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Kitchen Helper Jobs in Smithfield, ME (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

The Kitchen / Food is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction ... This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast ...

The Kitchen / Food is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction ... This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast ...

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Kitchen Helper information

See Smithfield, ME salary details

$9

$15

$18

How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen helper in Smithfield, ME is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Kitchen Helper?

As a kitchen helper, you perform a variety of duties in a restaurant, cafe, or large commercial kitchen. You use food service skills to assist chefs, wait staff, and restaurant managers with a variety of tasks to keep the kitchen functioning smoothly and safely. Although there are no formal qualifications required for this career, you typically have some form of previous restaurant work experience, such as dishwashing or bussing tables. You do not interact directly with customers, although your job may be near customer areas. Kitchen helpers must be detail oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen sanitation standards, and the physical stamina to handle standing for long periods. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and safe food handling certifications, such as a food handler's permit, are often required. Strong teamwork, time management, and a positive attitude help you excel in a fast-paced and collaborative kitchen environment. These skills are important to maintain safety, efficiency, and high-quality food service in any culinary operation.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen helpers and how can they be managed?

Kitchen helpers often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where multitasking and efficiency are crucial. Common challenges include standing for long periods, managing time effectively during busy service hours, and maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple tasks. To manage these challenges, it's important to wear comfortable, non-slip footwear, stay organized by following a prep list, and communicate clearly with team members to coordinate tasks smoothly. Adhering to kitchen safety and hygiene protocols also helps minimize stress and ensures a productive workflow.

What are kitchen helpers?

Kitchen helpers are support staff in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments who assist chefs and cooks with basic food preparation and kitchen maintenance tasks. Their duties often include washing dishes, cleaning kitchen surfaces, preparing ingredients, and organizing supplies. Kitchen helpers ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by maintaining cleanliness and helping with routine tasks. This role is essential for keeping food preparation areas sanitary and organized, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of service.

What is the difference between Kitchen Helper vs Dishwasher?

AspectKitchen HelperDishwasher
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, organizingLoading, operating, and cleaning dishwashing equipment
Required SkillsBasic kitchen knowledge, ability to follow instructionsAbility to operate dishwashing machines, attention to cleanliness
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasKitchen, dishwashing stations
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Kitchen Helper assists with a variety of tasks including food prep and cleaning, whereas a Dishwasher focuses primarily on cleaning dishes and kitchenware. Both positions are entry-level and essential for maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What cities near Smithfield, ME are hiring for Kitchen Helper jobs? Cities near Smithfield, ME with the most Kitchen Helper job openings:

Food Service Worker/Kitchen Helper/Dietary Aide

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Waterville, ME โ€ข On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview

Role: Food Service Worker

Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Food Service Worker/Kitchen Helper/Dietary Aide, where you will assist in preparing and serving meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and enhancing customer and resident experiences, join us and make a difference!


Responsibilities

  • Assist with food preparation, including chopping vegetables and preparing salads.
  • Serve meals to residents according to dietary needs and portion sizes.
  • Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, and dining areas.
  • Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Interact positively with residents, staff, and guests, providing excellent customer service.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Previous experience in food service or kitchen environment is preferred but not required.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and effectively communicate with building occupants, administration, and HCSG leadership to perform daily tasks.
  • Compliance with COVID-19 vaccination policies
  • Must be able to lift/carry a maximum of 30 pounds, push/pull a maximum of 50 pounds, stand, sit, bend and walk for extended periods.
  • Must be able to perform routine, repetitive tasks continuously.
  • Must be able to work around food and cleaning products.
  • Current ServSafe or Food Handler certification is required based on State / County law.
  • Residency within the service area required

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a role where you can contribute to providing nutritious meals and be part of a supportive and dedicated team, apply now and start making a difference at HCSG!