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Chefs Assistant Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

In this role you will assist in the oversight of daily operations in the kitchen and work with the Executive Chef to ensure the high-quality food products and kitchen cleanliness. * Prepare meals ...

New

Sous Chef

Gorham, ME

$49K - $66K/yr

In this role you will assist in the oversight of daily operations in the kitchen and work with the Executive Chef to ensure the high-quality food products and kitchen cleanliness. * Prepare meals ...

New

Cook Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are seeking a Cook Chef to join our dedicated kitchen staff ... You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen.

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

Responsibilities Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied ...

Cook I

Kennebunk, ME

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Also, assist other team members with ongoing mentorship and training development as well as daily prep and technique guidance needs. * Works and assists the chef with speciality dinners and functions ...

Cook I

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Also, assist other team members with ongoing mentorship and training development as well as daily prep and technique guidance needs. * Works and assists the chef with speciality dinners and functions ...

Cook I

Kennebunk, ME

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Also, assist other team members with ongoing mentorship and training development as well as daily prep and technique guidance needs. * Works and assists the chef with speciality dinners and functions ...

Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Prepare all menu and featured items under the Executive Chef's direction. Perform the duties of the Prep List schedule and assist with banquet preparation #ZR Requirements Previous cooking experience ...

Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Chef's direction. · Perform the duties of the Prep List schedule and assist with banquet preparation #ZR Requirements: · Previous cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred ...

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Chef's direction. • Perform the duties of the Prep List schedule and assist with banquet preparation #ZR Requirements • Previous cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred ...

Showing results 21-40

Chefs Assistant information

See Portland, ME salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do chefs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for chefs assistant in Portland, ME is $19.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $21.63 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 job categories do people searching Chefs Assistant jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Chefs Assistant jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Chefs Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Chefs Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Chefs Assistant job openings in Portland, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,511 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Senior Lifestyle rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 245 rated social care providers


Job description

Company Description

Do you have HEART? We are looking for individuals who can embrace our mission to purposely brighten and enrich the lives of those we serve with HEART; Hospitality, Excellence, Appreciation, Respect & Teamwork. In this role you will assist in the oversight of daily operations in the kitchen and work with the Executive Chef to ensure the high-quality food products and kitchen cleanliness.

Job Description
  • Prepare meals from standardized recipes in accordance with order in a timely and attractive manner.
  • Set up food service line and workstations with needed condiments.
  • Ensure all condiments and garnishes that are required are prepared and served with the appropriate foods.
  • Assist in coordinating prep for the following day's menu.
  • Participate in a pre-meal meeting with food servers to review detail of daily menu.  
  • Assist with training of new kitchen employees.
  • Assist with scheduling of employees within the department. 
  • Assist with food ordering, monitoring inventory and creating the menu cycle.
  • Keep stock rooms, coolers, and freezers clean and ensure that food supply stocks are rotated and that all perishables are labeled, dated, and stored properly.
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and food preparation according to state and local health department code requirements.
  • Keep food waste to a minimum by utilizing food storage and food recycling techniques.
  • Manage and supervise Cooks, Lead Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience working in a commercial kitchen environment and/or a related certificate or degree from a college or technical school. 
  • Serv Safe or other required local, county or state certifications.
  • You are organized and great at communicating with co-workers and residents. 
  • You take pride in the quality and presentation of food that you have helped to prepare. 
  • You have basic to advanced knowledge of cooking and preparation of meals. 
  • You have a thorough understanding of food service techniques and requirements.
Additional Information

Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits plan to eligible team members including health, dental, vision, retirement benefits, short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid time off. All Senior Lifestyle positions are eligible to use DailyPay, an application that allows you to access your earned but unpaid wages before your next payday. Senior Lifestyle requires that all employees provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination unless exempt due to medical, religious, or personal beliefs. Government requirements or exclusions may apply. 


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About Senior Lifestyle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Senior Lifestyle is a leading senior living management company that is dedicated to providing exceptional care and enriching experiences for older adults. With a commitment to creating vibrant communities, Senior Lifestyle offers a wide range of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. At Senior Lifestyle, residents are at the heart of everything they do. Senior Lifestyle highly trained and compassionate staff provides personalized care, ensuring the physical, emotional, and social well-being of each resident. With a focus on promoting independence and maintaining an active lifestyle, Senior Lifestyle offers a variety of amenities, engaging activities, and wellness programs that cater to the unique needs and preferences of residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Northbrook, IL, US

Year founded

1985

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