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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Manager Zest Culinary Services (formerly MMI Dining Systems) is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead our culinary team at our contract location in Jackson, MS. This is an ideal opportunity for ...

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

Assigns, instructs, and monitors work of other Cooks and Kitchen Assistants; ensures meals are prepared as planned. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: * Ability to meet attendance ...

Kitchen Managers are responsible for the training of kitchen employees to ensure all recipes, food preparations, and presentations meet Georgia Blue's specifications and commitment to quality. They ...

Kitchen Managers are responsible for the training of kitchen employees to ensure all recipes, food preparations, and presentations meet Georgia Blue's specifications and commitment to quality. They ...

Kitchen Managers are responsible for the training of kitchen employees to ensure all recipes, food preparations, and presentations meet Georgia Blue's specifications and commitment to quality. They ...

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Kitchen Manager The Kitchen Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Air Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands-on role, with ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Air Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the Urban Air Café and guiding the performance of Team Members. This is a practical, hands ...

Kitchen Dishwasher

Jackson, MS · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

* Handle the regular cleaning of dishes, utensils, cookware, and other things that come through the kitchen * Perform light cleaning around the kitchen * Keep on track during busy hours to ensure team ...

Showing results 21-40

Kitchen Assistant information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Ridgeland, MS is $13.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $14.42 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Ridgeland, MS?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:

What cities near Ridgeland, MS are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ridgeland, MS with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Ridgeland, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,831 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Kitchen Manager

MMI Hotel Group

Jackson, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Kitchen Manager
Zest Culinary Services (formerly MMI Dining Systems) is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead our culinary team at our contract location in Jackson, MS.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who loves the hospitality industry but is looking for a better work-life balance. Our normal schedule is Monday through Friday, with weekends and holidays off. While occasional emergencies may require weekend coverage a few times each year, this position offers a consistent weekday schedule.
As the Kitchen Manager, you will oversee all food and beverage operations, including food preparation, restaurant service, banquet and catering operations, and lounge service. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for delivering an exceptional guest experience while maintaining high standards for food quality, sanitation, and operational efficiency.
Responsibilities include:
  • Leading and developing the kitchen and food service team
  • Preparing and overseeing high-quality food production
  • Creating innovative menus while managing food costs
  • Managing inventory, ordering, and receiving
  • Ensuring compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards
  • Overseeing banquet and catering food operations
  • Managing labor costs and departmental budgets
  • Maintaining quality, consistency, and outstanding guest satisfaction

Qualifications:
  • At least three years of management or supervisory experience in a hotel or full-service restaurant preferred
  • Strong culinary skills with the ability to lead by example in the kitchen
  • Experience training and developing both front-of-house and back-of-house team members
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards
  • Experience with inventory management, food cost control, budgeting, and P&L statements
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills

Zest Culinary Services fosters a worker environment that is inclusive as well as diverse, where our team members can be themselves. Zest Culinary Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.