Culinary Associate

Bakersfield, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $22.00 - $23.00

Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts

Day Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

401K Plan with match

Paid Time Off

Mental Health Resources

Employee wellness programs

Job Description

The Wonderful Company is a distinguished and privately held enterprise headquartered in Los Angeles, with a remarkable legacy spanning iconic, high-quality brands such as Wonderful Pistachios, Wonderful Halos, FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, JUSTIN Wine, and Teleflora. Valued at approximately $6 billion, the company is dedicated to harvesting health around the world by providing consumers with the freshest, most wholesome products, including America's number one tree nut, the fastest growing snack Wonderful Pistachios, and the number one mandarin orange Wonderful Halos. This company’s commitment extends beyond its products, emphasizing employee well-being, community engagement, and sustainability. With over 10,000 employees worldwide, The Wonderful Company fosters a collaborative work environment rooted in entrepreneurial spirit, openness to change, and a steadfast commitment to social responsibility. The company has a deep history of investing over $1 billion in environmental sustainability, $65 million in charitable giving, health, and education initiatives annually, and more than $143 million toward charter school campuses in California's Central Valley. In 2025, it was ranked number 1 in PEOPLE's "100 Companies That Care" list and recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. The culture at The Wonderful Company is inclusive, diverse, and progressive, promoting equity and acceptance for all employees regardless of background or identity.

La Cocina, The Wonderful Company’s contemporary cafe situated within the Wonderful Logistics Center, is designed to serve the culinary needs of the company’s diverse employees and neighboring community. This unique establishment blends a welcoming atmosphere with efficient service, aiming to enhance the daily dining experiences of its patrons by offering delicious and healthy food options that reflect the company’s broader commitment to health and quality. The cafe operates as a fast-paced food service environment where quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction are paramount.

The Culinary Associate, Level 3, plays a pivotal role in La Cocina’s success by bridging back-of-house food preparation with front-of-house customer interaction. This highly versatile position demands a skilled cook with comprehensive restaurant experience who can maintain high standards in cooking and food presentation, operate kitchen equipment safely, and deliver exceptional customer service. The role involves preparing and cooking menu items to order, maintaining inventory and workstation organization, engaging customers with enthusiasm and knowledge, and cooperating with team members to maintain smooth daily operations. The Culinary Associate, Level 3, must thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating adaptability, multitasking capabilities, and a positive, can-do attitude. This position offers hourly compensation of $22.00 to $23.00, reflective of skills and experience.

Employees at The Wonderful Company enjoy robust benefits, including comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401k plan with company match, access to mental health resources, online physician consultations, fitness benefits, and career advancement programs. The company emphasizes professional growth through dedicated learning and organizational development resources, mentorship programs, and continuous improvement training. Overall, this role provides a unique opportunity to join a leading company known for excellence in product quality, community impact, and employee development.

Job Requirements

Minimum 4+ years of restaurant experience including cooking on the line
prior experience in both customer service and food preparation
ability to operate heavy kitchen equipment safely and effectively
ability to stand for extended periods bend lift and carry up to 50 lbs
ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and remain proactive and productive during slower periods
flexibility to adapt to changing tasks and priorities
exceptional customer service and teamwork skills
demonstrated understanding of cooking methods ingredients and food preparation techniques
in-depth knowledge of restaurant best practices and cooking methods
ability to multitask prioritize and manage time efficiently
customer service mindset with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
organizational skills to manage work area and maintain station readiness
proficiency with kitchen equipment food safety and sanitation standards
positive team-oriented attitude with willingness to support both front-of-house and back-of-house needs
ability to adapt quickly to changing demands and remain calm under pressure
reliability consistency and a positive can-do attitude

Job Qualifications

Minimum 4+ years of restaurant experience including cooking on the line
prior experience in both customer service and food preparation
ability to operate heavy kitchen equipment safely and effectively
strong work ethic and reliability
ability to stand for extended periods bend lift and carry up to 50 lbs
ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and remain proactive and productive during slower periods
flexibility to adapt to changing tasks and priorities
exceptional customer service and teamwork skills
demonstrated understanding of cooking methods ingredients and food preparation techniques
in-depth knowledge of restaurant best practices and cooking methods
ability to multitask prioritize and manage time efficiently
customer service mindset with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
organizational skills to manage work area and maintain station readiness
proficiency with kitchen equipment food safety and sanitation standards
positive team-oriented attitude with willingness to support both front-of-house and back-of-house needs
ability to adapt quickly to changing demands and remain calm under pressure
reliability consistency and a positive can-do attitude

Job Duties

Prepare and cook menu items to order ensuring quality consistency and timely service
operate kitchen equipment and cooking stations safely and effectively
set up and maintain line stations with prepared ingredients supplies and equipment
follow recipes portioning and presentation standards to uphold menu consistency
monitor food quality taste and appearance before service
fulfill customer orders promptly and accurately
greet customers with a friendly enthusiastic and positive attitude creating a welcoming environment
communicate and engage with customers to answer questions about menu items specials or modifications
monitor inventory levels and communicate shortages or needs to leadership
assist with receiving storing and rotating food and supply deliveries
maintain cleanliness and organization of the line workstations and shared areas
work cooperatively with team members anticipating needs to ensure smooth operations
support additional back-of-house duties including food prep and workstation setup
ensure compliance with food safety sanitation and workplace safety standards
support tasks assigned by culinary leads and supervisors