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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Professional

Hillsboro, OR

$17 - $19/hr

As a Back of House Team Member at Chick-fil-A, you'll play a vital role in what makes our kitchen hum. Whether you're prepping ingredients or plating up a guest's favorite meal, you help create the ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Professional

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

As a Back of House Team Member at Chick-fil-A, you'll play a vital role in what makes our kitchen hum. Whether you're prepping ingredients or plating up a guest's favorite meal, you help create the ...

Din Tai Fung

Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.50/hr

As a Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps, you play a key dual role in bringing the Din Tai Fung (DTF) experience to life behind the scenes. You'll prepare all beverages at the Boba station, plate appetizer ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Kitchen Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Portland, OR is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 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.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,924 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Kitchen Assistant - At Large

Kitchen Assistant - At Large

Douglas County School District (CO)

Scholls, OR • On-site

$18.01 - $27.81/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Please complete this application using your full legal name as it appears on your government issued forms of identification when you have time to go from start to finish. Application details cannot be saved along the way, and you must complete and submit the application in one sitting. If you leave your computer and return later, you may time out.

REMINDER: Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on, this application is for external candidates only!

Job Posting Title:Kitchen Assistant - At LargeJob Description:Position will be located in the Parker, CO Area
Provides assistance in daily preparation of the school lunch and breakfast programs. Works at a variety of locations based on needs of kitchens, under supervision of Area Manager. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community and school clientele.
NOTE: Variable Locations, 6 hrs per day guaranteed, FULL BENEFIT ELIGIBLE.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Frequent standing, reaching, lifting (including occasional overhead lifting), bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, climbing, pushing, twisting, and pulling items weighing 40 lbs or less. Standing or walking 95% of the work day
- Occasional climbing and balancing using step stool
- Repetitive motions including lifting, keypad entry, chopping, filling and sealing packaging. Make fast repeated movements of fingers, hands and wrists.
- Use both hands to grasp, grip, move or operate objects or equipmentPosition Specific Information (if Applicable):Responsibilities:

Manage the opening, closing, cooking and serving of students in the absence of the Kitchen Manager, as directed by your Area Manager. Ability to critically think and problem solve

Assist in the set up and cleanup of serving areas for timely service to students, including dishwashing and proper sanitation of work stations. Follows and understands all HACCP. Uses all kitchen equipment properly. Cleans equipment properly and follows all safety precautions

Maintain daily meal counts and production records. Must produce and understand the regulations regarding preparation, proper food temperatures, appearance and portion sizes

Assist in the preparation, service, and sale of meals ensuring compliance with department regulations, Independently follows menu and recipe instructions. Preparation of meals can include washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting and chopping fresh fruits, vegetables and meat items. Must follow standard recipe, proper portion sizes and verbal instructions

Must travel to multiple schools within a reasonable geographic area and have your own transportation and maintain a flexible schedule based on the needs of the work site

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Participate in and lead training to kitchen staff members and participate in PGI Classes. Must annually complete all USDA Mandatory Professional Standards training hours, as required by position category. Actively pursues upcoming regulatory changes and provides sustainable solutions

Maintain good community relationships with other Nutrition Services staff, school staff, students and parents. Must have a focus on customer service. Must be pleasant, cooperative and able to work with a wide variety of people. Flexibility in learning new concepts, cooperates with others, and adapts to a variety of assignments and conditions

Operate Point of Sale system and reconcile monies daily to ensure accuracy

Serve meals daily while ensuring compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control (HACCP) plan and health department sanitation standards. This includes ensuring the proper cooking and serving temperatures of foods by temping and recording them

Receive deliveries and store food and supplies as directed by supervisor. Ability to inventory food and supplies, including fresh, frozen and dry goods

Certifications:ServSafe Certification within 6 months of hire - ServSafeEducation:High School or EquivalentSkills:Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes, Effective oral and written communication skills, Maintains a generally positive attitude, Observes all District policies and procedures, Strong organizational and time management skills, Verbal and written communication skills in English and a demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructionsPosition Type:RegularPrimary Location:Variable Location Employee - SchoolsOne Year Only (Yes or No):No


 

Scheduled Hours Per Week:30


 

FTE:0.75Approx Scheduled Days Per Year:172 Work Days
  • (260 days indicatesa year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are thengranted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.)
Minimum Hire Rate: $18.01 USD HourlyMaximum Hire Rate: $22.91 USD HourlyFull Salary Range:$18.01 USD - $27.81 USD Hourly
  • All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.
Benefits:This position is eligible for voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans.Time Off Plans:This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past:October 24, 2026

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