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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Federal Way Public Schools

School Kitchen Assistant

Federal Way, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SCHOOL KITCHEN ASSISTANT POSITION SUMMARY School Kitchen Assistants are responsible for the preparation and positive service of meals to students and staff of schools within the Nutrition Services ...

Aceituno's Mexican Food

Kitchen Assistant

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Seeking Part Time job ? With or without experience, welcome to apply. Potential full time. If you are interested in scheduling an interview, send a text with your name to 425-305-0693. Please mention ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA

Kitchen Assistant information

See Renton, WA salary details

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Renton, WA is $17.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant is often a suitable first job because it provides basic skills such as food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It typically requires minimal prior experience and can help develop work ethic and time management in a fast-paced environment.

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 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 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 are needed to be a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic cooking skills, good hygiene, and the ability to follow safety procedures. Some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant experience or certifications in food safety can be advantageous.

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 kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, organize supplies, and assist chefs or cooks as needed, often working in a fast-paced setting. Basic food safety and hygiene knowledge are important for this role.

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, teamwork, and knowledge of kitchen tools are important, and some positions may require food safety certifications. Flexibility with shifts and physical stamina are also beneficial for this role.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Renton, WA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Renton, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,048 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

School Kitchen Assistant

Federal Way Public Schools

Federal Way, WA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

SCHOOL KITCHEN ASSISTANT
POSITION SUMMARY
School Kitchen Assistants are responsible for the preparation and positive service of meals to students and staff of schools within the Nutrition Services Department of Federal Way School District.  The position is responsible to prepare quality meals that are safe and sanitary and to follow Nutrition Services Department protocol for all aspects of meal service at the school.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.




  • Assist Kitchen Manager with lunch set-up preparation and clean up as directed by Kitchen Manager.
  • Communicate and serve meals to students, plating food per request, make sandwiches or other serving activities during mealtime.
  • Collect cash, sell tickets, make change at mealtime.  Operate Point of Sale register utilizing computer keyboards or keypads, computer screens and printers and other equipment.  Operate manual meal service ticketing systems as needed according to department protocol.
  • Prepare and maintain records for number of lunches and ala-carte items sold each meal time and each day according to department protocol.   Keep accurate and complete records as required.
  • Verify receipt of milk and other deliveries as assigned.  Record amount of milk (and other foods as assigned) left after serving.
  • Check plate count used with the Kitchen Manager.  Prepare report of cashier station if assigned. Keep areas surrounding cashier station and under responsibility clean, well stocked and attractive.
  • Arrange food in attractive displays.
  • Maintain confidentiality and dignity of students receiving free and reduced meals.   Provide positive, professional and friendly service.
  • Wash pots and pans, perform cleaning activities for all equipment, save or discard food per foodservice sanitation protocol, sweep floors of kitchen and perform other clean-up activities within the kitchen.
  • Attend all contracted meetings. 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and maintain positive customer relations with students, staff and service providers.
  • Work collaboratively with District and Kitchen manager staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
  • Federal Way School District requires employees to adhere and comply with the State of Washington and King County Department of Health food code.
  • Protect confidentiality of District materials and rights of senders and recipients, consistent with District ethical guidelines.
  • Able to relate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
  • Take place of Kitchen Manager as assigned.

The preceding list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent
Current FWPS Employee or Guest Employee with Nutrition Services
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Past experience in service industry serving the public, cash handling experience
Working knowledge of basic computer applications
National School Lunch Program experience
Member ASFSA, WSFSA
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Criminal background clearance
Possess and maintain a valid and current Food Handler's Permit
Adhere to attire protocol
Possess and maintain a valid Washington state driver's license
KNOWLEDGE OF:
School board policies and procedures
Basic mathematics and reading
ABILITY TO:
Continue professional growth
Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and able to pay strict attention to detail
Speak, read and follow written or verbal communications in English
Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines
Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers
Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Relate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
Function in a calm, efficient, courteous and professional manner
Establish and maintain a positive, tactful, cooperative and effective working relationship with children and others
Accurately and rapidly make correct change and record types of lunches and milk served
Interact positively with a wide range of temperaments and personalities
Maneuver self, carts and food/supplies within constrained kitchen environment with heavy equipment, tables and carts
Perform job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future." 
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee will perform repetitive physical tasks involving lifting and hand movements such as scooping food or other activity.
The employee is frequently required to squat, stoop, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to sit, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry. The position also requires driving, hearing, speaking, writing, and keyboarding.
The employee must constantly lift/handle at least 40 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/handle at least 50 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull carts weighing at least 400 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position requires ability to work in low temperature environments such as walk in refrigerators or freezers, or work with food that is in a frozen or very hot state.
Position also requires exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals.
WORK SCHEDULE 
Work schedules are varied according to the available meal times of the building and may change according to building needs.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Position reports to Kitchen Manager and Director of Nutrition Services
REPRESENTATION
Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948
LEVEL OF COMPENSATION
Level A in the Nutrition Services Department on the PSE Salary Schedule.  This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE Medical, dental vision, sick and vacation leave, life insurance, retirement.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Update 07/2015
Disclaimer
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.  The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. 
All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.
Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.
















































































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