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Chefs Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

Assistant Chef

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Assist the Chef in all aspects of food preparation and service. Should have prior Safe Serve Certification and excellent knife skills Prepares salad bar items for salad buffet Prepares desserts ...

Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Support inventory control and food-waste reduction * Assist with opening and closing kitchen duties * Communicate and work effectively with chefs, management, and other team members Chef-level ...

Support inventory control and food-waste reduction * Assist with opening and closing kitchen duties * Communicate and work effectively with chefs, management, and other team members Chef-level ...

Sous Chef

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Review sales and assist the Chef in achieving food, labor and other operating expense budgets. * Construct the weekly kitchen work schedule to meet the demands of the business, within the perimeters ...

Review sales and assist the Chef in achieving food, labor and other operating expense budgets. Construct the weekly kitchen work schedule to meet the demands of the business, within the perimeters of ...

Review sales and assist the Chef in achieving food, labor and other operating expense budgets. * Construct the weekly kitchen work schedule to meet the demands of the business, within the perimeters ...

Sous Chef

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Review sales and assist the Chef in achieving food, labor and other operating expense budgets. * Construct the weekly kitchen work schedule to meet the demands of the business, within the perimeters ...

Sous Chef

Benicia, CA · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Support disciplinary processes as needed (in partnership with Chef). * Assist in training new BOH staff and reinforcing SOPs. * Support accountability and performance standards across the team ...

Sous Chef

Benicia, CA · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Support disciplinary processes as needed (in partnership with Chef). * Assist in training new BOH staff and reinforcing SOPs. * Support accountability and performance standards across the team ...

Sous Chef

Benicia, CA

$68K - $75K/yr

Support disciplinary processes as needed (in partnership with Chef). * Assist in training new BOH staff and reinforcing SOPs. * Support accountability and performance standards across the team ...

Work in conjunction with the Banquet Chef and Banquet Captains to arrange for all clean china ... Supervise & maintain hourly employee timesheets on a daily basis * Assist in disciplinary actions ...

... Assist the Banquet Chef in ordering all foodstuffs necessary to produce menu items Assist the Banquet Chef in performing month end inventory of all foodstuffs Attend all departmental meetings as ...

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Monitor product quality throughout preparation and service. * Assist with seasonal menu development ...

Sous Chef

Sausalito, CA

$56K - $76K/yr

Responsibilities: Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory, and quality control Maintain prep ... Chef and management team to develop and implement new menu items Lead, train, coach, and supervise ...

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Monitor product quality throughout preparation and service. * Assist with seasonal menu development ...

Sous Chef

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Responsibilities: Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory, and quality control Maintain prep ... Chef and management team to develop and implement new menu items Lead, train, coach, and supervise ...

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Chefs Assistant information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$15

$23

$32

How much do chefs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for chefs assistant in Berkeley, CA is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $25.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chefs assistant?

Chefs Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or commis chefs, support chefs in the preparation and cooking of food in professional kitchens. Their duties often include washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing kitchen tools, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. Chefs Assistants are crucial for ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. They often learn essential culinary skills on the job, making this role a common entry point for those interested in a culinary career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chefs assistant?

To thrive as a Chef's Assistant, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, organized, and high-quality food preparation, supporting the kitchen's smooth operation.

What are some common challenges faced by a chefs assistant, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a Chef's Assistant, you may encounter challenges such as working under tight time constraints, adapting to fast-paced kitchen environments, and maintaining consistent food quality. Effective communication with chefs and team members is essential to ensure smooth workflow and prevent errors. Staying organized, being proactive, and continuously learning kitchen procedures can help you manage these challenges successfully while developing valuable culinary skills.

What is the difference between Chefs Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectChefs AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary knowledge, sometimes certificationsMinimal qualifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, assisting chefsSupport roles in kitchens, general cleaning and prep
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood service establishments, cafeterias
Search & Comparison IntentRoles assisting chefs with food prep and organizationSupport staff helping in kitchen tasks

Chefs Assistants typically have some culinary knowledge and work closely with professional chefs in busy kitchen environments. Kitchen Helpers usually perform basic support tasks like cleaning and prep, often with minimal qualifications. Both roles are essential in food service settings but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What is the average salary of a chef's assistant?

The average salary of a chef's assistant typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those working in high-end kitchens can earn more. The role often requires basic culinary skills and the ability to follow instructions in a fast-paced environment.

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Chefs Assistant jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Chefs Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Chefs Assistant job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,482 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Hashtag Poki, LLC
1 - 10 employees

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Hawaiian Poke Restaurant 

Job Description

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. 

Qualifications
  • Some sushi experience prefer and will train  
  • Experience handling fresh seafood required
  • Ability to work positively in a fast-paced environment 
  • Possess good communication and interpersonal skills. 
  • Team player Good time management   
Additional Information
  • Assist in daily fish and other foods preparation 
  • Follow food and restaurant safety standards and guidelines. 
  • Attention to detail in food/service quality and cleanliness. 
  • Ensure a constant and adequate supply of ingredients are prepared according to company specifications and local health regulations. 
  • Assist in ensuring a clean, safe and well-organized restaurant.