POSITION SUMMARY
The Food Prep Specialist owns board building consistency, sandwich prep, and food safety standards behind the scenes. This role is central to Charcuteria's HACCP-based Food Safety Management System, ensuring every board, sandwich, and retail item is prepped, portioned, and stored to spec.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Prep and portion charcuterie components (meats, cheeses, accompaniments) to spec ahead of service, following the 3-3-3-3 Rule board architecture
• Prepare sandwich components and support the Build-Your-Own program during the 10 AM–3 PM window
• Maintain temperature logs, FIFO rotation, and labeling in compliance with the Food Safety Management System's 8 programs
• Support catering and events prep following the 9-phase Catering SOP and Catering Board Prep Checklist milestones
• Uphold HACCP protocols, allergen management, and sanitation standards throughout all prep work
• Assist with receiving and stocking deliveries, verifying receiving temperatures and product quality
• Coordinate with FOH Specialists to ensure prepped product flows smoothly to the Charcuterie Counter and Retail Floor
• Maintain a clean, organized prep area and BOH equipment per closing checklists
QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
• 18 years of age or older
• ServSafe Food Handler Certification preferred (or ability to obtain within first 30 days)
• We are specifically looking for candidates with hands-on charcuterie experience — comfort with salami folding techniques (including rosette/rose folds), proper cheese cutting technique, and board arrangement/architecture is a strong differentiator
• Prior kitchen or food prep experience preferred
• Established sanitation experience (proper cleaning/sanitizing protocols, cross-contamination awareness) required
• Detail-oriented with strong food safety awareness (FIFO, temperature logging, allergen protocols)
CROSS-TRAINING & FLEXIBILITY
• Comfortable rotating onto the Charcuterie Counter or Retail Floor to support board building and stocking when needed
• All positions at Charcuteria are cross-trained across departments (Charcuterie Counter, Wine & Bar, Coffee Bar, Retail Floor/Market, and BOH) — team members should expect to rotate and support other stations as business needs require
• Flexibility to support catering and events work streams (prep, packing, delivery, or on-site service) as scheduling requires
• We're glad to train the specifics of our program, but we're especially looking for people who already have a genuine interest in food, wine, coffee, and hospitality
• Willingness to grow into and contribute other skills beyond the core role (e.g. digital marketing/social content, light handy work/facilities support, events help) as opportunities arise
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to stand for extended periods, use kitchen knives and a deli slicer safely, and lift up to 40 lbs
• Comfortable working in walk-in coolers and fast-paced prep environments
• Morning, evening, and weekend availability required
GROWTH PATH
Food Prep Specialists with strong technique and food safety leadership may progress toward a Kitchen Lead or Certified Salumiere-track role.
Charcuteria is operated by KEJ Collective, LLC • 2104 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 • charcuteriadc.com