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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Leeds, ME (NOW HIRING)

Customer Service/Sales

Topsham, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

... associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Décor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

... other associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Decor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

Customer Service/Sales

Augusta, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

... associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Décor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

... other associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Decor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

... other associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Decor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

... other associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Decor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

Customer Service/Sales

Waterville, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

... associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Décor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

Customer Service/Sales

Auburn, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

... associates in their department as well as other departments. Specific store departments may include Building Materials, Décor, Electrical, Flooring, Garden, Hardware, Kitchen & Bath, Lumber ...

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Kitchen Associate information

See Leeds, ME salary details

$8

$17

$28

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Leeds, ME is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $18.17 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Leeds, ME?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Leeds, ME are:

What cities near Leeds, ME are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Leeds, ME with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Market Kitchen and Deli Associate Part-Time

Pineland Farms Inc

New Gloucester, ME • On-site

$16 - $24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description


Job Title: Market Kitchen and Deli Associate part-time

Department: The Market

Location: 32 Farm View Dr. New Gloucester, ME

Reports To: Retail Operations Director

Status: Hourly Non-Exempt

Wage/Salary: Starting at $16.00-$24 an hour with experience, plus pooled tips.



SUMMARY

The Market at Pineland Farms has an opening for a year-round, part time position. Pineland Farms is a gem in Southern Maine and our Market is seeing unprecedented growth. We are looking for friendly individuals with great personalities that can work quickly - but not get too stressed - in a fast-paced environment. A Kitchen and Deli Associate is responsible for food preparation for breakfast, lunch, and to-go ready foods. Ideal candidate will have prior kitchen or culinary experience, but we can always train the right person. Come work in an amazing store, on a beautiful campus with a great and friendly team. This is a part time position (less than 30 hours/week) that will be primarily morning and afternoon shifts and require 1 weekend day of availability (Saturday or Sunday).


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.


  • Slice and package meats, cheeses and other deli products.
  • Prepare salads, sandwiches, soups and hot foods using deli equipment such as ovens and meat slicers. ( this task is performed only by employees that are 18+)
  • Take food orders and handle transactions at a POS (Point-of-Service) system.
  • Monitor inventory levels, keep displays stocked and fresh, rotate and label products.
  • Maintain a high standard of cleanliness, following all company and government food safety protocols.
  • Adhere to strict food safety and hygiene standards.
  • Ensure a positive customer experience in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to collaborate with team members



SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None


QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Kitchen or culinary experience preferred but not required


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Previous experience handling cash preferred but will train.
  • Ability to learn POS system.
  • Knowledge of food safety guidelines and standards are a plus but not required.
  • Ability to complete work place training and food safety training.


CERTIFICATIONS

  • ServSafe preferred but not required


LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating manuals, food preparation instructions, and procedure manuals.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.


REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems in standardized situations.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms performing repetitive hand and arm motions; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee occasionally needs to lift to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts such as ovens, meat slicers, commercial mixers and other typical commercial equipment. The employee is exposed to cleaning and sanitation chemicals. The employee will be public facing through entire shift. This position is indoors, with occasionally warm temperatures with ovens running in the summer months.


BENEFITS


  • Earned PTO
  • 20% off Market purchases