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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Assistant

Randolph, VT

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Come join our team as a Kitchen Assistant! Gifford's Food and Nutrition Services department is looking for solid team players as it adjusts its approach to local, scratch, healthy cooking. As a ...

Kitchen Assistant

Randolph, VT · On-site

$15.30 - $22.95/hr

Come join our team as a Kitchen Assistant! Gifford's Food and Nutrition Services department is looking for solid team players as it adjusts its approach to local, scratch, healthy cooking. As a ...

Kitchen Staff Assistant/Cook - Full-Time (Now Hiring) Location: Bennington, VT Pay Rate: Starting at $17.75 per hour Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Kitchen Manager Job Summary VPI is seeking ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Vermont salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Vermont is $16.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.64 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Vermont?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Vermont are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Vermont are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Vermont with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Vermont as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,074 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Gifford Medical Center rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

870th of 1,062 rated hospitals


Job description

Come join our team as a Kitchen Assistant!

Gifford’s Food and Nutrition Services department is looking for solid team players as it adjusts its approach to local, scratch, healthy cooking.  As a member of Vermont Fresh Network, we pride ourselves in providing food with intention thus the ideal candidates will be professional individuals driven by passion and creativity. 

Gifford offers many opportunities in the culinary field along with a solid work/life balance and an aggressive benefits package.  Those in the Food & Beverage Industry looking for a change or even those currently in Institutional Food Service looking for a new direction are highly encouraged to apply today.

The Kitchen Assistant will help prepare and serve nutritious, attractive meals and maintain the cleanliness of the food production and service areas. 

Strong time management/organization skills, the ability to multitask and communicate effectively in a professional manner are fundamental to the role.

Gifford Health Care offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to:

  • Competitive wages
  • Onsite parking
  • 403b retirement plan
  • Health plans including dental and vision insurance
  • Tax-saving flexible spending accounts
  • Health Savings Plan with employer contribution
  • Long and short-term disability insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Regular performance reviews
  • Learning opportunities

EOE


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