1

Culinary Assistant Jobs in Pendleton, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Milton Freewater, OR · On-site

$21.95/hr

Our enhanced dining program provides culinary excellence. Essential Functions: * Prepare pre ... Determine if the food prepared is of the highest possible quality in taste and flavor. Assist in ...

Culinary Assistant information

See Pendleton, OR salary details

$9

$19

$34

How much do culinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary assistant in Pendleton, OR is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary assistant?

A culinary assistant is responsible for aiding the head chef or kitchen manager in a restaurant or culinary training center for students. In this career, your job duties include ensuring that the kitchen remains clean, assisting with food preparation, and ensuring all cooking equipment is in proper working order. The qualifications for a career as a culinary assistant include a high school diploma and additional training in the culinary arts. This can include formal degrees from culinary schools or vocational training from trade schools. You need strong organizational skills, a passion for food, and excellent attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and kitchen operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory management systems is common. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Culinary Assistants excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, uphold safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by culinary assistants in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary Assistants often face the challenge of multitasking under pressure, especially during busy meal services. They need to maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness while quickly preparing ingredients and supporting chefs. Adapting to sudden changes in menu orders and working efficiently with team members are also frequent demands. Successful Culinary Assistants develop strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCulinary AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety certificationTypically no formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesFood prep areas, kitchens, cafeterias
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting chefs, preparing ingredients, following recipesBasic food prep, cleaning, assisting with setup

Both roles support kitchen operations, but Culinary Assistants often have more specialized responsibilities and may require certifications. Kitchen Helpers typically perform basic tasks and support daily kitchen functions. The choice depends on experience and career goals in the culinary industry.

What cities near Pendleton, OR are hiring for Culinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Pendleton, OR with the most Culinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Assistant job openings in Pendleton, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,977 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

FB Traditions Culinary Worker

Wildhorse Resort and Casino

Pendleton, OR • On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Wildhorse Resort & Casino rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 164 rated casinos


Job description

WAGE RANGE: $15.00-$25.00
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: 1ST PULL DATE: AUGUST 18, 2026
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for attractively preparing, cooking, and presenting food items. Following set recipes and menu specifications. Always placing customers and safe food handling first. May work in any food outlet depending on business needs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  1. Ensures customer satisfaction through prompt, efficient, and friendly service.
  2. Cleans and organizes.
  3. Creates meals according to menu and recipe as set by the Executive Chef.
  4. Ensures that all food items are handled and cooked (if applicable) in a wholesome manner.
  5. Constantly maintains the kitchen and supply room in a sanitary and orderly fashion.
  6. Informs the supervisor of any kitchen problems.
  7. When needed, may assist with inventory, ordering, putting freight away, and/or cleaning.
  8. Able to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment and accomplishes tasks promptly.
  9. Complies with regulatory laws, employee handbook, department policy and procedures, safety codes, etc.
  10. Promotes a clean, safe, and healthy work environment for employees and guests. Promptly reports all concerns to the supervisor.
  11. Ensures that the operation of equipment, tools, and materials is handled safely.
  12. Promotes internal guest service standards through courteous and respectful behavior.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

PROMOTE WRC QUALITY SERVICE STANDARDS:
SAFETY: Ensuring a safe experience by protecting the welfare of all.
INTEGRITY: Expecting personal accountability at every level.
COURTESY: Creating an exceptional customer service experience for everyone.
TEAM: Functioning together to create a cooperative and positive experience.
SHOW: Providing flawless experience -a clean and cared-for resort.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Three (3) months of experience in food services.

  1. Functionally literate: to read and follow written recipes/procedures.
  2. Licensed/certified as a food handler or completes within 30 days of employment.
  3. Need to stand and/or walk for long periods; perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers; occasionally lift and maneuver 50 lbs.
  4. Effective communications skills - to provide instruction, responds to questions, and has exceptional interpersonal skills and abilities.
  5. Available to work all hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays.
  6. Exhibits a professional demeanor through appearance and by maintaining a positive attitude toward all employees and guests.
  7. Requires a criminal history clearance check.
  8. Must be at least 18 years of age.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Culinary II - Has a good working knowledge of professional kitchen, equipment, and food products.
  2. Culinary II - Three (3) months of hot food cooking experience.
  3. Culinary I - Maintains effective communication with front/back of house staff on guest service needs/orders.
  4. Culinary I - One-year hot food cooking experience or culinary school. Supervisory preferred.
  5. Culinary I - Understanding of cooking meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, and grains using different methods.

DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be modified or assigned at any time based on business needs.

What Wildhorse Resort & Casino employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom