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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Why this Role matters As a Kitchen Assistant, you will help enhance the dignity and quality of life of our shelter clients by assisting the Cook with the preparation of the daily menu and food ...

Why this Role matters As a Kitchen Assistant, you will help enhance the dignity and quality of life of our shelter clients by assisting the Cook with the preparation of the daily menu and food ...

Join the Heart of the Kitchen at Poulet Rouge! At Poulet Rouge, the kitchen is where fresh, high-quality food comes to life. As a Kitchen Team Member, you play a key role in maintaining product ...

Join the Heart of the Kitchen at Poulet Rouge! At Poulet Rouge, the kitchen is where fresh, high-quality food comes to life. As a Kitchen Team Member, you play a key role in maintaining product ...

Kitchen

Mississauga, ON · On-site

$17.60/hr

Fun. Flexibility. Growth. Are you looking for a fun and exciting environment, flexible work schedule, or an opportunity for growth? Blending all of these together is the difference between a good job ...

Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training, development ...

Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training, development ...

Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training, development ...

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Scarborough, ON · On-site

CA$17.60 - CA$20.60/hr

Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training, development ...

OverviewAssistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training ...

OverviewAssistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training ...

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Scarborough, ON · On-site

CA$17.60 - CA$20.60/hr

OverviewAssistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training ...

OverviewAssistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) Assistant Kitchen Managers at Canada's leading casual dining restaurant, Boston Pizza, oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including the training ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

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 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 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 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 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.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant role can be a good first job as it provides basic skills in food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It often requires minimal prior experience and offers opportunities to learn about the food service industry and develop work ethic. However, it may involve early hours and physical activity, which should be considered by job seekers.

What do you do as a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen environment. They may also assist with organizing supplies, washing dishes, and supporting chefs or cooks as needed. Good communication and basic food safety knowledge are important for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To become a kitchen assistant, there are generally no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and good teamwork. Some employers may provide on-the-job training or require food hygiene certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Toronto, ON?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON?

For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What cities near Toronto, ON are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Toronto, ON with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Toronto, ON 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 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Weekend Kitchen Assistant

Toronto, ON

Part-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Sojourn House

SojournHouse provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of theworld. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providingthe best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the firstrefugeehousing facilities in Toronto, we take pridein being a leading organization in refugee care.


Why this Role matters

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will help enhance the dignity and quality of life of our shelter clients by assisting the Cook with the preparation of the daily menu and food service items to the required standard and to maintain the required food and environmental hygiene within the dining room and commercial kitchen of Sojourn House. The Morning weekend shifts are Friday-Sunday from 9:00AM -2:00 PM.


What You'll Do

  • Monitor and ensure clean plates, cutlery and mugs are always available in the dining room for shelter clients.
  • Collect used plates, utensils and mugs from dining room, rinses lunch dishes, cutlery through dish washer, return dry dishes and cutlery to dining room
  • Monitor and ensure coffee machine filter kept refilled
  • Refill empty condiment containers
  • Maintain ongoing sanitation to remove spills, clean all surfaces, wipe clean inside and outside fridge and freezer
  • Dismantle cardboard boxes, remaining garbage for disposal and removal into appropriate recycling bins.
  • Organize dry storage and carry out the prescribed routine cleaning duties before end of each shift.

What You'll Need

  • Minimum of one-year previous experience in a high-volume commercial food services environment (preferably in a not for profit) is required.
  • Previous experience in food preparation required.
  • Current City of Toronto Public Health Food Handling Certificate required.
  • Knowledge of WHMIS requirements and associated precautions in a commercial kitchen environment preferred.
  • CPR/ First Aid Certificates acquired through a recognized course preferred.
  • Experience with the use of commercial kitchen equipment required including but not limited to stoves/grills, deep fryer, ovens, mixers, steam cooker and serving equipment, dish washer, etc.

What we offer

  • Health Care Spending Account following successful completion of probation.
  • Up to 9 paid sick days per year, accrued on a pro-rated basis.
  • Vacation entitlement in accordance with the Collective Agreement.
  • A supportive and inclusive workplace committed to anti-racism, access and equity.
  • An opportunity to contribute to meaningful work supporting refugees and newcomers.

What to expect

  • This is a part-time weekend position
  • You will regularly bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs when receiving food deliveries or organizing storage areas.
  • You will be required to wear appropriate protective equipment, including gloves and hair/beard nets.
  • You'll spend much of your shift standing and should be able to remain on your feet for up to 4 hours at a time


Sojourn House thanks all applicants but will contact only qualified candidates selected for interviews


In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, a request for accommodation will be accepted throughout the hiring process. Interview candidates are required to provide their accommodation needs at least three business days before the assessment date.

Sojourn House is committed to employment equity and encourages applicants from all equity seeking groups.


101 Ontario Street Toronto, ON M5A 2V2 T: 416.864.0515 www.sojournhouse.org