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Assistant To Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Wild Thyme Company

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

SOUS CHEF - EVENTS Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Supervises: Production Cooks, Prep Cooks, Event Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Event Kitchen Staff (as assigned) About The Wild Thyme ...

The Wild Thyme Company

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF - EVENTS Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Supervises: Production Cooks, Prep Cooks, Event Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Event Kitchen Staff (as assigned) About The Wild Thyme ...

Hashtag Poki, LLC

Chef Assistant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

Company Description Hawaiian Poke Restaurant We are currently looking for a chef assistant to assist with daily food preparation. This position will eventually manage the kitchen few days a week.

Hashtag Poki, LLC

Chef Assistant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

Company Description Hawaiian Poke Restaurant We are currently looking for a chef assistant to assist with daily food preparation. This position will eventually manage the kitchen few days a week.

Hashiri+M

Assistant Chef

San Francisco, CA

$26 - $33/hr

As we rebuild our San Francisco sushi program, we're looking for a Sushi 2nd Chef / Assistant Chef to support our sushi chef in day-to-day service and help maintain the standard that earned us ...

Hashiri+M

Assistant Chef

San Francisco, CA

$26 - $33/hr

As we rebuild our San Francisco sushi program, we're looking for a Sushi 2nd Chef / Assistant Chef to support our sushi chef in day-to-day service and help maintain the standard that earned us ...

BROWN SUGAR BAKERY

Be Seen First

Cashier and Pastry Chef Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

BROWN SUGAR BAKERY Cashier & Pastry Chef Assistant Location: Gardena, CA Position: Part-Time ... Our goal is to provide delicious, high-quality desserts while creating a warm and welcoming ...

BROWN SUGAR BAKERY

Be Seen First

Cashier and Pastry Chef Assistant

Los Angeles, CA

$17 - $21.50/hr

BROWN SUGAR BAKERY Cashier & Pastry Chef Assistant Location: Gardena, CA Position: Part-Time ... Our goal is to provide delicious, high-quality desserts while creating a warm and welcoming ...

FIRST LIGHT RESORTS LLC

Production Sous Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

$26 - $27/hr

If living in lodge-owned housing, room & board available for fixed weekly cost WHAT YOU WILL DO (JOB SUMMARY) The Lodge Production Sous Chef is an assistant to the Executive Chef and a key member to ...

PF Changs

Assistant Executive Chef

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career - we promote from within ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

PF Changs

Assistant Executive Chef

Sherman Oaks, CA

$27.27 - $34.27/hr

Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career - we promote from within ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

P.F. Chang's

Assistant Executive Chef

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career - we promote from within ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

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Assistant To Chef information

What does an assistant to chef do?

An Assistant to Chef supports the head chef and kitchen staff by handling food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and organizing ingredients. They may also be responsible for basic cooking tasks, ensuring that workstations are stocked and ready, and assisting with plating dishes. This role is essential for the smooth operation of the kitchen, allowing chefs to focus on cooking and menu planning. Assistants often learn valuable culinary skills and may advance to higher positions over time.

What are some of the main challenges faced by an assistant to chef in a busy kitchen?

One of the biggest challenges for an Assistant to Chef is managing multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization. The role often involves prepping ingredients, monitoring inventory, and ensuring that kitchen stations are well-stocked, all while working under tight deadlines. Effective communication with the chef and other kitchen staff is crucial to keep the workflow smooth and to quickly address any issues that arise. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as priorities can shift rapidly during service hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant to chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant to Chef, you need a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques, food safety standards, and kitchen organization, often supported by a culinary certificate or prior kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper knife handling, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for maintaining kitchen efficiency, ensuring food quality, and supporting the chef in delivering exceptional dining experiences.

What is the difference between Assistant To Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant To ChefLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary training or certificationTypically requires culinary school or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentAssists in kitchen operations, supports chefsPrepares specific dishes on the kitchen line
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, hotels, cateringCommon in restaurant kitchens, hotels
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing support roles in kitchensPeople looking for cooking or prep roles

The Assistant To Chef primarily supports the culinary team with administrative and preparatory tasks, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes on the kitchen line. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Assistant To Chef often has broader responsibilities supporting kitchen operations, whereas the Line Cook specializes in cooking specific menu items.

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant To Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant To Chef job openings:

Assistant To Chef jobs near you

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA • On-site

The Wild Thyme Company
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about The Wild Thyme Companyexternal

$70K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support daily kitchen operations and production, including planning schedules and monitoring workflow.

  • Lead assigned catered events from setup through breakdown, ensuring food quality, presentation, and sanitation standards.

  • Direct culinary teams during events, verify event readiness, and communicate with leadership regarding any concerns.

Job description

SOUS CHEF – EVENTS

Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef

Supervises: Production Cooks, Prep Cooks, Event Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Event Kitchen Staff (as assigned)

About The Wild Thyme Company

At The Wild Thyme Company, we handcraft delicious, local, and seasonal cuisine without global boundaries. Our award-winning catering team creates unforgettable experiences through exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and flawless execution.

We believe great events happen because of great people. Our culinary leaders inspire their teams through collaboration, accountability, creativity, and a commitment to excellence while living our High 5 Core Values:

  • Respect
  • Huddle
  • Don't Half-Ass It
  • Good Vibes
  • Crave

Position Summary

The Sous Chef – Events is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting daily kitchen operations while leading the successful execution of catered events.

Serving as the bridge between kitchen production and event execution, this role partners closely with the Chef de Cuisine and Executive Chef to prepare culinary teams for success, oversee assigned events, maintain exceptional food quality, and mentor Event Chefs and kitchen staff.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, thrives in fast-paced environments, leads confidently under pressure, and is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences through exceptional food and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Production

  • Support the Chef de Cuisine with daily kitchen operations and production.
  • Assist in planning production schedules and ensuring event readiness.
  • Monitor prep completion, production timelines, and kitchen workflow.
  • Ensure recipes, portions, and presentation standards are executed consistently.
  • Maintain organized production boards, prep systems, and kitchen communication.
  • Support inventory organization, product rotation (FIFO), labeling, and storage.
  • Help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen.
  • Serve as kitchen leader in the absence of the Chef de Cuisine.

Event Leadership

  • Lead assigned catered events from load-out through service and final breakdown.
  • Review BEOs, production notes, diagrams, and event timelines to ensure flawless execution.
  • Verify event quantities, packing lists, equipment, and presentation standards before departure.
  • Direct Event Chefs and culinary teams during setup, service, and breakdown.
  • Maintain food quality, presentation, temperature control, and sanitation throughout each event.
  • Adapt quickly to changing event conditions while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.
  • Make confident operational decisions in the field.
  • Represent The Wild Thyme Company professionally with clients, venues, vendors, and event partners.

Event Readiness & Logistics

  • Perform event check-outs to verify food, equipment, serving pieces, garnishes, and specialty items.
  • Ensure packing lists are accurate and complete.
  • Confirm all menu components are prepared and event-ready.
  • Communicate any concerns to culinary leadership before departure.
  • Coordinate with Operations and Event Management to ensure successful execution.