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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Mtholyoke

Kitchen Assistant

South Hadley, MA · On-site

$20.43 - $21.77/hr

Kitchen Assistant Faculty or Staff: Staff Full Time or Part Time: Full time In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote: In-Person Minimum Starting Rate of Pay: Rate of pay commensurate with experience Start Date ...

Pride

Pride Kitchen Crew

Ludlow, MA · On-site

$16/hr

Overview Join Our Team as a Deli Associate - Where Flavor Meets Fun! Are you passionate about food and love engaging with people? We're looking for Deli Associates who thrive in a vibrant store and ...

GPM Investments LLC

Pride Kitchen Crew

Ludlow, MA

$16/hr

Overview Join Our Team as a Deli Associate - Where Flavor Meets Fun! Are you passionate about food and love engaging with people? We're looking for Deli Associates who thrive in a vibrant store and ...

GPM Investments LLC

Pride Kitchen Crew

Ludlow, MA · On-site

$16/hr

Join Our Team as a Deli Associate - Where Flavor Meets Fun! Are you passionate about food and love engaging with people? We're looking for Deli Associates who thrive in a vibrant store and food ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Windsor, CT

$14 - $18.75/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Agawam, MA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Hadley, MA

$19/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

East Longmeadow, MA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Springfield, MA salary details

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$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Springfield, MA is $15.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.54 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 Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,935 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

Mtholyoke

South Hadley, MA • On-site

$20.43 - $21.77/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job no:

R-0000003425

Position Title:

Kitchen Assistant

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

08/24/2026

Job Description:

Mount Holyoke College Dining Commons offers a diverse array of cuisines tailored to meet various dietary preferences and needs. Our menu frequently rotates to provide students, faculty, and staff with an expansive selection. Highlights include the customizable WOK station, offering personalized stir fry dishes, and the Baraka station, specializing is Halal cuisine. For those seeking Kosher options, the L'Chaim station is available.


Our culinary team is dedicated to crafting nutritious, flavorful meals that cater to the diverse tastes of our students, faculty, and staff. We prioritize safety and sanitation in all meal preparations. In addition to Vegan and Vegetarian options, we strive to create an inclusive dining environment where every person, despite their dietary needs, can enjoy healthy and delicious foods.

Essential Functions:

  • Operating and maintaining dish machines according to proper procedures.

  • Washing all pots, pans and utensils, cleans up the dish return area, dining rooms and service areas following proper health and sanitation practices.

  • Recording accurate Time & Temp logs along with proper PH balance of sanitizers in pot sinks and dish machines.

  • Washing all tables and chairs as needed, mops floors between meal periods or as needed, emptying trash and compost in proper receptacles.

  • Emptying grease trap catch screens and keeping them clean.

  • Keeping all work areas clean, free of debris and sanitized at all times.

  • Maintaining the flow of dishes, silverware, pots, pans so they don't get backed up and delivering them back to their designated areas.

  • At times, will provide direction, supervision, and training to student staff and must maintain a high level of professionalism.

  • Assists in putting away food orders and deliveries as needed.

  • Working with others, including students, as well as work alone without supervision.

Qualifications:

  • Good communication skills, both written and orally.

  • General knowledge of food and operation of kitchen/dish room equipment.

  • Ability to pass a physical examination without restrictions.

  • Ability to lift/move an average of 50 pounds without restrictions.

  • Willingness to participate in a ServSafe class to obtain Food Protection Manager Certification.

  • Ability to maintain an extraordinarily positive attitude in dealing with students and the public.

  • Ability to work cooperatively and give direction to others.

  • Must comply with safety and sanitation regulations as prescribed by law.

  • Must comply with proper dress code as designated by the Department.

Entry Rate $20.43 - Working Rate $21.77

Dining Video

Please note that this position falls under a Union, which ensures fair compensation and benefits for all employees.

What We Offer:

Our comprehensive benefits program offers a range of options to you can make choices that work best for you and your family:

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 9% of salary)

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Disability and Leave Benefits

  • Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)

  • Generous Paid Time Off

  • Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants:

Apply online; application materials must include:

  • Acover lettersummarizing interests and qualifications

  • A completeresumeor curriculum vitae

  • For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

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