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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Elderwood

Kitchen Utility Associate

Hamburg, NY · On-site

$16/hr

Salary $16.00 / hr Overview Elderwood Assisted Living at Hamburg is Hiring Part-Time Kitchen Utility Associate Kitchen Utility Associate team members assist with ensuring the health and well-being of ...

Remington Hotels

Executive Chef

Buffalo, NY

$69K - $95K/yr

Efficiently supervise, guide and train kitchen associates to provide quality food production for both restaurants and banquets, focusing especially on timing, portions, food quality and sanitation ...

New

Remington

Executive Chef

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Efficiently supervise, guide and train kitchen associates to provide quality food production for both restaurants and banquets, focusing especially on timing, portions, food quality and sanitation ...

New

Elderwood

Kitchen Utility Associate

Williamsville, NY · On-site

$16.10 - $17/hr

... and kitchen. 3. Keeps work area equipment clean and in good condition. 4. Disposes garbage properly in the receptacle located outside of building. 5. Mops floors in work area after each meal. 6. ...

Elderwood

Dining Services Associate

Cheektowaga, NY · On-site

$16.10 - $18.31/hr

Salary $16.10 - $18.31 / Hour Overview Dining Service Associate Full-Time Opportunities | Open ... Clean and sanitize dishes, kitchen equipment, food-preparation areas, and dining spaces * Follow ...

Elderwood

Dining Services Associate

Wheatfield, NY · On-site

$16.10 - $18.31/hr

Dining Service Associate (DSA) team members are responsible for ensuring the health and wellbeing of our residents by being responsible for food and beverage preparation, meal service, and kitchen ...

Elderwood

Dining Services Associate

Lancaster, NY · On-site

$18.31/hr

Dining Service Associate (DSA) team members are responsible for ensuring the health and wellbeing of our residents by being responsible for food and beverage preparation, meal service, and kitchen ...

Elderwood

Dining Services Associate

Grand Island, NY · On-site

$18.31/hr

Dining Service Associate (DSA) team members are responsible for ensuring the health and wellbeing of our residents by being responsible for food and beverage preparation, meal service, and kitchen ...

Elderwood

Dining Services Associate

Williamsville, NY · On-site

$16.10 - $18.25/hr

Salary $16.10 - $18.25 / hour Overview Dining Service Associate (DSA) team members at Elderwood at ... kitchen/equipment sanitation. This individual also assists with providing a positive experience to ...

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Kitchen Associate information

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How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Buffalo, NY is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen associate?

Kitchen associates are team members who assist with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the overall organization of a kitchen. They typically work under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers and help with tasks such as chopping ingredients, washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Kitchen associates play a vital role in keeping the kitchen running efficiently and supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Associate, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, compliance with health standards, and consistently high-quality food preparation.

What are some typical challenges a kitchen associate faces during busy service periods, and how can they be managed?

During peak meal times, Kitchen Associates often face challenges such as high order volumes, tight deadlines, and maintaining quality standards under pressure. To manage these, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Many kitchens operate with a strong sense of teamwork, so supporting colleagues and asking for help when needed can make a big difference. Developing good time management skills and staying calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Kitchen Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectKitchen AssociateKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar environments, often assisting kitchen staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, hotels, catering companiesCommonly used interchangeably with Kitchen Associate in hospitality
Job ResponsibilitiesFood prep, dishwashing, maintaining cleanlinessAssisting with basic food prep, cleaning, stocking supplies

Overall, Kitchen Associates typically have more defined responsibilities and may require basic certifications, while Kitchen Helpers focus on assisting with daily tasks and cleaning. Both roles are essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Can I work in a kitchen as a Kitchen Associate with no experience?

Kitchen Associate positions often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training for tasks like food preparation and cleaning. Basic skills such as teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn are valued, and some roles may require food safety certifications which can be obtained quickly. Entry-level roles are suitable for individuals new to the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Buffalo, NY?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Kitchen Associate jobs near you

Kitchen Utility Associate

Elderwood

Hamburg, NY • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Elderwood rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 247 rated social care providers

Job description

Salary
$16.00 / hr
Overview
Elderwood Assisted Living at Hamburg is Hiring Part-Time Kitchen Utility Associate
Kitchen Utility Associate team members assist with ensuring the health and well-being of our residents by being responsible for dish room tasks of clearing, soaking, scraping, washing, air drying, and putting away of china and
utensils used in serving and preparation of food. This individual also assists with daily cleaning duties of the food production areas and sanitation duties.
Responsibilities
1. Carries out the clearing, scraping and putting of dishes and utensils in dish machine, and the emptying of dish machine and putting away of dishes after being air dried.
2. Cleans dish machine, sinks and counters; removes all garbage from work area and kitchen.
3. Keeps work area equipment clean and in good condition.
4. Disposes garbage properly in the receptacle located outside of building.
5. Mops floors in work area after each meal.
6. Follows daily cleaning lists.
7. Helps clear dining room tables when needed.
8. Helps with receiving/storing of food deliveries.
9. Replenishes soap for sinks and detergent for dish machine as needed.
10. Attends facility meetings, staff meetings, and required or preferred in-services.
11. Performs all position duties according to safety rules and standards of practice required for this position, and as required to ensure the general safety of staff, residents and visitors of this facility.
12. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them.
13. Utilizes electronic timekeeping system as directed.
14. Arrives to work on time, regularly, and works as scheduled.
15. Recognizes and follows the dress code of the facility including wearing name tag at all times.
16. Follows policy and procedure regarding all electronic devices, computers, tablets, etc.
17. Supports and abides by Elderwood's Mission, Vision, and Values.
18. Abides by Elderwood's businesses code of conduct, compliance and HIPAA policies.
19. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, management staff or Administrator.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 16 years of age
  • Employment Certificate/Permit required for applicable individuals
  • Prior customer service experience
  • ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain
  • Physical stamina necessary for constant activity
  • HS diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Prior food service, hospitality, serving, or restaurant experience desired

  • This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.

EOE Statement
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.

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