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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Staff Cook

Bennington, VT ยท On-site

$17.75/hr

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 ...

Cook

Bennington, VT

$20 - $22/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Cook

Rutland, VT

$17 - $21/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Cook

Saint Albans, VT ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

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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 3, 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.

Can you be a Kitchen Assistant with no experience?

Yes, many entry-level Kitchen Assistant positions do not require prior experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training and look for basic skills such as reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Having a positive attitude and good hygiene can also improve your chances of getting hired without experience.

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 are kitchen assistants?

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 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.

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 qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic literacy and numeracy skills. Relevant experience in food handling, cleanliness, and safety procedures is beneficial, and some employers may prefer food safety certifications such as a Level 1 Food Hygiene certificate.

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 do you do as a Kitchen Assistant?

A Kitchen Assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the cleanliness of kitchen equipment and work areas. They may also assist with serving food, organizing supplies, and following safety and hygiene standards. The role often requires good communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

How to work as a Kitchen Assistant?

To work as a Kitchen Assistant, you should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, assist with food preparation and cleaning, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Basic skills such as organization, attention to detail, and the ability to operate kitchen equipment are important. Some positions may require food safety certifications or prior experience in a kitchen setting.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% 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.

Kitchen Assistant - Part Time

Cedar Circle Farm

Thetford Hill, VT โ€ข On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

May-December
20-40 hours per week

Full and part-time positions are available in our farm kitchen, May through December. The growing season on the farm provides a fantastic assortment of organic fruits and vegetables to work with daily.

Our cooks prepare a wide variety of foods using our farm-grown produce, including items for the farmstand and cafรฉ, our Monday Meals Program, and our Soup and Dinner CSAs, as well as a range of signature products unique to Cedar Circle. This role supports all aspects of kitchen production-from preparing meals and helping maintain product inventory to processing freshly harvested vegetables for immediate use or storage.

We are looking for reliable, adaptable, and creative individuals who enjoy working with fresh ingredients and are excited to contribute to a farm-based kitchen.

Responsibilities

This is an exciting and dynamic role in a fast-paced, farm-based kitchen. Tasks will vary based on the needs of the kitchen and the flow of the growing season, and may include any of the following:

  • Follow recipes to prepare a variety of foods for the farmstand, cafรฉ, and meal programs
  • Prep, cook, and package meals, including cold salads and grab-and-go lunch items
  • Prepare, package, and label signature products, and help maintain their inventory in the farmstand
  • Process freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, including washing, chopping, and preparing for immediate use or storage
  • Preserve produce through pickling, canning, and freezing
  • Assist with weekly and monthly menu planning in collaboration with the Kitchen Team
  • Help track and maintain inventory of prepared foods, ingredients, and stored vegetables
  • Communicate with and take direction from the Kitchen Manager and Kitchen Lead on production schedules and ingredient needs
  • Meet deadlines for farmstand offerings and meal programs
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace at all times
  • Follow all established food safety and health protocols
  • Support other kitchen tasks and assist team members as needed

Qualifications

  • Ability to work both independently and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment
  • Ability to follow recipes and directions with attention to detail
  • Strong time management skills and ability to stay on task in a busy kitchen setting
  • Comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification when needed
  • Receptive to constructive feedback and able to adapt to changing tasks and priorities
  • Professional kitchen experience is preferred, but not required. A willingness to learn and a positive attitude are what matter most.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on your feet for the duration of a shift

Compensation

The Kitchen Assistant position is full-time or part-time and seasonal, with benefits including paid leave, fresh produce, a 20% discount at our farmstand and cafe, access to an employee assistance program, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match. Pay range is $15-17/hr, depending on experience. Ability to work the full season is a plus.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are invited to complete our online employment application.

About Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center is a nonprofit, certified organic farm located on over 50 acres of conserved land along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, Vermont. Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture systems for our annual vegetable and flower production and to offering educational programming that builds connections between our food, ecosystems, and community.

Our farm is a community hub with a farmstand, retail greenhouses, a farm kitchen, a coffee shop, a cut flower garden, education programs, and unique CSA options. It's a place where folks can learn about and deepen their appreciation for organic regenerative agriculture.

Our staff is a reflection of our community and is the most essential aspect of our farm. When you join our dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make valuable contributions to our greater mission of promoting organic, regenerative farming and the transition to a localized food economy!

Cedar Circle Farm is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.