Kitchen Assistant duties and responsibilities
Kitchen Assistants assist most when provided with a clear list of duties and responsibilities to complete, ideally following a daily schedule. They balance cleaning and maintenance tasks with food preparation and cooking tasks, completing jobs such as:
- Cleaning and sanitizing food preparation areas to establish proper hygiene
- Washing and storing all cooking appliances, utensils, cutting boards, and dishes
- Assisting Cooks by performing basic preparatory tasks, including washing and cutting produce, combining ingredients in recipes, and cleaning meat and fish
- Sweeping and mopping kitchen floors and wiping walls
- Receiving, labeling, and storing deliveries of produce and other items
- Promptly responding to instructions and bringing meal ingredients from storage areas to the kitchen
- Monitoring recipes on the stove and in the oven to ensure proper cooking
- Checking each order contains the right type and amount of side dishes
Kitchen Assistant skills and qualifications
To be successful, Kitchen Assistants need a variety of skills that include:
- Ability to perform well under pressure and work quickly and efficiently
- Excellent customer service skills and the ability to enjoy working with others
- Keenness to follow instructions and prepare ingredients according to the Chef’s instructions
- Remarkable organization skills and the ability to keep track of kitchen inventory
- Knowledge of cooking techniques and methods
- Understanding of health and safety regulations regarding food preparation and storage
- Basic understanding of how to use kitchen equipment
Kitchen Assistant experience requirements
Most employers consider the role of Kitchen Assistant as an entry-level position with little or no requirements. However, candidates with proven working experience as Kitchen Assistants, Commis Chefs, Assistant Cooks, or other related positions are preferable. Ideal candidates have experience working with kitchen ingredients, washing utensils, maintaining storage areas, and coping with the fast-paced kitchen environment. Additional experience in table service can also be relevant if the Kitchen Assistant would interact with guests.
Kitchen Assistant education and training requirements
Employers typically require Kitchen Assistants to have a secondary school diploma as their minimum level of education. Some candidates might come from educational backgrounds in hospitality, catering, or other related fields, or they might have helpful certifications in food handling and preparation. Most training, however, can take place on the job. Kitchen Assistants need to learn the organizational systems of their new kitchen and familiarize themselves with all health and cleanliness protocol.
Kitchen Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Kitchen Assistant is $15.49 per hour. Wages may depend on the candidate’s experience and education or your company and its location.
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