1

Dining Assistant Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Portland, ME

$50K - $68K/yr

A Sous Chef at American Dining Creations will support the Chef & Executive Chef with executing ... Responsibilities: * Assist the Executive Chef with all culinary points of service including food ...

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. 10. Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. 11.

Supervisor

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... May assist in purchasing foods and supplies. · Maintains presence in service areas to assess ...

Student Dishwasher

Biddeford, ME

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Use Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. * Assist fellow associates at every opportunity. * Perform ...

Pizza Station Cook

Portland, ME

$14.25 - $19/hr

A Station Cook with American Dining Creations ensures exceptional dining through the set up ... Chat with Scout, our virtual hiring assistant to apply for this position right from your mobile ...

Prep/Saucier

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. · Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. · ...

Prep Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

A Prep Cook with American Dining Creations prepares meal ingredients, simple dishes, condiments ... Chat with Scout, our virtual hiring assistant to apply for this position right from your mobile ...

Catering Server

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. 11. Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. 12.

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. 12. Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. 13.

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Follow all Parkhurst Hospitality Gold Standards. 13. Assist fellow team members at every ...

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. · Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. · ...

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. 12. Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. 13.

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. · Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. · ...

Student Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Uses Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. · Assist fellow team members at every opportunity. · ...

Dishwasher

Portland, ME · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Use Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. 14. Assist fellow associates at every opportunity. 15.

Dishwasher

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Use Smile Plus hospitality imperatives. 14. Assist fellow associates at every opportunity. 15.

Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering ... Follow all Parkhurst Hospitality Gold Standards. 13. Assist fellow team members at every ...

Showing results 21-40

Dining Assistant information

See Portland, ME salary details

$8

$19

$42

How much do dining assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for dining assistant in Portland, ME is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dining assistant?

Dining assistants are professionals who support the serving of food and beverages in settings like care homes, hospitals, schools, and restaurants. Their role typically includes setting up dining areas, helping with meal service, assisting individuals who need help eating, and maintaining cleanliness. They play a key part in ensuring meal times are enjoyable and efficient, especially for people who may require additional support. Dining assistants also follow hygiene and safety regulations to ensure a safe dining environment.

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

To thrive as a Dining Assistant, you need basic food service knowledge, attention to hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a friendly demeanor help create a positive dining experience for guests. These skills ensure efficient service, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction in busy dining environments.

What are some common challenges faced by dining assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Dining Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and effective communication are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple tables during busy meal times, handling special dietary needs, and ensuring customer satisfaction under time constraints. To manage these challenges effectively, it's important to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and maintain a positive attitude even during high-pressure periods. Collaborating closely with kitchen staff and fellow servers also helps ensure smooth service and a supportive team environment.

What is the difference between Dining Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectDining AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certification or trainingOften requires food handler's permit or certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, senior living facilities, cafeteriasRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Job DutiesAssisting diners, setting tables, serving food, cleaningPreparing, serving, and cleaning up food in various settings

Both roles involve food service and may require similar certifications, but Dining Assistants typically focus on supporting dining experiences in institutional settings, while Food Service Workers often work in restaurants or catering. The roles overlap in customer service and food handling, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

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

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

Infographic showing various Dining Assistant job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,497 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

$50K - $68K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


American Dining Creations rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Pay: - Pay varies by location



Location: Portland, ME

Summary: A Sous Chef at American Dining Creations will support the Chef & Executive Chef with executing daily culinary services. This position will work with the culinary staff to ensure that recipes and safety standards are followed.


Responsibilities: 

  • Assist the Executive Chef with all culinary points of service including food stations and catering events. 
  • Provide guidance and supervise BOH staff. 
  • Ensure recipe standards, ingredients, and food handling safety protocols are met. 
  • Keep kitchen clean and organized, maintain production records and equipment.
  • May cover a shift or station during peak operation hours.
  • Meet daily with Executive Chef or General Manager regarding operations. 
  • May be assigned other duties and responsibilities as needed. 


Qualifications: 

  • An associate degree in culinary arts or hospitality or a culinary degree from an accredited culinary association is preferred. 
  • Three years experience in a similar culinary leadership role that may include retail, hotels, business, or education dining preferred. 
  • Prior experience with planning and managing employee schedules, hiring, and staff development. 
  • Possess strong time management skills, able to multitask and enjoy working in a time sensitive, fast paced environment. 
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, catering, ordering and inventory systems. 
  • Knowledge of all local and state food safety regulations. 
  • Able to lift to 50lbs, stand, walk, and bend for daily work schedule. 


About Us: 

American Dining Creations is a division of American Food & Vending and one of the largest privately held hospitality service partners in the United States.


At American Dining Creations, we recognize that all corporate and education dining partners are unique. We pride ourselves on creating programs and providing dining services with the strength of a national program and the flexibility and innovation of an industry leader.


We pair superior culinary offerings with outstanding management practices, providing every client with the highest operation standards and flexibility and responding quickly with creative menus, comprehensive concepts, and top-notch service.


Our full range of dining and catering amenities elevates the guest experience by providing outstanding and memorable dining solutions for students, guests, and faculty. 


We currently operate nationwide dining accounts, employing over 2,000 people and serving hundreds of thousands daily. Our services include full café dining emphasizing our Fresh Difference culinary philosophy, mobile ordering, catering, events and our grab-and-go program, My Fresh Market. We stand committed to providing true partnership, customization, and 24/7 support.


American Dining Creations Offers:

  • Weekly pay
  • 401K with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans, FSA/HSA
  • Ongoing training and development programs
  • Bonus programs for eligible positions


American Food & Vending is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Chat with Scout, our virtual hiring assistant to apply for this position right from your mobile device. Text JOB to (315) 803-6049 to get started!


What American Dining Creations employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom