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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Bright Horizons

Child Care Kitchen Assistant

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$16.05 - $17.50/hr

As a Kitchen Assistant at Bright Horizons , you will support children, families, and staff in a child care setting. Each day, from breakfast to afternoon snack, you will prepare and deliver premade ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

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$8

$14

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Nebraska is $14.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $15.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants are support staff who help chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning work areas and utensils, unloading deliveries, and ensuring that the kitchen operates efficiently. They play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring that meals are prepared in a timely manner. Kitchen assistants typically work under the supervision of more experienced kitchen staff and may have opportunities to learn basic cooking skills. The role can be fast-paced and requires good teamwork and attention to detail.

What does a kitchen assistant do?

Kitchen assistants perform a number of cooking-related duties, including preparing food, retrieving ingredients from the freezer or other storage locations, and restocking food items. As a kitchen assistant, you may also perform hygiene-related tasks to keep the kitchen clean, such as wiping down equipment or cleaning counters after food preparation. There are usually no educational requirements for the career, but employers prefer that you have relevant work experience in a restaurant setting. Additional qualifications include the ability to follow oral instructions and health and safety procedures, as well as hand dexterity and cooking skills to peel and cut ingredients.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dishwashing machines, and sometimes food hygiene certifications are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills. These competencies ensure a safe, organized, and productive kitchen environment, supporting overall food quality and service.

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

Kitchen Assistants often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, maintaining cleanliness under time pressure, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and team members, and following food safety protocols can help manage these demands effectively. Building strong teamwork skills and being proactive about restocking supplies are also key to thriving in this role.

What is the difference between Kitchen Assistant vs Kitchen Porter?

AspectKitchen AssistantKitchen Porter
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, and basic kitchen tasksCleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen areas; basic support tasks
Required SkillsBasic cooking knowledge, teamwork, organizationCleaning skills, physical stamina, attention to hygiene
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSame as Kitchen Assistant, often in similar settings
CertificationsFood hygiene certificates often preferredFood hygiene certificates often required

Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in responsibilities. Kitchen Assistants typically handle food prep and basic tasks, while Kitchen Porters focus on cleaning and maintaining hygiene. Both roles are essential in commercial kitchens and often require similar certifications.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant role can be a good first job as it provides basic skills in food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It often requires minimal prior experience and offers opportunities to learn about the food service industry and develop work ethic. However, it may involve early hours and physical activity, which should be considered by job seekers.

What do you do as a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen environment. They may also assist with organizing supplies, washing dishes, and supporting chefs or cooks as needed. Good communication and basic food safety knowledge are important for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To become a kitchen assistant, there are generally no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and good teamwork. Some employers may provide on-the-job training or require food hygiene certifications.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Nebraska?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Nebraska are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Nebraska?

For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Nebraska look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Nebraska are:

What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Nebraska with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,556 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative
Non-Profits • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborativeexternal

$13 - $16/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

SUMMARY:

Educare Lincoln is a collaborative partnership between the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), Early Head Start (EHS), and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The mission of Educare Lincoln is to help young children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically through high-quality early childhood education, and in partnership with their families and the community. The EHS program (ages 6 weeks to 3 years) and the preschool program (ages 3 years to 5 years) promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of evidence-based education, health, nutritional, social, and other services to enrolled children and their families.

The Kitchen Assistant assists with the preparation of meals and snacks and their delivery to the classrooms. The Kitchen Assistant also maintains cleanliness in the kitchen work area and works alongside the Kitchen Coordinator to meet the nutritional and health needs of the children we serve.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:
  • Assist with the preparation of meals and snacks.
  • Maintain kitchen sanitation requirements through cleaning of utensils, dishes, and equipment on a scheduled basis.
  • Assist with the activities of ordering, storing, and maintaining inventories of food products and kitchen chemicals.
  • Assist with preparation of paperwork associated with the nutrition program.
  • Perform other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum one year of experience working in a similar position required.
  • Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of food handling requirements and safety practices.
  • Food Handlers Permit required, or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment.
  • Skill in operating several types of kitchen equipment such as stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and other equipment.
  • Ability to establish working relationships and interact effectively with a wide range of people.
  • Ability to complete necessary records and reports in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
  • Ability to communicate with others, both verbally and in writing.
  • Basic computer skills to complete tasks such as email, timeclock management, and online training courses.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move center/classroom equipment and supplies.
  • Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.


If you’d like to be part of something special, please apply!

Educare Lincoln provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discriminatory hiring practices. We are committed to the equal treatment of all employees and applicants and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation), age, disability, veteran status, parental status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer