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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Montpelier, VT (NOW HIRING)

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sautรฉ vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sautรฉ vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

Full Time Server

Waterbury, VT ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Make $16+ an hour. We have a 48-person dining room, with an open kitchen. Fast ticket times and support from our kitchen assistants with bussing and dishwashing allows our servers to focus on ...

Full Time Server

Waterbury, VT ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Make $16+ an hour. We have a 48-person dining room, with an open kitchen. Fast ticket times and support from our kitchen assistants with bussing and dishwashing allows our servers to focus on ...

Maintain cleanliness and organization in all kitchen, storage, and utility areas, including floors ... Assist culinary leadership with kitchen setups, breakdowns, trash removal, recycling, and deep ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Montpelier, VT salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Montpelier, VT is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $16.78 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 Montpelier, VT?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Montpelier, VT are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Montpelier, VT look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Montpelier, VT are:

What cities near Montpelier, VT are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Montpelier, VT with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Montpelier, VT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,399 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Dish & Kitchen Assistant (substitute position)

Hunger Mountain Co-op

Montpelier, VT โ€ข On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

Dish & Kitchen Assistant


Substitute position

Varied Hours


ย The Co-op frequently hires substitute employees to cover absences and planned time off. Substitutes earn an hourly wage, accrue a paid time off benefit, and are eligible for the employee discount on Co-op purchases. In addition, substitutes have preferred access over outside applicants to jobs with regular hours at the Co-op. Substitutes may work a range of hours up to 40 hours weekly, depending on the Co-op's need and the substitute's availability. The most common substitute positions are cashier, grocery clerk, and prepared foods worker. Substitutes must work a minimum of 48 hours per quarter to maintain sub status. ย 


Purpose: To maintain an acceptable level of kitchen cleanliness and sanitation, and assist in the proper maintenance and hygiene of produce orders and kitchen inventory. Adhere to standards and guides of kitchen policies.


Status: Reports to Kitchen Manager

Pay Level 2


Responsibilities:

Clean all dishes, pots, pans, silverware and utensils ensuring compliance with sanitation and health department regulations.

Return all material to the proper location in a safe and accessible manner at the end of each shift.

Clean all sinks and dishwashing area to ensure compliance with sanitation and health department regulations.

Maintain bussing and refuse station in cafe.

Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines for dish and utensil handling.

Perform other tasks as assigned by Kitchen Manager.

Attend departmental meetings. Be responsible for safety in the workplace by creating a safe work environment, reporting safety concerns to a manager or member of the Safety Committee, and adhering to safety rules and regulations.

Follow department policies and procedures.


Customer Service:

Treat customers fairly, consistently, and with respect.

Ensure efficient, friendly and informative service according to established customer service vision and standards.

Begin customer transaction with a friendly greeting.

End customer transaction with a pleasant farewell

Familiarity with Co-op policies and procedures in order to answer customer questions.


Department Maintenance:

Assist in preparation of ingredients for salad bar and Prep Staff if necessary.

Assist in the maintenance of kitchen inventory to include ingredient rotation, consolidation and monitoring dates in the walk-in cooler, and notify Kitchen supervision of any out-of date items.

Maintain all kitchen recycling, compost and trash.

Sweep and mop kitchen area including the walk-in.

Clean the stove and counters ensuring compliance with sanitation and health department regulations.

Use all equipment safely; advise Kitchen supervision of equipment repair needs.

Monitor dishwashing and cleaning supplies inventory; advise Kitchen supervision of ordering needs.

Participate in periodic cleaning and maintenance projects as requested by Kitchen supervision.

Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines, including but not limited to wearing a hat while working in the kitchen.

Maintain the grease trap according to regular schedule.

Maintain hood system baffles and hood according to regular schedule.


Requirements

The responsibilities as listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks an employee may be required to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.


Qualifications:

Ability to work independently.

Ability and desire to keep pace during rushed periods of service.

Ability to follow instructions.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Ability to stand for long periods of time.

Ability to follow the safety policies and procedures of Hunger Mountain Co-op.

Ability to provide excellent service to customers, vendors and coworkers.

Ability to work well with others in a cooperative environment where teamwork and constant communication are essential.

Ability to be physically present onsite at the Co-op to perform the requirements of this position.