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Kitchen Helper Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Kitchen Helper, or Kitchen Assistant, is someone that works in a kitchen assisting the culinary team and Waitstaff to deliver excellent customer service to restaurant patrons. Their primary duties include washing dishes, preparing meal ingredients, and maintaining the kitchen.

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Kitchen Helper duties and responsibilities

Kitchen Helpers primarily help with a variety of tasks, depending on what the Cooks or Waitstaff need at the time. Some of their main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Mopping and sweeping the kitchen
  • Taking out the garbage and replacing garbage bags
  • Washing, drying, and putting away all dishes and kitchen utensils
  • Unloading food supplies from delivery trucks
  • Helping cooks prepare for meals by washing, cutting, peeling, and slicing ingredients
  • Packing takeout orders for customers
  • Clearing and cleaning tables for Waitstaff when necessary
  • Refilling condiments or other supplies at tables
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What does a Kitchen Helper do?

A Kitchen Helper is responsible for helping Cooks and Waitstaff ensure the kitchen runs as smoothly as possible. This allows customers to get their correct orders on time. Kitchen Helpers contribute by preparing or finishing meals to help cooks focus on creating other dishes. They do this by washing, cutting, peeling, or slicing ingredients and plating completed dishes. Kitchen Helpers work under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager or Restaurant Manager but assist everyone in the restaurant.

Kitchen Helper skills and qualifications

A Kitchen Helper is an entry-level position, but strong candidates should still hold certain skills and qualifications. A successful Kitchen Helper will have the following prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their duties: 

  • Able to multi-task efficiently
  • Strong communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Knowledge of food safety standards and practices
  • Ability to use common kitchen equipment and appliances safely
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment

Kitchen Helper experience requirements

The Kitchen Helper role is an entry-level position, so candidates are not required to have prior experience. This is because every kitchen is different, so many provide on-the-job training. However, if you own a high-end restaurant, you may require candidates to have experience of working in high-end restaurants to show an understanding of the position and their duties. Volunteer experience in a kitchen is a valuable experience to Kitchen Helper candidates to have.

Kitchen Helper education and training requirements

Education and training requirements for Kitchen Helpers will vary depending on your kitchen’s needs. You can require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED, or accept candidates that are still in high school or do not have a diploma.

Ideally, you should require your candidates to have a Food Handler Certificate. The online course and certification give workers the necessary food and safety training to work with and around food safely. Even if you don’t require a Food Handler Certificate, having one can make the candidate more appealing, as they won’t require as much on-the-job training.

Kitchen Helper salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Kitchen Helper in Canada is $34,175 per year. The actual salary earned will vary based on the establishment, experience, and location.

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Kitchen Helper job description FAQs

Where do Kitchen Helpers work?

Kitchen Helper is a common role in the food industry and almost every kitchen employs one or more, but the position may fall under a different job title. Although the title varies, the duties and responsibilities of a Kitchen Helper remain the same. Other common job titles for Kitchen Helpers include:

  • Server Assistant
  • Kitchen Assistant
  • Cafeteria Attendant
  • Cook’s Assistant
  • Cook’s Helper
  • Fast-food Assistant
  • Food Service Helper
  • Food Service Assistant

What other job titles fit this role?

Kitchen Helpers usually start working prior to opening so they can prepare for the day. They start by cleaning and stocking the kitchen and restaurant. If there is a delivery, they will help unpack it. Once customers start ordering food, helpers will help prepare or complete the dishes. If it’s busy, they will help the waitstaff clear dishes and clean tables to seat new customers. At the end of the day, they clean the kitchen again in preparation for the next shift.

What are the day-to-day duties of a Kitchen Helper?

As a Kitchen Helper is an entry-level role, you should look for strong personality traits in candidates. This includes good communication skills, willingness to learn, and ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments. You should also look for Food Handler Certification as it shows that the candidate has the necessary food safety knowledge.

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Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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