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Chefs Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at ... Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication ...

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at ... Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at ... Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess ...

Food Quality Assurance Coordinator

Camas, WA · On-site

$17.56 - $26.67/hr

Obtain Chef Table samples to verify compliance to specification * Assist the Quality Manager in specific training and daily initiatives addressing quality, food safety, and sanitation issues to drive ...

Obtain Chef Table samples to verify compliance to specification * Assist the Quality Manager in specific training and daily initiatives addressing quality, food safety, and sanitation issues to drive ...

Showing results 21-40

Chefs Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$20

$28

How much do chefs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for chefs assistant in Portland, OR is $20.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Chefs Assistant jobs in Portland, OR? For Chefs Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chefs Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Chefs Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Chefs Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Chefs Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Chefs Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,991 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Rock Creek Tavern KAAM (Kitchen Assistant Assistant Manager)

McMenamins

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


McMenamins rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 6 rated pubs and bars


Job description

McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern is Hiring for KAAM! (Kitchen Assistant-Assistant Manager)
McMenamins is a family-owned company in Oregon and Washington serving our own handcrafted beer, wine, cider, spirits, and coffee alongside good, honest pub fare. Locations range from neighborhood pubs to historic hotels. We emphasize community, art, history, music, food, drink, and fun. McMenamins has seasonal, as well as long-term career opportunities! We value Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Description of the Position:
The primary responsibility of KAAM is to assist in all kitchen operations under the guidance and direction of the Chef/Manager. Duties include but not limited to: This position will be expected to be able to perform the responsibilities of non-management positions and perform all opening and closing duties of the kitchen. The KAAM will often act as the host and will oversee the smooth and effective running of the shift. Other duties include working outside on a seasonal basis as well as indoors, and most importantly maintaining and providing excellent customer relations with all customers. The KAAM must be able to perform all regular job duties of a line cook, regulating labor and food costs; overseeing side work; cleaning duties; and training staff; administrative duties as assigned by manager. effectively dealing with issues as they arise and reporting them to the head manager, provide appropriate service to the customer to meet their needs and requests whenever possible to assure customer satisfaction. The KAAM must be available to help solve and troubleshoot any problems that come up during the course of a shift report any issues to the Chef/Head Manager and District Manager. The KAAM position can be hard physical work and this job also requires the ability to effectively multi-task in a fast paced and deadline-oriented environment. The KAAM must also have the ability to work well independently and also as a member of a team.
Benefits We Offer
  • Perks and employee discounts: $45 hotel rooms, 40% off bottles of wine, access to concerts.
  • Happy Hour beverage pricing all day, 40% off McMenamins apparel & spa services, shift food credits and more.
  • Comprehensive insurance benefits package, including vision, medical, dental, chiro and alternative care to eligible employees
  • 401(K)plan with employer contribution to eligible employees
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Neighborhood pubs and hotels with opportunities to work at other locations like our winery or concerts
    Belief in a work life balance
  • Be part of a fun team and having a positive work environment
  • Multiple career path opportunities - we have staff who have gone from front desk attendants to sales associates, from server to manager and many other continuing stories within McMenamins.

Qualified applicants must:
  • Obtain and maintain a current food handler card
  • Previous high-volume cooking experience is required
  • Previous supervisory experience is preferred
  • Flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays preferred
  • Enjoy working in a busy customer service-oriented environment

Community
  • Resurrection of historic buildings and properties in large and small Northwest communities
  • Giving back financially to local schools and non-profits near each location
  • Helping other local businesses grow with collaborative products
  • Our pubs and hotel properties are places for all to gather, relax, converse and create a strong foundation for the fabric that makes up a neighborhood

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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