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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Hackettstown, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Yay Lunch

Kitchen Assistant - Easton

Easton, PA · On-site

$18/hr

The Yay Company Kitchen & Service Assistant Role Overview The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the café stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle ...

The Yay Company

Kitchen Assistant - Easton

Easton, PA · On-site

$18/hr

The Yay Company Kitchen & Service Assistant Role Overview The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the caf stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle ...

The Yay Company

Kitchen Assistant - Easton

Easton, PA

$18/hr

The Yay Company Kitchen & Service Assistant Role Overview The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the cafe stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle ...

VILLA GROUP

Line Cook

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Inventory Management: Assist in monitoring ingredient inventory levels and notifying the kitchen manager of any shortages or replenishment needs. * Menu Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with menu ...

VILLA RESTAURANT GROUP

Line Cook

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Inventory Management: Assist in monitoring ingredient inventory levels and notifying the kitchen manager of any shortages or replenishment needs. * Menu Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with menu ...

Villa Enterprises

Line Cook

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Inventory Management: Assist in monitoring ingredient inventory levels and notifying the kitchen manager of any shortages or replenishment needs. * Menu Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with menu ...

Villa Enterprises

Line Cook

Morristown, NJ

$18 - $19/hr

Inventory Management: Assist in monitoring ingredient inventory levels and notifying the kitchen manager of any shortages or replenishment needs. * Menu Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with menu ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Hackettstown, NJ is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $17.12 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 Hackettstown, NJ?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Hackettstown, NJ are:

What cities near Hackettstown, NJ are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Hackettstown, NJ with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Hackettstown, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,114 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc

Newton, NJ • On-site

$15.59 - $18.38/hr

Part-time

Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting the cooks and Food Service Director in the kitchen and dining halls ensuring the kitchen is clean and efficiently operational. The Kitchen Assistant may assist in preparation of ingredients under the guidance of cooks and Food Service Director.

Requirements

Essential Functions: 

  • Works as part of team to ensure food preparation areas are clean and hygienic.
  • Prepare cruiser car with necessary dishes, silverware, trays, etc., and sets up dining hall for each meal including dirty dish rack, rag and silverware buckets, brooms, and dust pans.
  • Assists in food preparation of meals according to the cook, which includes salad preparation and all items for salad bar, condiments, bread, butter, juice, water, milk, etc., desserts and other items as required.
  • Serves food from serving counter putting out all necessary items for consumption.
  • After meals, returns unused portions of food to kitchen counters and assist with organization of leftovers according to cook.
  • Clean up serving areas including sanitizing, scrubbing counters, bringing in dirty dish racks, silverware and buckets, unused dishes, sweeping and mopping serving area and disposal of garbage.
  • Adhere to procedures and rules of dish machine operation and while at the sink for pots.
  • Daily and weekly cleaning as assigned ensuring kitchen, dining and storage areas are safe, clean and orderly.
  • Follow and abide by the state health codes when handling food.
  • May assist unloading shipment of food and supplies as needed. 

Requirements/Qualifications: 

  • High School Diploma, college credits/degree in Education preferred.
  • Basic understanding of food preparation, culinary arts, kitchen equipment and hygienic processes.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels.
  • Ability to problem solve and take initiative that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
  • Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
  • First-Aid, CPR and AED certification may be required.

Part Time Benefits:  

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes paid sick leave, a legal plan, disability insurance, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403 (b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.   


*Full job description provided upon interview process.* 

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