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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Assistant

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Kitchen Assistant FLSA Status : Non-Exempt Reporting Requirement: Essential Assists Chef on duty to prepare nutritious meals Operation of cargo van to make daily meal deliveries, as needed. Greets ...

Kitchen Ambassador

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

About the Role We are hiring a Kitchen Ambassador to serve as Picnic's primary on site representative inside our cloud kitchen facilities. This role is essential to ensuring orders move accurately ...

Kitchen Ambassador

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

About the Role We are hiring a Kitchen Ambassador to serve as Picnic's primary on site representative inside our cloud kitchen facilities. This role is essential to ensuring orders move accurately ...

Kitchen Team Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Ready to Join Our Sizzling Kitchen Team at Dash In? We're on the lookout for enthusiasticTeam Membersto become a part of our Dash In teamwhere the adventure begins with a starting wage of $16.50per ...

Kitchen Team Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Ready to Join Our Sizzling Kitchen Team at Dash In? We're on the lookout for enthusiasticTeam Membersto become a part of our Dash In teamwhere the adventure begins with a starting wage of $16.50per ...

Kitchen Team Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Description Position at Dash In Ready to Join Our Sizzling Kitchen Team at Dash In? We're on the lookout for enthusiastic Team Members to become a part of our Dash In team where the adventure begins ...

Kitchen Team Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Ready to Join Our Sizzling Kitchen Team at Dash In? We're on the lookout for enthusiasticTeam Membersto become a part of our Dash In teamwhere the adventure begins with a starting wage of $16.50per ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Reston, VA is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.26 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,341 per year, or $16 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

THE SHEPHERDS TABLE, INC

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description:

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reporting Requirement: Essential


Assists Chef on duty to prepare nutritious meals

Operation of cargo van to make daily meal deliveries, as needed.

Greets all donors professionally with respect and ensures that all donations are recorded and appropriately stored and organized in a timely manner to ensure food safety.
Ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of the kitchen equipment

Provides support and guidance to volunteers in the kitchen during mealtimes and encourages other ST volunteer involvement opportunities

Ensures that the kitchen/equipment/food and volunteers are fully in compliance with health regulations

Ensures the cleanliness of the kitchen, dining room, dish room, prep area, storage area, laundry room and utility room
Washes pots, pans and dishes, as needed

Secures the kitchen at all times

Ensures all trash is removed from the kitchen

Supports ST fundraising efforts through participation in events and other ways as needed

Assists in clean-up of the kitchen area and dining room as needed

Requirements:

Required: Minimum of 1 year experience working in a kitchen or dining room environment.

Preferred: High School Diploma or GED. Minimum 1 year experience working in a kitchen or dining room environment with food preparation skills. Experience working with vulnerable populations

Required License/Certification: Valid Driver's License. Food Handler certification