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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Basic Food Prep: Assist the culinary team with light prep work during downtime (e.g., peeling, chopping, washing produce, portioning ingredients, and basic prep stock). * Restocking & Organization:

Food Service Supervisor

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Food Service Supervisor

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Food Service Supervisor

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Dishwasher

Fairport, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Support culinary operations by washing dishes, putting away dish loads and performing other kitchen duties as necessary, including some food prep work * Assist with receiving of products, stock ...

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Kitchen Prep Cook

Rochester, NY

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With opportunities to grow and pursue your passion for food, the possibilities at Wegmans are ... Understand how products look and taste at their peak of perfection * Assist with ordering to help ...

Kitchen Prep Cook

Fairport, NY

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With opportunities to grow and pursue your passion for food, the possibilities at Wegmans are ... Understand how products look and taste at their peak of perfection * Assist with ordering to help ...

Kitchen Prep Cook

Rochester, NY

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With opportunities to grow and pursue your passion for food, the possibilities at Wegmans are ... Understand how products look and taste at their peak of perfection * Assist with ordering to help ...

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Foodservice Worker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Additionally, assist in kitchen to include prep, dish room, dry stock and perishable food inventories and sanitation. Experience as a cook or culinary schooling would be ideal but we willing to train ...

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain kitchen work area, equipment. Assist other cooks, prep, dish, and smokehouse as necessary ... Preferred • Food Handler's certificate • High school diploma or equivalent Dinosaur Bar-B-Que ...

Manage staff to ensure food prep meets guidlines set by Legends and the board of Health. Must be ... Knowledges of POS systems. Assist with scheduling. Extensive knowledge of food & beverage. Interact ...

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Food Prep Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Rochester, NY is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Food Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Food Prep Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,333 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Utility Worker

Lot 54

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:About Lot 54

At Lot 54, we are passionate about delivering exceptional food, high-energy service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We believe that a smooth-running restaurant starts with a strong, organized backbone in the heart of the kitchen.

At Lot 54, we work hard, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. We're looking for teammates who bring good vibes, keep the team dynamic fun, and aren't camera-shy! We love featuring our crew in behind-the-scenes social media content, hype videos, and team highlights. If you love good food, good energy, and having a blast with your team, this is the job for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking reliable, hard-working, and positive Utility Workers to join our team. In this hybrid role, you are the backbone of our heart-of-house operations—handling high-volume dishwashing, light food prep, and maintaining overall kitchen cleanliness and sanitation across morning, afternoon, or evening shifts.

Shift Availability:
Hiring across all shifts (Mornings/Daytime and Evenings/Closing). Open availability is a huge plus!Key Responsibilities
  • Dish Pit Operations: Efficiently scrape, wash, sanitize, and organize all dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, pans, and kitchen utensils using commercial dishwashing equipment and manual washing stations.
  • Kitchen Cleanliness: Maintain clean, safe, and sanitized work areas throughout the shift, including taking out trash/recycling, sweeping, mopping floors, and sanitizing high-touch surfaces.
  • Basic Food Prep: Assist the culinary team with light prep work during downtime (e.g., peeling, chopping, washing produce, portioning ingredients, and basic prep stock).
  • Restocking & Organization: Put away food, supply, and chemical shipments safely, following FIFO (First-In, First-Out) food rotation practices, and keeping storage areas organized.
  • Vibe & Culture: Bring a positive work ethic, help keep kitchen morale high, and participate in fun, behind-the-scenes social media content and kitchen crew showcases.
Qualifications & Skills
  • Experience: Previous restaurant, dishwasher, or kitchen cleaning experience is preferred, but we are happy to train anyone with the right attitude and work ethic!
  • Punctuality & Reliability: Show up on time ready to work and support the team.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and move quickly for extended periods, and comfortably lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Personality: Positive attitude, strong team-first mindset, camera-friendly, and a good sense of humor.
  • Safety Mindset: Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, and chemical safety guidelines properly.
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly pay + potential shift perks
  • Flexible scheduling (Daytime or Evening shifts)
  • A fun, supportive, and inclusive kitchen culture
  • Clear opportunities to learn culinary skills and grow into line cook roles
Requirements: