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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

TRADEMARK VENUES LLC

Kitchen Assistant

Vista, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

KITCHEN ASSISTANT About This Role The Kitchen Assistant is vital to the success of the team and is responsible for cleaning all the equipment used in the kitchen. This role may also be participating ...

Jimbo's

KITCHEN ASSISTANT MANAGER (46234)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Assume ownership of the Kitchen in the absence of the Prepared Foods Manager. * Gain skills, knowledge, and ability needed to assist the Prepared Foods Manager in the following areas: * Achieve ...

Jimbo's

KITCHEN ASSISTANT MANAGER (46234)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Assume ownership of the Kitchen in the absence of the Prepared Foods Manager. * Gain skills, knowledge, and ability needed to assist the Prepared Foods Manager in the following areas: * Achieve ...

goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the kitchen - the one running the line when the pace picks up, and the person the team looks to mid ...

Goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the kitchen -- the one running the line when the pace picks up, and the person the team looks to mid ...

goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the kitchen - the one running the line when the pace picks up, and the person the team looks to mid ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Poway, CA

$20/hr

At Chick-fil-A, the Kitchen Team Member role is more than just a job; it's an opportunity. In addition to working directly for an independent Owner/Operator, Kitchen Team Members gain life experience ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Poway, CA · On-site

$20/hr

At Chick-fil-A, the Kitchen Team Member role is more than just a job; it's an opportunity. In addition to working directly for an independent Owner/Operator, Kitchen Team Members gain life experience ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Encinitas, CA

Kitchen Assistant information

See Encinitas, CA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Encinitas, CA is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.84 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.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Encinitas, CA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Encinitas, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,422 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

TRADEMARK VENUES LLC

Vista, CA • On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

About This Role

The Kitchen Assistant is vital to the success of the team and is responsible for cleaning all the equipment used in the kitchen. This role may also be participating in limited preparation of food such as cleaning and chopping as needed. Energy, enthusiasm, and passion for work, the people, and the clients are key to achieving success in this role.

What You’ll Do

Responsibilities May Include:

  • Wash and store appropriately all dishes, cookware, glasses, flatware, and other utensils
  • Clean all food preparation machines and equipment as directed
  • Ensure all work areas are clean and hygienic according to the kitchen plan
  • Dispose of all trash appropriately
  • Assist in the unloading and storage of vendor and company deliveries as well as the loading of company delivery vans
  • Wash, peel, chop, and cut food as directed
  • Other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

Experience:

  • Previous experience working in a restaurant or catering kitchen preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Ability to stand or walk for up to eight (8) hours or more in a fast-paced environment requiring movement and the ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Bi-lingual (Spanish and English) language skills preferred

Trademark Core Behaviors

At Trademark Venues, every team member is expected to embody our Core Behaviors:

  • Intentional Service
  • Clear Accountability
  • Extraordinary Empathy
  • Ethics in Action
  • Adaptive Excellence

Why Trademark Venues?

Trademark Venues is a growing hospitality and events company serving North San Diego County through premier wedding venues, hospitality concepts, and exceptional guest experiences. From weddings and celebrations to catering and innovative hospitality concepts, we are committed to delivering thoughtful service, operational excellence, and memorable experiences.

Our culture is built on teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and genuine care for both our employees and our guests. We invest in our people because we know great experiences begin with great teams.

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
  • Ongoing training and professional development
  • Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization
  • A collaborative, people-first culture

Our Commitment

At Trademark Venues, we are committed to building an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing workplace. We lead with empathy, act with integrity, and hold ourselves accountable to clear standards—while remaining adaptable in a constantly evolving industry.

Trademark Venues is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing workplace where every employee has the opportunity to succeed. We value diverse perspectives, lead with integrity, and strive to create an environment where our team members feel supported, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.

Trademark Venues, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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