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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix House

Kitchen Assistant (58250)

Queens, NY · On-site

$17.78 - $26.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Kitchen Assistant at Phoenix House, you will assist with prep work in the kitchen and supports the cook in providing three meals per day for all patients. If this sounds like you, we invite you ...

stewleonards

FT Kitchen Assistant Manager

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Kitchen Assistant Manager Full Time Hourly - $22.00 - $27.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: With limited supervision ...

Stew Leonard's

FT Kitchen Assistant Manager

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Kitchen Assistant Manager Full Time Hourly - $22.00 - $27.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: With limited supervision ...

stewleonards

FT Kitchen Assistant Manager

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Kitchen Assistant Manager Full Time Hourly - $22.00 - $27.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: With limited supervision ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Kitchen Assistant information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Ridgewood, NJ is $15.59, 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.

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 Ridgewood, NJ? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Ridgewood, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,425 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant (58250)

Phoenix House of New York

Long Island City, NY • On-site

$17.78 - $26.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Summary 

Are you ready to join a dynamic team of dedicated values-based leaders and professionals who are committed to creating a healthy, addiction-free world?

As a Kitchen Assistant at Phoenix House, you will assist with prep work in the kitchen and supports the cook in providing three meals per day for all patients.

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply. Be part of something bigger — help us build a healthier, addiction-free future together. 

***Phoenix House of NY is proudly offering 100% employer-paid medical insurance for all eligible employees and their dependents!***

About Us 

Phoenix House of New York | Long Island is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome substance use disorders and achieve lasting recovery. We provide treatment, housing, and support services for our clients and their families. Our core values— Integrity, Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Excellence, and Forward Thinking —guide our approach, ensuring each person receives evidence-based care that promotes dignity and wellness. By upholding these values, we empower people to rebuild their lives with hope, accountability, and support.  

What We Offer 

At Phoenix House, we recognize that in today’s economic climate, stability and support matter more than ever. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to care for you as a whole person—supporting your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Here are some of our perks: 

  • (10) Paid Holidays 

  • Paid vacation, sick time, personal and wellness time 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for those who are scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week 

  • Pet insurance, legal support, and other supplemental insurance 

  • A generous tuition reimbursement program 

  • 403(b) retirement plan 

  • Competitive wages and more... 

You will have responsibilities including but not limited to:

  • Receives deliveries and stores food in refrigerators and freezers.
  • Rotates stock in containers to maintain freshness.
  • Cleans food preparation areas and removes garbage from the kitchen.
  • Makes lists of items that need to be ordered for campus cooks and assists in keeping the kitchen organized.
  • Prepares the ingredients for Campus cook to prepare the entrees and meals that are offered on the menu.
  • Washes, chops, grates and slices vegetables to go in various dishes.
  • Cuts and slices meats to the appropriate portion sizes.
  • Complies with special food handling requirements for certain restricted diets
  • Assists in cleaning the kitchen

Job Details:

  •  Long Island City Residential - Queens, NY
  •  Full Time-non-exempt
  •  Salary $17.78 - $24.00 hourly

REQUIRED EDUCATION

  • N/A

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

  • NYS Serv Safe certificate

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

  • Previous restaurant experience.
  • On-the-job training in knife use and safe and sanitary food handling procedures.

COMPETENCIES (KSAs)

  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Stress Management
  • Judgment
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cleanliness
  • Creative
  • Safe Food-Handling

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • This job operates in a kitchen environment and routinely uses a variety of cooking utensils and equipment such as blenders, bowls, grills, grinders, kettles, measuring devices, mixers, ovens and slicers, as well as recipes. The work area may be warm and humid.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

  • Regularly required to stand and walk most of the day
  • Frequently required to reach, lift and carry food and kitchen equipment up to 50 pounds
  • Visual acuity required for appraising appearance of food

Apply