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Culinary Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

1891 Kitchen Sous Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

What You'll Do Culinary Operations & Food Quality * Assist the Executive Chef in coordinating and supervising all phases of food production for Club restaurants and banquet operations * Support menu ...

Dietary Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$21/hr

Contribute to the nutritional wellbeing of our residents through your culinary creations. * Leadership Opportunity: Supervise in the absence of the manager and assist in scheduling and assigning ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at both properties. Guides and supports culinary team in the implementation and adherence of company ...

Line Cooks

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop your culinary expertise while contributing to a vibrant team committed to excellence. Responsibilities * Assist in menu planning and food ...

Line Cooks

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop your culinary expertise while contributing to a vibrant team committed to excellence. Responsibilities * Assist in menu planning and food ...

PRN/On-Call Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Check out food and supplies as needed by dietary aides. Assist in taking physical inventories in the culinary department. * Assist in establishing food service production lines, etc., to ensure that ...

PRN/On-Call Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Check out food and supplies as needed by dietary aides. Assist in taking physical inventories in the culinary department. * Assist in establishing food service production lines, etc., to ensure that ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$19

$34

How much do culinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary assistant in Portland, OR is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $18.99 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 are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Assistant jobs in Portland, OR?

For Culinary Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Culinary Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,805 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

$20 - $23/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in supervising dietary functions and personnel.

  • Prepare and oversee the preparation of food, ensuring quality and presentation.

  • Contribute to tray service, cleanliness duties, and maintain organized kitchen operations.


Job description

Step into the Flavorful Role of Dietary Cook!

Experience the Art of Culinary Excellence

Are you passionate about the art of cooking and creating delicious meals that nourish the body and spirit? If you're ready to embark on a culinary journey where your skills will shine, we're excited to welcome you as our new Dietary Cook. Get ready to prepare delectable dishes, supervise dietary functions, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our residents.

Department: Dietary 

Reports to: Dietary Service Supervisor, Administrator, Assistant Administrator

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in supervising dietary functions and personnel, fostering a collaborative kitchen environment.

  • Prepare and oversee the preparation of mouthwatering food, ensuring it's as visually appealing as it is flavorful.

  • Contribute to tray service and cleanliness duties, maintaining a well-organized kitchen.

  • Keep accurate records as directed to ensure seamless operations.

Job Qualifications:

  • Education: High School diploma preferred, or the ability to read and write English effectively.

  • Experience: Previous culinary experience is a plus.

  • Job Knowledge: Proficient in preparing and cooking a variety of foods in larger quantities. Knowledge of special diets, seasoning requirements, cooking times, and temperature controls. Skilled in estimating food quantities, minimizing waste, and creating appetizing meals.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Supervise kitchen operations in the absence of the manager.

  • Receive reports on meals for normal and special diets, and coordinate food and supply requirements.

  • Adhere to special diet orders and use approved substitutions.

  • Follow food production plans to ensure quality and presentation.

  • Plan, prepare, and serve meals in coordination with meal times.

Other Job Functions:

  • Perform additional duties as directed or required.

  • Maintain position until replacements arrive when needed.

Why Join Us?

  • Culinary Excellence: Immerse yourself in a culinary environment where your skills make a flavorful impact.

  • Diverse Team: Work closely with a diverse team to create exceptional dining experiences.

  • Nutritional Expertise: Contribute to the nutritional wellbeing of our residents through your culinary creations.

  • Leadership Opportunity: Supervise in the absence of the manager and assist in scheduling and assigning duties.

  • Quality Assurance: Ensure excellence, quality, temperature, and appearance of food is preserved for each meal.

  • Safe Environment: Embrace a work environment that values safety, cleanliness, and teamwork.

Shape the Palates, Shape the Day!

If you're ready to showcase your culinary talents, create delightful experiences, and contribute to the overall health of our residents, apply now. Join us in the flavorful journey of a Dietary Cook, where every dish is a masterpiece and every meal is a joy.

Apply Today and Savor Every Moment!

Salary/ Wage Range 

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. 

We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, disability or protected veteran status. We proudly support and encourage people with military experience (active, veterans, reservists and National Guard) as well as military spouses to apply for our job opportunities.