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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Santa Rosa, CA

$22 - $25/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Rohnert Park, CA

$22 - $25/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Napa, CA

$22 - $25/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

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All JobsKitchen Associate JobsKitchen Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Kitchen Associate information

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How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Santa Rosa, CA is $20.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $22.07 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 Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Kitchen Associate jobs near you

Associate Chef, On-Call

Ceres Community Project

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$21.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

DEPARTMENT: Culinary Operations
REPORTS TO: Kitchen Manager
LOCATION: Ceres HQ
STATUS: 1 Casual/On Call, Part-Time, Non-Exempt
EXPECTED HOURS: 0 - 30
Position Summary
The Associate Chef supports the smooth operation of kitchen shifts, ensures efficient and organized meal production, and maintains quality standards and food safety. As an Associate Chef this position is a shift lead for volunteers, and models a supportive site culture that positively engages adult and youth volunteers, ensuring that volunteer hours are maximized and work on those shifts is meaningful. S/he/they is expected to uphold and model Ceres' culture, values, and mission at all times when interacting with staff, volunteers, and the community at large.On Call Associate Chefs are called upon to cover a variety of shifts, from kitchen Adult or Youth shifts, and bagging and packaging shifts.
This role requires a finger print background check.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Leads production on adult and/or youth volunteer shifts; point person for volunteer questions and issues on shift; ensures volunteers are leveraged as fully as possible.
  • Follows the daily cooking plan and production schedule, adjusting and pivoting as directed by the Lead Production Chef.
  • Ensures consistency across all shifts in food safety and sanitation practices, cooking techniques, and food quality; maintains all documentation of time/temperature cooling logs, refrigeration logs, all other HACCP documentation.
  • Keeps kitchen neat and orderly during shifts and provides a clean handoff to the incoming chef with accuracy and good organization, including assisting with dish washing, mopping, and laundry needs. Conducts deep cleaning and organizational tasks.
  • Oversees volunteers and production details closely to ensure that all meals leaving the kitchen are beautiful, delicious, and maintaining Medically Tailored Meal (MTM) standards. Follows SOPs, recipe guidelines, portioning and cooking plans as outlined.
  • Works under guidance of Kitchen Manager and Lead Chef to maximize food going to clients and minimize food waste.
  • Assists with shorthanded shifts and covers for chef absences as needed.

Additional Tasks as a Culinary Team Member:
  • Follows food safety protocols include but are not limited to: documentation of time/temperature cooling logs, refrigeration logs, all other HACCP documentation; properly rotating food to avoid waste; as keep the kitchen neat and orderly during and between shifts; conducts deep cleaning tasks .
  • Oversees volunteers and production details closely to ensure that all meals leaving the kitchen are beautiful, delicious, and maintain Medically Tailored Meal (MTM) standards.
  • Regular, reliable, predictable attendance is required for all shifts.
  • Other duties as required and requested.

Adult and Youth Volunteer Program Responsibilities
  • Ensure new adult volunteers and youth receive a warm welcome and are oriented to kitchen workflows and that all volunteers are engaged in meaningful work throughout the course of each shift
  • Teach volunteers new skills related to the work of the kitchen
  • Ensure volunteers are communicated with respectfully and with appreciation
  • Develops and maintains positive working relationships with adult and youth volunteers; provides appropriate support, training, acknowledgement, and gratitude, every day and on every shift.
  • Models Ceres' culture and values; maintains an atmosphere of non-judgement and respect for diverse value sets.
  • Documents accurate volunteer attendance on shifts.
  • Holds Adult volunteer circles regularly on each shift, so that volunteers understand the plan and flow of each shift.
  • Maintains "Positive Youth Development" environment at all times, follows principles of youth development and Ceres' youth program standards.
  • Facilitates youth curriculum circles and engages teen leaders in helping to manage tasks
  • Attends Youth Program staff meetings and trainings.
  • Holds check-in conversations with teens modeling youth development best practices.

Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of professional production cooking experience, preferably in the whole food arena.
  • Active food handler's certification (manager's preferred).
  • Ability to provide overall management to a fast-paced shift of staff and volunteers.
  • Youth and volunteer management experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong capacity for teaching kitchen skills.
  • Ability to stay calm and keep a sense of humor in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to perform basic computer functions using Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to work well in a team.
  • Excellent communication skills; ability to communicate warmly and clearly.
  • Demonstrates a good awareness of self and ability to self-assess.
  • Ability and desire to be in a work environment that values working as a team, relationships and giving and receiving honest feedback.
  • A commitment to Ceres Community Project mission and operating principles.

Physical Demands / Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member 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 in a kitchen; use hands and fingers to operate various kitchen utensils and equipment; talk and hear to communicate with coworkers.
  • The job requires regular chopping, lifting, cooking, and sorting.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements to ensure food safety standards.
  • Moderate lifting of up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and climbing a ladder is occasionally required.
  • The work environment is primarily indoors with occasional loud noise in kitchen area. (ie. pots/pans banging, water running, multiple people talking at once, some music).
  • Occasionally the employee is required to work out-of-doors representing Ceres at events.

Operating Principles
  • Heart Centered & Love Guided - We are committed to expressing love, trust, respect and integrity in our lives, work, and organization.
  • Everything Matters - Nothing is left out. We work to have every action and choice lead to the greatest positive impact.
  • Young People are the Future - Young People are intelligent, responsible, capable, creative, and caring, and must be central participants in shaping our collective future.
  • Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive - We commit to championing policies and practices of social equity that build a diverse, inclusive, and healthy workplace and food system.

Ceres Organization
Founded in 2007, Ceres Community Project works to build healthy communities by restoring whole, organic and locally grown food to its place as the foundation of health, empowering youth, and connecting people in heart-centered ways to others and the earth.
Ceres Community Project's main program, Healing Meals for Healthy Communities, provides free and low-cost nourishing organic meals, nutrition education and caring support to people facing serious illness. All of the meals are prepared by teens that learn about growing, cooking and eating healthy whole foods and the connection between diet and health, develop life and work-ready skills, and discover their power to make a difference. The Healing Meals Program improves healthy eating behaviors among clients, teens and adult volunteers and educates the whole community about the link between healthy eating and the health of both people and planet. It also strengthens the social fabric of the community, another factor that is at the root of health. In times of disaster, Ceres is an emergency nutrition provider for our community.
In addition to operating three program sites in Marin and Sonoma counties, Ceres has trained 13 communities nationally to replicate our model. We are also active at the state and national level in advocating for policies that support equitable access to healthy food and health care, including reimbursement for medically tailored meals by insurers. For more information, please visit www.ceresproject.org.
Ceres Community Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions at Ceres are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital & veteran status or any other status protected by laws or regulations.

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