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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

McLean Bible Church

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Food Preparation: * Wash, peel, chop, slice, and prepare ingredients for menu items * Assist in the ... Ensure all prep items are stored properly, labeled, and dated according to health and safety ...

ASM Global

Food Prep Worker - Jiffy Lube Live

Bristow, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

The Role The Food Prep is responsible to prepare or assist with the food preparation or assist the cashiers with facilitating the orders to the guests. Responsibilities The Food Prep is responsible ...

ASM Global

Food Prep Worker - Jiffy Lube Live

Bristow, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

The Role The Food Prep is responsible to prepare or assist with the food preparation or assist the cashiers with facilitating the orders to the guests. Responsibilities The Food Prep is responsible ...

RVA Gigsters

Line Cooks / Prep Cooks

Richmond, VA

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Key Responsibilities: - Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and quality standards - Assist with food prep tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing sauces, and marinating meats ...

Massanutten

Prep Cook

VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Massanutten Resort Job Summary The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking of food for ... Provide trash removal * Assist in setting-up kitchen for opening and/or breaking down kitchen at ...

JACKMONT HOSPITALITY INC

Utility

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, dining area, and restrooms. * Assist in food prep and stocking as needed. * Empty trash and recycling bins and help maintain the cleanliness of the restaurant.

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Lexington, VA · On-site

$19/hr

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

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Food Prep Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

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$14

$19

How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Virginia is $14.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep assistant?

To thrive as a Food Prep Assistant, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are important technical requirements. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to maintaining kitchen efficiency, ensuring food safety, and supporting smooth meal preparation in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Food Prep Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Prep AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationsNone required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Job DutiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, basic food prepAssisting with cleaning, basic prep, support tasks

Food Prep Assistants focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes in professional kitchens, often requiring basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers typically perform support tasks like cleaning and basic prep, with less emphasis on food preparation. While both roles work in similar environments, Food Prep Assistants have more specialized responsibilities related to food preparation.

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

Food Prep Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining speed and accuracy during busy meal periods, adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards, and efficiently managing multiple prep tasks simultaneously. Adapting to last-minute menu changes and effectively communicating with chefs and other kitchen staff are also key to ensuring smooth kitchen operations. Developing strong organizational skills and staying calm under pressure can help overcome these common challenges and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

How to become a food prep assistant?

To become a food prep assistant, typically no formal education is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and good time management. Some employers may require food handler's permits or certifications, and on-the-job training is common.

What is a food prep assistant?

Food Prep Assistants are entry-level workers in kitchens who help chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and organizing supplies. Their tasks often include washing, chopping, and measuring food items, as well as ensuring workstations are sanitary. They play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and efficiently, especially during busy periods. This position is a common starting point for those interested in advancing to more skilled culinary roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Assistant jobs in Virginia?

For Food Prep Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Food Prep Assistant job openings:

Food Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,089 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

2026-2027 School Food Prep Assistant - Dining Hall

Saint Patrick Catholic School

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Title: 2026-2027 School Food Prep Assistant-Dining Services

Department: Staff

Position: Non-Exempt, Part-Time


Saint Patrick Catholic School is currently seeking a full-time Food Prep for the Dining Hall. This is a 25-30 hours per week position for 10-months. (Hours to be determined between 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)


Overview

Founded in 2005, Saint Patrick Catholic School (Norfolk, Virginia) is an independent Catholic school with an enrollment of approximately 400 students in grades pre-kindergarten through eight. Boasting a vibrant and accomplished team of educators, the school encourages students to develop a growth mindset while creating an educational framework focused on reinforcing six "pillars" of education that support the whole formation of each student.


Faculty Expectations

  • Model faith and service to the community
  • Uphold the school's vision of being authentically Catholic and warmly ecumenical
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to establish servant leadership opportunities
  • Promote a culture of respect for all members of the community


Responsibilities

  • Preps and assists the cook with a variety of food according to production guidelines and standardized recipes
  • Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment
  • Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
  • Safely uses a variety of utensils including knives
  • Operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, steamers, slicers, choppers, mixers, dishwasher, and other food service and mechanical equipment
  • Arranges, garnishes, and portions food according to established guidelines
  • Properly stores food by adhering to food safety policies and procedures
  • Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils
  • Adheres to safety policies and procedures, including accurate food safety and sanitation
  • Assist with serving during lunch service for two lunch periods
  • Attend regular faculty and department meetings and contribute to teamwork and positive morale
  • Participate in faith formation experiences
  • Perform other duties as directed by school administration


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience as a food prep, cook or in a related role
  • Knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as accurate food handling, sanitation, and storage
  • Knowledge of special dietary requirements
  • Must be able to acquire food safety certification
  • Demonstrate basic math and counting skills
  • Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Committed to serving as a role model for students


Education and Experience

  • 1 year of related experience and/or training
  • Must have Food Handler Certification
  • Must work well in a team setting and assist others as needed
  • Flexible with time as there may be special events when extra assistance may be required


This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting (up to 25 lbs.); bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).


Saint Patrick Catholic School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

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