Steward
Company : Highgate
Location : Seattle, WA, 98121
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
Located on the seam of Belltown and the retail core, the 97-room Kimpton Palladian Hotel is within walking distance of landmarks like Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Seattle’s best new restaurants, live music venues, cafés, and boutiques. When you’re not exploring, your home base is a 1910 landmark reinvented in a masculine-chic style with luxe amenities, edgy design elements, and contemporary furnishings that reflect Belltown’s hip heritage. You’ll also find a heralded seafood restaurant in Shaker + Spear, a speakeasy-style social lounge called Pennyroyal, and a lobby you won’t soon forget. The Palladian beckons today’s tech titans and tastemakers.
Overview
The Steward/Potwasher/Warewasher is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and proper storage of all china, glass, and silver, and ensuring the highest standards of sanitation. He/she is also responsible for assisting the kitchen staff in maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen and all storage areas; specifically for cleaning all equipment, utensils, and the physical work area. He/she is also responsible for assisting with proper food storage and rotation.
Salary $21/hr- In addition to travel discounts at our hotels, Highgate offers competitive benefits, including three pricing tiers of medical coverage as well as Dental and Vision to full-time associates. Retirement 401k Program is open to both full-time and part- time staff who qualify.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and orderliness in all kitchens, back dock, dumpster and utility work areas.
- Heavy duty cleaning of ovens, grills, sinks, walls, floors, walk-in refrigerators and freezers and other heavy kitchen equipment.
- Wash pots, pans, and kitchen utensils following proper procedure for their cleanliness and sanitation, and Vacuum carpeted areas through the food and beverage outlets.
- Sweep, mop and wash floors in all food and beverage areas, kitchen, and restaurant and dock area.
- Keep management informed of shortage of equipment and supplies.
- Operate the dishwashing equipment to ensure that all china, glass, and silver are cleaned thoroughly and sanitation of such is maintained.
- Return all clean china, glass, and silver to its proper storage location using care to minimize breakage.
- Knowledge of proper safe handling techniques for all chemicals used.
- Report any faulty equipment to management immediately.
- Empty garbage from the Food and Beverage areas into the hotel dumpster.
- Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment.
- Practice safe work habits at all times to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
- Follow the proper procedures in the breakdown, cleaning and reassembling of all kitchen equipment, as needed.
- Follow all sanitation standards.
- Assist in the set up and breakdown of the restaurant buffet as required.
- Assist Banquets by supplying china, glass, and silver as required by business demand.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift.
- Ability to withstand temperature variations, both hot and cold.
General Requirements:
- Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
- Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to cross-train in other hotel related areas.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Steward
Frequently asked questions
Seattle's vibrant hospitality industry, especially around Belltown and downtown, often has openings for steward roles to support busy kitchens. Demand fluctuates seasonally, with tourist seasons boosting the need for reliable kitchen stewards in hotels and restaurants.
Seattle stewards earn competitive hourly wages, typically around $21/hr as offered by Highgate. This rate tends to be higher than the national average due to Seattle's cost of living and strong hospitality market, making it an attractive city for steward job seekers.
Stewards in hotels like Highgate must handle physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and standing for entire shifts. Endurance and flexibility are crucial to manage heavy-duty cleaning and fast-paced kitchen environments effectively.
While a steward in hospitality focuses on kitchen cleanliness and equipment sanitation, stewardesses in airlines primarily attend to passenger service and safety. The steward role is more physically intensive and operational behind the scenes, particularly in hotel kitchens.
Demonstrating exceptional attention to sanitation standards, effective communication, and multitasking abilities can pave the way for advancement. Gaining knowledge in inventory management and cross-training in related departments also strengthens a steward’s career path toward supervisory roles.
Yes, Highgate provides stewards with access to travel discounts across their global hotel portfolio and multiple tiers of medical, dental, and vision coverage. Eligible employees can also participate in a 401k retirement plan, enhancing overall compensation packages.
Highgate emphasizes meticulous cleanliness and guest satisfaction, which is central to the steward role at the Kimpton Palladian. The position supports the hotel’s upscale, contemporary environment by maintaining impeccable sanitation and assisting in seamless food service operations.
Working in a landmark hotel like the Kimpton Palladian means adapting to older building layouts and maintaining modern hygiene standards. Stewards must navigate tight spaces and preserve the hotel’s aesthetic while ensuring rigorous cleanliness and safety protocols.
Highgate typically reviews applications promptly, especially with a deadline like 12/15/25. Candidates who meet the qualifications and demonstrate strong fit often receive interview invitations within a few weeks, reflecting the company’s proactive hiring approach.
Experience in hotel or restaurant kitchen environments is highly valued, alongside a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sanitation standards, kitchen equipment operation, and a customer-focused attitude significantly boost employability in steward roles.