Dishwasher job description template

Dishwashers keep a kitchen running: if plates, pans and utensils don't come back clean and quickly, service stalls. It's often an entry-level job, so your post should say you'll train, list the shifts clearly and mention any chance to move into prep or cooking.

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Dishwasher

Part-time
Your Company is hiring a dishwasher to keep our kitchen clean, stocked and ready for service. You'll run the dish machine, scrub pots and pans, and help the cooks with whatever they need on a busy night. No experience is needed, and we'll show you how everything works. We're looking for someone dependable who takes pride in a clean kitchen and likes being part of a team.

What you’ll do

  • Run the dish machine and check that water temperature or sanitizer levels meet standards
  • Scrape, sort and rack plates, glassware and utensils as they come back from the floor
  • Hand-wash pots, pans and cooking tools at the three-compartment sink
  • Return clean dishes and equipment to the line and server stations quickly
  • Take out trash, recycling and compost, and break down cardboard boxes
  • Sweep and mop the kitchen floor and clean floor mats at the end of the night
  • Help unload deliveries and do simple prep tasks when the dish pit is caught up

What we’re looking for

  • Dependable and on time, especially for weekend and closing shifts
  • Comfortable in a hot, wet dish pit and able to lift full racks and trash bags up to 50 lbs
  • Willing to follow safety rules for cleaning chemicals, hot water and sharp tools
  • Able to work steadily and keep up when the kitchen gets busy

Nice to have

  • Previous dishwashing or kitchen experience
  • Interest in learning prep or line cooking
  • Experience running a commercial dish machine

Schedule

Evening and weekend shifts, usually running until the kitchen is closed and cleaned. Daytime shifts may also be available.

What we offer

  • Free meal on every shift
  • Training to move into prep or line cooking
  • Consistent schedule posted in advance
  • Aprons provided

Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.

Screening questions for a dishwasher

Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.

  • Can you work closing shifts, including weekends?Yes / No · required
  • When could you start, and how many hours a week would you like?Short answer · required
  • Tell us about a job or responsibility where people counted on you to show up.Paragraph

Dishwasher interview questions

  1. Have you worked in a kitchen before? What did you like or not like about it?
  2. The dish pit is backed up and a cook needs a clean sauté pan right now. What do you do?
  3. How would you handle and store cleaning chemicals safely?
  4. How do you stay focused and keep a steady pace during a long, busy shift?
  5. What would you do if you broke a stack of plates during service?
  6. Would you be interested in learning prep or cooking later on?
  7. What's the latest you can stay on a closing shift?

Tips for hiring a dishwasher

  • Call applicants back quickly. Dishwasher candidates often take the first job that responds, sometimes within a day.
  • Show candidates the dish pit during the interview so they know the heat, noise and pace before their first shift.
  • Mention a path to prep cook in the post. Many great cooks started in the dish pit, and a chance to move up keeps people longer.
  • Check in with new hires after their first week. A quick conversation can catch problems before someone quits without notice.