DISHWASHER - CENTRAL KITCHEN at UWAJIMAYA INC

Description

About Us: Uwajimaya is more than just a grocery store — we’re a vibrant cultural destination with a rich history rooted in family, community, and food. Since 1928, we’ve grown into the Pacific Northwest’s premier Asian retailer, known for our wide selection, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to sharing the diverse traditions of Asian cultures. We take pride in creating a one-of-a-kind experience for customers and employees alike — one that’s centered around food, culture, and people.

Why Join Uwajimaya?

At Uwajimaya, we believe in nurturing growth — in our communities, our customers, and our team members. We foster an environment built on collaboration, curiosity, and care. Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to make a meaningful impact in a workplace that values tradition, innovation, and connection.

Who We're Looking For
We’re looking for team members who are collaborative, thoughtful, and passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re serving customers, supporting operations, or leading a team, you bring a people-first mindset and a strong work ethic. If you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and believe in the power of inclusion, community, and connection — you’ll feel right at home here.

To thrive at Uwajimaya, you should embody our core competencies:

• Functional/Technical Skills: You possess the necessary functional and technical knowledge to perform your job at a high level.

• Customer Focus: You are dedicated to meeting customer expectations and requirements, using feedback for improvements, and building effective relationships based on trust and respect.

• Action Oriented: You enjoy working hard, are full of energy for challenging tasks, and seize opportunities with minimal planning.

• Peer Relationships: You can find common ground with peers, solve problems collaboratively, and are seen as a cooperative team player who encourages collaboration.

• Self-Development: You are committed to continuous self-improvement, adapt to different situations, and work to develop your strengths while addressing weaknesses.

We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and friendly work culture

• Competitive starting wages

• Paid holidays from day one

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits

• A generous retirement plan

• Paid time off, long-term disability, and life insurance

• Employee discounts on food and gift items

• Supplemental insurance options

• Opportunities for growth and advancement

Position Summary:

The Dishwasher at the Central Kitchen is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen tools, utensils, equipment, and work areas in compliance with food safety standards. This role ensures that production staff have clean and safe equipment and work areas to prepare high-quality food products.

Position’s Key Responsibilities:

• Wash, sanitize, and store dishes, utensils, sheet pans, pots, and small equipment.

• Operate dishwashing machine safely and monitor chemical concentrations.

• Hand-wash larger or specialty items when required.

• Keep dishwashing area clean, organized, and compliant with GMPs.

• Remove kitchen and breakroom trash, recycling, and compost during production hours as needed.

• Assist Production in maintaining clean work areas by keeping floors and surrounding areas free of food debris. 

• Follow SSOPs (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures) and allergen-control protocols.

• Handle and use sanitation chemicals safely, wearing required PPE.

• Support pest control and waste removal procedures.

• Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, or food safety concerns to supervisors.

• Other duties as assigned.

Starting Pay: $21.00/hr., Depending on Experience
 

Uwajimaya participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Please review the E-Verify Participation Poster and Right to Work Poster before proceeding with your application

IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish) (PDF, 322.73 KB)

E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish) (PDF, 259.92 KB)

Uwajimaya is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum of a High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in dishwashing, sanitation, or food manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions and sanitation procedures.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, or SSOPs a plus.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently or in a team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.