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Catering Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Brighton, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Webster, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Irondequoit, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Fairport, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Victor, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Irondequoit, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Henrietta, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Catering Lead

Fairport, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

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Catering Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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$15

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How much do catering assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering assistant in Rochester, NY is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catering assistant?

A catering assistant assists the lead caterer and supports other employees while serving food at catered events. As a catering assistant, your job duties involve planning events, managing orders, stocking supplies, preparing food and drink, serving guests, cleaning the kitchen, and handling bill inquiries. This career requires both customer service and food prep experience. Additional qualifications include strong communication skills, knowledge of safe food handling and personal hygiene, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Many states require that all food workers, including catering assistants, receive food safety training and certification.

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

To thrive as a Catering Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as a Food Handler Certificate are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you excel in fast-paced, client-focused environments. These skills ensure efficient service delivery, food safety compliance, and positive client experiences at catering events.

What are some common challenges faced by catering assistants during large events, and how can they be managed?

Catering Assistants often face challenges such as managing high volumes of guests, maintaining food quality, and ensuring timely service during large events. Effective teamwork, clear communication with kitchen staff and supervisors, and strong organizational skills are essential to handle these situations smoothly. Being proactive in replenishing supplies, staying attentive to guests' needs, and remaining calm under pressure can significantly improve the overall catering experience and help manage these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Catering Assistant vs Kitchen Porter?

AspectCatering AssistantKitchen Porter
Primary RoleAssisting with food service, customer interaction, and event setupCleaning, dishwashing, and basic kitchen support
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering events, hotelsCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering facilities
Required SkillsCustomer service, basic food handlingCleaning, manual labor, basic kitchen knowledge

The main difference is that Catering Assistants focus on customer service and food presentation, while Kitchen Porters handle cleaning and kitchen support tasks. Both roles are essential in food service environments but serve different functions within the team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Catering Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Catering Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Catering Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Catering Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Catering Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Catering Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Catering Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,967 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

SEIU Catering Service Asst

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$20.29 - $27.53/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 188 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Department:

200813 Meliora Dining/Aux Ops

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR SEIU 027 H

Compensation Range:

$20.29 - $27.53

The referenced pay range represents the first and last step pay rates for this job, as set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Individual pay will be set in accordance with terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Catering Manager, transports catering supplies and equipment; assists in food preparation, serving beverages and clean up.SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION EXERCISED:May occasionally supervise student assistants. MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT USED:Motor vehicles (including 2.5 ton truck), hand trucks, kitchen and catering equipment (food warmers, dishmachines, meat slicer, etc.)TYPICAL DUTIES:1.Drives truck transporting catering supplies and equipment.2.Loads and unloads truck.3.Keeps track of catering equipment and notifies Catering Manager of any needed repairs. 4.Assists in preparation of foods, arrangement of buffet or dining tables.5.Sets up and tends bar or assists head bartender.6.Assists in serving beverages.7.Assists in clean up.8.Performs other related duties as required.QUALIFICATIONS:Requires the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Requires at least 2 years experience in some type of food preparation. Requires a chauffeur's license and experience in operating trucks. Requires the physical ability to lift heavy items. Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.


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