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Kitchen Helper Jobs in Smithfield, ME (NOW HIRING)

This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast ... The successful Food/Kitchen Service Crew Member is able to: * Answering questions about menu items ...

Lead Cook

Waterville, ME · On-site

$17 - $19.13/hr

In this hands-on role, you'll assist in leading kitchen staff in preparing and serving healthy, delicious meals and snacks while helping maintain a welcoming, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.

Lead Cook

Waterville, ME · On-site

$17 - $19.13/hr

In this hands-on role, you'll assist in leading kitchen staff in preparing and serving healthy, delicious meals and snacks while helping maintain a welcoming, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.

Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Maintain kitchen cleanliness, neatness, sanitary practices at all times, check off tasks as ... Attend parent meetings when requested by staff or parents to help explain nutrition program.

Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Maintain kitchen cleanliness, neatness, sanitary practices at all times, check off tasks as ... Attend parent meetings when requested by staff or parents to help explain nutrition program.

Cook/Chef Per Diem

Hallowell, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Keep the kitchen clean and organized, following health and safety rules. * Come up with new dishes ... Join us and help redefine the culinary experience in Senior Living. APPLY NOW Criminal Background ...

Cook/Chef Per Diem

Hallowell, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Keep the kitchen clean and organized, following health and safety rules. * Come up with new dishes ... Join us and help redefine the culinary experience in Senior Living. APPLY NOW Criminal Background ...

Showing results 21-40

Kitchen Helper information

See Smithfield, ME salary details

$9

$15

$18

How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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:

Overnight Kitchen/Food Service

Taco Bell

Augusta, ME • On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Taco Bell rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 3,030 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 107 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Looking for Crew Members who can work after dinner and late nights. Times vary by restaurant. Schedules can start as early as 4:00pm or later. This shift has a wide variety of shift lengths, depending on part-time vs. full-time and the specific hours of operation and closing time for each location. Closing times vary by location, with some concepts/restaurants closing as early as midnight and some restaurants/concepts open until 4am or later.

The Crew Member is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.

Why should you apply?

  • Free Meals during your shift
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Fun Work Environment
  • Paid Training
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Competitive Pay
  • GED/Scholarship Opportunities
  • Retail Discount Program to save $$$ at other retail establishments.
  • Referral Program available at Most Locations - ask for details.
  • Early Access to New Menu Items

The successful Customer Service Crew Member is able to:

  • Greet and positively engage guests in the restaurant.
  • Accurately accept the guests' orders and process payments.
  • Address and resolve all guest inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
  • Maintain a safe, secure, and comfortable area for guests and team members.
  • Work well with our Delivery Partners
  • Maintain facility cleanliness by completing general clean tasks including wiping tables, washing dishes, and sweeping and mopping floors.

The successful Food/Kitchen Service Crew Member is able to:

  • Answering questions about menu items and promotions
  • Prepare Ingredients and Menu Items
  • Restocking product and workstations
  • Using food preparation equipment including ovens, fryers, grills and various kitchen equipment
  • Maintaining a clean work environment by completing general clean tasks including wiping workstations, cleaning equipment, washing dishes, and sweeping and mopping floors

Requirements:

  • No previous experience required.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and training materials.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. with assistance.
  • Must get along well with coworkers and guests through a positive and friendly demeanor.
  • If you are looking for a delicious and fun opportunity to work in the food and beverage industry, Charter Foods is the place for you! Join our team and enjoy flexible scheduling, employee discounts, paid training, and the chance to advance your career. Apply now and become a part of our highly skilled and motivated crew!

At Taco Bell, we've had innovation on our mind since Glen Bell started serving tacos at the first location in 1962 in Downey, California. Since then, we've grown to be a culture-centric, lifestyle brand that provides craveable, affordable Mexican-inspired food with bold flavors. Not only do we provide breakthrough value, we offer quality ingredients and are the first QSR restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA)-certified menu items.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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