Cleaning/Housekeeping Dishwasher Job Description Template

Dishwashing roles are an essential position within Singapore’s vibrant F&B and hospitality sectors. From bustling hawker centers to high-end restaurants, businesses depend on efficient sanitation to maintain operational flow and food safety.

The dishwasher ensures that every dish is served on a pristine platter. A precise job description is vital since work environments vary from central kitchens to small cafes, you must clearly define the specific demands of your site.

Beyond operating equipment, a great dishwasher demonstrates stamina and a commitment to cleanliness. This role involves managing high-volume input during peak periods and strict health regulations; finding someone who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment is key to your success.

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What Does a Dishwasher Do?

A dishwasher is a crucial team member responsible for the hygiene of all kitchen equipment, utensils, and food prep areas. They ensure the kitchen stays operational by providing sanitised tools for chefs and clean service ware for customers.

Dishwashing professionals are typically employed in:

• Full-service restaurants and casual bistros
• Hotel banquet halls and catering companies
• Hospital and school cafeterias
• Industrial central kitchens and food production facilities
• Corporate dining rooms and private clubs
• Shopping mall food courts and communal dining spaces

Throughout a shift, a dishwasher cycles between operating commercial washers, inspecting washed dishes and organising the storage of clean inventory. A diligent and safety-conscious mindset is vital to maintain a sanitary and hazard-free work environment.

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Common Dishwasher Responsibilities

Standard duties typically include:

• Scraping, washing, and sanitising all dishes, glassware, and cutlery
• Operating and maintaining commercial dishwashing machines safely
• Hand-washing large pots, pans, and specialised cooking equipment
• Sweeping, mopping, and disinfecting kitchen floors and wet areas
• Ensuring proper waste segregation and regular disposal of kitchen refuse
• Cleaning and sanitising food preparation surfaces and storage racks
• Monitoring and replenishing cleaning chemicals and sanitation supplies
• Reporting equipment malfunctions or plumbing issues to the supervisor
• Assisting kitchen staff with basic ingredient prep during peak periods
• Adhering to SFA hygiene standards and workplace safety regulations

Depending on the establishment, a dishwasher might also assist with unloading deliveries, basic facility maintenance, or sorting recycled materials.

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Sample Dishwasher Job Description Templates for Employers

Different culinary settings require distinct levels of focus. Below are 3 ready-to-use Dishwasher job description templates that employers can adapt to their specific kitchen needs.

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# Sample A: General Kitchen Steward

## Job Overview

We are looking for a hardworking General Kitchen Steward. Your primary role is to maintain the flow of clean dishes and utensils to the service team while keeping the kitchen environment spotless.

## Key Responsibilities

• Wash and sanitise dishes and kitchen tools using commercial machines
• Organise clean equipment in designated storage areas for easy retrieval
• Perform daily deep cleaning of kitchen floors and food prep stations
• Clear and sanitise dining tables and communal service areas
• Empty trash bins and manage kitchen waste throughout the shift
• Support chefs with basic tasks like ingredient washing when requested

## Requirements

• Prior experience in a kitchen or cleaning role is advantageous
• Ability to stand for long durations and perform physical tasks
• Strong work ethic and reliability during peak hours
• Basic understanding of kitchen hygiene practices

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# Sample B: General Dishwasher

## Job Overview

We are looking for a General Dishwasher to maintain kitchen hygiene. This role is critical for ensuring our establishment meets all SFA food safety and hygiene regulations.

## Key Responsibilities

• Maintain strict sanitation schedules for all food contact surfaces
• Manage Inventory of cleaning supplies
• Conduct regular inspections of dishwashing machine temperatures
• Ensure all waste disposal processes comply with hygiene standards
• Train junior staff on proper hand-washing and sanitisation protocols
• Keep detailed logs of cleaning activities 

## Requirements

• Valid WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 certificate is highly preferred (company sponsorship can be arranged).
• Ability to handle high-volume turnover during peak dining hours (lunch and dinner rushes).
• Physical ability to lift racks of plates (up to 10-15kg) safely.

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# Sample C: Hotel/Banquet Dishwasher

## Job Overview

We are seeking a hardworking and efficient Hotel/Banquet Dishwasher (Kitchen Steward) to join our hospitality team. You will be responsible for maintaining top-tier sanitation standards for our large-scale buffet, wedding banquet, and event operations, ensuring our high-volume inventory of chinaware and silver is perfectly cleaned and ready for service.

## Key Responsibilities

• Wash, sanitise, and polish large volumes of delicate banquet glassware, fine porcelain, and silverware with care.
• Set up, operate, and perform daily post-shift maintenance on industrial hood-type or automated flight conveyor dishwashers.
• Hand-wash large catering equipment, stockpots, and buffet chafing dishes for the culinary team.
• Sort, stack, and safely transport clean service ware from the dishwashing area to respective banquet halls or storage rooms. 
• Adhere strictly to hotel safety standards, chemical dilution guidelines, and international food safety frameworks (like HACCP).
• Perform deep-cleaning schedules for kitchen floors, walk-in chillers, and refuse areas at the end of the event shift.

## Requirements

• Prior experience in hotel stewarding, central kitchens, or large-scale catering operations is preferred
• Physical stamina to handle fast-paced workflow, heavy lifting of dish racks, and prolonged standing.
• Flexibility to work irregular, rotating shift patterns, including late nights, weekends, and Public Holidays.

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What Skills Should Employers Look For In A Dishwasher?

While the role requires significant physical endurance, the best dishwasher candidates are those who possess a keen eye for detail and a collaborative spirit, ensuring that the back-of-house remains a safe and productive environment.

Key qualities include:

• Physical stamina and the ability to work in fast-paced environments
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and chemical safety protocols
• Punctuality and reliability during high-pressure service windows
• Teamwork and clear communication with kitchen and floor staff
• Careful handling of fragile service ware to minimise breakage
• Adaptability to handle sudden changes in volume or cleaning priorities

For senior stewarding roles, employers may prioritise candidates with experience in managing inventory systems or overseeing high-capacity commercial equipment.

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FAQ

Is previous kitchen experience mandatory?

Not always. While experience helps, many employers provide on-the-job training for candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to follow hygiene standards.

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What is the difference between a Dishwasher and a Kitchen Steward?

A Dishwasher primarily focuses on sanitising dishes and cutlery, whereas a Kitchen Steward often has broader duties, including kitchen maintenance, heavy equipment cleaning, and managing storage organisation.

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What are the common shift patterns?

Dishwashing roles often involve shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to align with restaurant / F&B outlet peak operating hours and closing cleanup duties.

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Is specialised safety gear required?

Yes. To ensure safety, dishwashers should wear slip-resistant footwear, waterproof aprons, and appropriate gloves when handling hot water or cleaning chemicals.

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#FastTips for Employers

• Physical Requirements: Specify physical expectations clearly by stating the required weight-lifting capacity (e.g., "Must be able to lift up to 15kg of dish racks") and the need to work in humid environments.
• Certification Status: State hygiene certification requirements explicitly by indicating if a valid WSQ Food Safety Certificate is required or if your company provides full course sponsorship.
• Shift & Allowance Clarity: Define shift hours and allowances upfront, particularly if the role requires rotating shifts, split shifts, or mandatory weekend/Public Holiday hours.
• Welfare & Provided Gear: Highlight job perks prominently, such as the provision of free daily

A transparent and realistic job description is the key to attracting reliable kitchen staff who can handle the heat of a busy F&B operation.

Ready to keep your back-of-house operations running at peak efficiency? Post your Dishwasher vacancies on FastJobs today and connect with motivated, local kitchen talent instantly.

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