients and cooking styles. The candidate should hold or be willing to obtain ServSafe certification prior to the start date to ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.

In addition to their culinary responsibilities, the Line Chef will support guest chefs during cultural spotlight activations, help with mise en place and batch recipes, and assist with maintaining the kitchen flow. The role also involves operational duties including setup and teardown of the mobile unit, restocking ingredients, managing waste disposal in compliance with local health regulations, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. Effective teamwork and communication with the Food Truck and Kitchen Manager and other team members are crucial to the smooth running of operations.

This position offers an hourly wage ranging from $25 to $30, dependent on experience, with additional perks including free meals during shifts, a $100 monthly travel stipend where applicable, and bonuses during tentpole events or days of high volume. The schedule comprises four to five weekday shifts per week with shift lengths ranging from six to eight hours, including setup and cleanup. The food truck travels to various locations around the DC metropolitan area, providing diverse work settings and opportunities to engage with different communities.

This contract line chef position is not just about cooking; it’s about contributing to a cultural mission that embraces hospitality, food heritage, and community service. Candidates passionate about food culture, who thrive in energetic, dynamic environments and who seek to represent their culinary craft with warmth and professionalism are highly encouraged to apply. Potential applicants should prepare a resume highlighting relevant culinary experience, describe a few personal favorite dishes to cook, and indicate availability between July and November 2025 to be considered for this exciting culinary contract role.