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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Manage inmate labor and team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Serve food during planned meal schedules and according to department procedures. * Use ...

... * Assist with prep * Assist servers * Help wash dishes when time permits. * Assist with taking out trash. * Restock and replenish disposables when needed. * Comply with all food and beverage ...

Part-time Evening Dishwasher

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

... * Assist with prep * Assist servers * Help wash dishes when time permits. * Assist with taking out trash. * Restock and replenish disposables when needed. * Comply with all food and beverage ...

Food Production: Produce food items listed on the prep sheet, ensuring each dish meets Torchy ... Rotate products as needed and assist with other duties outside of this as requested by management.

Food Production: Produce food items listed on the prep sheet, ensuring each dish meets Torchy ... Rotate products as needed and assist with other duties outside of this as requested by management.

Culinary Prep

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Prep Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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 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.

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.

How to become a food prep assistant?

To become a food prep assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of food safety standards and proper sanitation is important. Some employers may prefer previous experience in food service or culinary skills.

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:

Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,089 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Prep- Nighttime - Back of House Team Member

Chick-fil-A

Newport News, VA

$15 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Chick-fil-A rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7,688 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 107 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

As a Prep (Back of House Team Member), you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and freshness of our food by preparing ingredients and supporting kitchen operations. Your attention to detail, efficiency, and commitment to food safety will help deliver the exceptional service and food Chick-fil-A is known for.

Schedule and Availability

Candidate should be available to work between the hours of 11am to 11pm Monday through Saturday.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare fresh produce, salads, and other ingredients following Chick-fil-A procedures
  • Accurately label, date, and store prepped items to maintain freshness and food safety
  • Monitor inventory levels and communicate needs to leadership
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized prep area
  • Assist with receiving, storing, and rotating inventory (FIFO)
  • Support kitchen staff by ensuring all necessary ingredients are prepped and available
  • Follow all safety, sanitation, and health guidelines at all times
  • Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail

Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Ability to follow recipes, safety procedures, and operational guidelines precisely
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment
  • Strong attention to detail and cleanliness
  • Team player with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
  • Previous kitchen or food prep experience preferred but not required
  • Ability to multitask and stay calm under pressure.
  • Commitment to Chick-fil-A's values of hospitality, integrity, and excellence.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to stand and walk for up to 8-10 hours per shift.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. occasionally (e.g., catering trays, product boxes).
  • Frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and reaching overhead.
  • Ability to move quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfortable working in hot or cold conditions (such as kitchen, walk-in cooler/freezer, or outside).

Benefits of for All Team Members:

  • Flexible schedule to accommodate your lifestyle.
  • Exclusive employee discounts on delicious Chick-fil-A meals!
  • Scholarships
  • Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities.

Benefits of for Full Time Team Members:

  • Paid time off to recharge and relax.
  • Health and life insurance for your peace of mind.
  • 401k with matching contributions to secure your future.

Location: Jefferson and Buchanan 12839 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23608, USA

Chick-fil-A Jefferson & Buchanan is now open! Known as much for our warm, personable service as our delicious food, Chick-fil-A has come a long way since our humble beginnings, when S. Truett Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A Restaurant in Atlanta in 1967.
We are now hiring for ALL positions!
Please apply to only ONE position! Thank you!

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Chick-fil-A employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Chick-fil-A logo

About Chick-fil-A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chick-fil-A, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is a well-known company in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company's official website is chick-fil-a.com. Chick-fil-A specializes in freshly prepared chicken sandwiches and other delicious chicken meals. It was founded by Truett Cathy in 1946, initially as a diner named 'The Dwarf Grill'. In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant was established. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,400 restaurants across the U.S. The core values of the company include integrity, excellence, continuous improvement, and caring. The mission of Chick-fil-A is to "Be America's best quick-service restaurant." The company prides itself on providing high-quality food and service, fostering a positive dining experience, and giving back to the communities they serve. Notable achievements include pioneering in-mall fast food and introducing the original boneless chicken sandwich.

Industry

Restaurants, food services and drinking places and traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

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