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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ugly Dumpling

Dumpling Makers/Prep

Richmond, VA

$14 - $17.75/hr

Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure seamless operations. * Assist ... Previous experience in food production or kitchen prep is preferred but not required. * Strong ...

Ugly Dumpling

Dumpling Makers/Prep

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure seamless operations. * Assist ... Previous experience in food production or kitchen prep is preferred but not required. * Strong ...

Ugly Dumpling

Dumpling Makers/Prep

Richmond, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure seamless operations. * Assist ... Previous experience in food production or kitchen prep is preferred but not required. * Strong ...

Ugly Dumpling

Dumpling Makers/Prep

Richmond, VA

$14 - $17.75/hr

Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure seamless operations. * Assist ... Previous experience in food production or kitchen prep is preferred but not required. * Strong ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook will assist in the butchering of meats and fish and assist with the daily operations of the kitchen. * Ensures that all food preparations and presentations meet ACW specifications and ...

Kickback Jack's

Culinary Prep

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Kickback Jack's

Culinary Prep

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Kickback Jack's

Culinary Prep

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

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All JobsKitchen Prep JobsKitchen Prep Assistant JobsKitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Kitchen Prep Assistant information

What is a kitchen prep assistant?

Kitchen Prep Assistants are entry-level professionals who support chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, portioning food, and ensuring that cooking stations are stocked and ready for service. They also help with basic cooking tasks and are responsible for keeping work areas sanitary to comply with food safety standards. This role is essential for the smooth operation of a restaurant or food service kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen prep assistant?

To thrive as a Kitchen Prep Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper knife handling, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and consistently, supporting the overall efficiency and quality of the kitchen operation.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen prep assistants, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen Prep Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where time management and multitasking are essential. One common challenge is maintaining efficiency while ensuring food safety and cleanliness standards. To manage these pressures, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with chefs and other kitchen staff, and consistently follow proper food handling procedures. Adapting to varying workloads and being proactive about preparing ingredients can also help minimize stress during peak hours.

What is the difference between Kitchen Prep Assistant vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen Prep AssistantLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesAssists with basic food prep, ingredient organization, and cleaningPrepares and cooks menu items during service
CredentialsMinimal certifications, food safety knowledge preferredFood handler permits, culinary training often required
Work EnvironmentKitchen support roles, less fast-pacedHigh-pressure, fast-paced during service
Industry UsageCommon entry-level support role in restaurantsCore cooking position in kitchens

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, the Kitchen Prep Assistant focuses on supporting food prep and organization, whereas the Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and pace, with the Prep Assistant serving as a foundational support role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Prep jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Kitchen Prep jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Kitchen & Service Assistant - Arlington

Yay Lunch

Arlington, VA • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Yay Company (St. Agnes Catholic School, DCM-STA)
Kitchen & Service Assistant
Role Overview
The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the café stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle labeling and staging for distribution, and are the face of Yay during lunch service and grab-and-go. Depending on the market and school, this role may also include packing food for delivery to spoke schools and running that delivery. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where anticipation, accuracy, and presence with students are the standard. Start date is around August 20th
Who You Report To
Your Kitchen Manager, with day-to-day direction coming from the Lead Cook during production.
Core Responsibilities
Kitchen Prep Support
  • Handle mise en place for the Lead Cook - washing, chopping, weighing, and portioning ingredients in the order they are needed
  • Keep the Lead Cook's station clear between production runs so they always have a clean surface to work on
  • Anticipate what is needed next and have it ready - the Lead Cook should never have to stop production for something you should have already done

Labeling & Staging for Distribution
  • Label every item leaving the kitchen - item name, date, quantity, and use-by date - the moment it is filled or packed, no exceptions
  • Stage items by school, service time, or route as directed by the Kitchen Manager
  • Record quantities staged on the production sheet and notify the Kitchen Manager when staging is complete so distribution or pickup can begin

Spoke School Packing & Delivery
  • Pack food for delivery to spoke schools per the Kitchen Manager's production and route schedule - correct quantities, correctly labeled, staged in the right order for the route
  • Load and transport food to spoke school locations safely and on time, maintaining temperature standards throughout
  • Confirm delivery with the receiving Lead Cook or school contact and flag any discrepancies immediately to the Kitchen Manager
  • Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required for roles that include delivery

Lunch Distribution
  • Assemble trays, organize pre-order pickup by classroom or grade, and ensure every student receives the correct order - whether at the hub kitchen or at a spoke school location
  • Flag any discrepancies to the Lead Cook or Kitchen Manager immediately

Grab & Go Café
  • Stock and maintain the grab-and-go fridge and pantry shelves before and during service per the planogram
  • Confirm items are in the correct location, prices are visible, and shelves are faced and full
  • Run checkout accurately and warmly
  • Monitor stock levels throughout service and flag anything running low before it runs out

Cleaning & Kitchen Support
  • Clean as you go - clear the Lead Cook's station, wipe down surfaces, and wash and sanitize equipment between tasks
  • Participate fully in end-of-shift kitchen breakdown - this is a team effort
  • Clock out on BambooHR on location at your actual end time

Day at a Glance
Opening - Set up your prep station, pull ingredients as directed by the Lead Cook, and begin mise en place before production starts.
Production - Execute prep tasks in the order the Lead Cook needs them. Label everything as it is packed or staged. If your role includes delivery, pack and load spoke school orders before your route window.
Service - Distribute pre-order lunches on site and/or at spoke schools, run grab-and-go checkout, and restock shelves. Be present, be warm, be fast.
Closing - Clean your area, rotate remaining stock, wipe down the grab-and-go fridge and shelves, and assist with full kitchen breakdown.
What Success Looks Like
  • The Lead Cook never has to stop production to do something you should have already handled
  • Every item leaving the kitchen is labeled correctly, every time
  • Spoke school deliveries go out on time, at temperature, and with zero packing errors
  • Students receive the right order, on time, with a warm interaction
  • The grab-and-go café is stocked, faced, and running smoothly throughout service
  • Your section of the kitchen is clean and organized from open to close

What We're Looking For
  • Experience in a kitchen, café, or food service environment - you know how to move with urgency and purpose
  • Strong attention to detail - labeling, staging, and portioning accuracy are non-negotiable
  • A people-first mindset - you enjoy interacting with students and take pride in making service feel welcoming
  • Reliable and self-directed - you don't wait to be told what needs doing; you see it and handle it
  • A team player who takes ownership of their station and shows up for the people around them
  • Comfortable on the road if delivery is part of your role - reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required
  • Food handler's certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire

What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly pay
  • A high-growth, mission-driven company where your work directly impacts what kids eat every day
  • A team that values accountability, transparency, and operators who take pride in their craft
  • Real opportunity to grow within TYC as we expand into new markets

The Yay Company • 2026

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