Benefits:

Employee discounts

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Department: Back of House (BOH) Reports To: Sushi Chef > Executive Chef Location: KUZA Scottsdale (Tatum & Cactus) Pay Rate: $17/hour

Job Summary

The Sushi Apprentice supports KUZA’s Japanese-American culinary program by learning all the basics of fish handling, and working your way up to executing high-quality sushi, sashimi, rolls, and cold-kitchen dishes with precision, speed, and consistency. This role requires basic knife skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining KUZA’s standards for freshness, presentation, and flavor.

Key Responsibilities

Learn how to safely handle, clean and cut seafood, then moving up to learning sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls, poke, and cold-kitchen menu items according to KUZA recipes and specs.

Maintain accurate knife skills and learn all the skills for sushi rice handling, seasoning, and storage.

Learn and Ensure all fish, produce, and ingredients are labeled, dated, rotated, and stored properly.

Maintain workstation cleanliness, including cutting boards, knives, containers, and refrigeration areas.

Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures, especially temperature control for raw seafood.

Assist with daily prep, including slicing fish, portioning ingredients, making sauces, and preparing garnishes.

Communicate with the Sushi Chef and line team regarding low product levels, quality concerns, or 86’d items.

Support service through fast, accurate execution during high-volume periods.

Skills & Qualifications

1+ year experience in a food service establishment.

Good knife skills

Willingness to be a sponge and learn proper seafood safety, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control.

Ability to follow recipes and plating guides with consistency.

Must have (or obtain) AZ Food Handler Card.

Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for long periods in a high-paced environment.

Work Environment & Expectations

Professional appearance aligned with KUZA kitchen and grooming standards.

Punctuality, reliability, and calm focus during busy service periods.

Willingness to learn KUZA’s Japanese-American fusion style and flavor profiles.

Positive attitude and strong teamwork ethic.