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Culinary Assistant Jobs in Pendleton, OR (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$15.05/hr

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ... culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.

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Culinary Assistant information

See Pendleton, OR salary details

$9

$19

$34

How much do culinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 are Culinary Assistants?

Culinary Assistants are professionals who support chefs and kitchen staff in food preparation and kitchen maintenance. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, assisting with cooking tasks, cleaning work areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Culinary Assistants play a key role in keeping the kitchen organized and running smoothly, which helps deliver high-quality meals efficiently. They may work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or institutional kitchens such as schools and hospitals.

Who is a culinary assistant?

A culinary assistant supports chefs and kitchen staff by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with cooking tasks. They often work in restaurants, catering, or food service environments and may need basic culinary skills and knowledge of food safety practices.

What qualifications do you need to be a kitchen assistant?

To be a culinary assistant, basic qualifications typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and the ability to follow safety and hygiene standards. Some positions may require food safety certification or prior experience in a kitchen environment.

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 does a culinary aide do?

A culinary aide assists in food preparation, cooking, and serving in kitchens such as hospitals, schools, or catering services. They may handle tasks like chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, and following safety and hygiene standards under supervision.

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 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Culinary assistants typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or additional responsibilities. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve entrepreneurship, sales, real estate, or skilled trades where income depends on commissions, tips, or business success. Most jobs paying this amount require significant experience, certifications, or entrepreneurial effort.
More about Culinary Assistant jobs
What cities near Pendleton, OR are hiring for Culinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Pendleton, OR with the most Culinary Assistant job openings:
Culinary Assistant jobs near you
FB Plateau Culinary Worker

FB Plateau Culinary Worker

Wildhorse Resort and Casino

Pendleton, OR • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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

79th of 147 rated casinos

Job description

WAGE RANGE: $20.00-$22.00
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: 1ST PULL: JULY 2, 2026
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for attractively preparing, cooking, and presenting food items. Follows set recipes and menu specifications. Always places customers and safe food handling first. Works in Plateau, Traditions, or the Employee Cafe depending on business needs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  1. Comply with regulatory laws, employee handbook, department policy and procedures, safety codes, etc.
  2. Exceptional culinary skills and a deep understanding of various cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and presentation styles.
  3. Prepare, sauté, broil, fry, bake and grill food items in accordance with kitchen needs.
  4. Perform preliminary preparation work in a timely manner.
  5. Ensure ingredient supply levels are accurate.
  6. Move items from shelves to carts and transport to assigned stations for restocking purposes.
  7. Maintain the required par of food items in their assigned station.
  8. Maintain a sanitary and organized work area.
  9. Understand proper safety and health codes and regulations and maintain them regularly.
  10. Ensure all areas assigned are clean and free of debris.
  11. Demonstrate proper care, storage, use and cleaning of all tools and equipment.
  12. Follow proper FIFO procedures, returning/ storing product and equipment to designated areas.
  13. Demonstrate competent product knowledge by correct storing and handling of all perishables, maintaining quality, security, value and integrity.
  14. Prepare food products according to standard recipes and specifications and demonstrate positive responses to training by chefs.
  15. Effectively communicate with other team members, including service and kitchen maintenance personnel, chefs and managers.
  16. Follows management directives.
  17. Assist with any other job-related duties that may be assigned.

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.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
SIGNATORY ABILITY:
ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS:
  1. None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Work requires a minimum of one (1) year experience in an Upscale restaurant.
  2. Possesses excellent knife skills and knowledge of different knife cuts.
  3. Perform various job duties that will include operation of grill, fryer, broiler, oven, and French top in accordance with kitchen needs.
  4. Functionally literate: Needs to read and follow written recipes and procedures.
  5. Licensed or certified as a food handler or completes within 30 days of employment.
  6. Effective communications skills - verbally able to provide instruction, responds to questions and has exceptional interpersonal skills and abilities.
  7. Available to work all hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays.
  8. Excellent personal hygiene and maintain a neat and professional appearance.
  9. Requires a criminal history clearance check.
  10. Must be at least 18 years of age.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Culinary II - Has a good working knowledge of the professional kitchen, equipment, and food products with three (3) months' hot food cooking experience.
  2. Culinary I and lead/supervisory experience preferred. One-year hot food cooking experience or culinary school. Cooking experience-requires understanding of cooking meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, and grains using different methods.

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