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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Spring Valley, CA

Tin Fish Santee Lakes

Cook, Prep, Dishwash

Santee, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Can assist with inventory * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment Prep/Dishwasher/Float: * Buses Tables and Helps Keep dining area clean and presentable * Washes dishes from the kitchen and ...

Tin Fish Santee Lakes

Cook, Prep, Dishwash

Santee, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Can assist with inventory * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment Prep/Dishwasher/Float: * Buses Tables and Helps Keep dining area clean and presentable * Washes dishes from the kitchen and ...

goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the ... Plan prep and production. Build and adjust daily prep and production lists against forecasted ...

Goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the ... Plan prep and production. Build and adjust daily prep and production lists against forecasted ...

New

goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the ... Plan prep and production. Build and adjust daily prep and production lists against forecasted ...

New

Hornblower

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20/hr

You will also assist with processing deliveries and will maintain safe and sanitary work stations ... Minimum Qualifications: * 1 to 2 years kitchen prep experience * Knowledge of health sanitation ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted Services Inc

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements • Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted Services Inc

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements • Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements • Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports to : Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep ... * Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned. Kitchen Support & Operations

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Prep Cook Reports to : Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep ... * Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned. Kitchen Support & Operations

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports to : Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep ... * Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned. Kitchen Support & Operations

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports to : Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep ... * Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned. Kitchen Support & Operations

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Reports to : Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep ... * Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned. Kitchen Support & Operations

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All JobsKitchen Prep JobsKitchen Prep Assistant JobsKitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Spring Valley, CA

Kitchen Prep Assistant information

See Spring Valley, CA salary details

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How much do kitchen prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep assistant in Spring Valley, CA is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Spring Valley, CA are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities near Spring Valley, CA with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you

Cook, Prep, Dishwash

Tin Fish Santee Lakes

Santee, CA • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

We are a family owned restaurant, located inside Santee Lakes park right on beautiful lake 4. We offer a huge diverse menu specializing in Sea Food, but we also serve an incredible breakfast! We offer a full espresso menu, beer, wine and sake drinks. We thrive to offer our guests an excellent experience.

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday 7:00am-3:00pm

Friday-Sunday 7:00am-5:00pm

(Staff come in 30-45 mins prior for opening duties, and can stay 1-1.5 hours after for closing duties)

We are currently looking to fill Two Positions: Line Cook and Prep/Dishwasher:

Line Cook:

  • Perform daily operation of cooking
  • Follow recipes and pay attention to presentation
  • Monitor quality of products and services produced
  • Manage inventory of ingredients and supplies
  • Maintain and follow health standards for raw and finished products
  • Follows cleaning procedures and policies
  • Helps with dishwashing
  • Prep work

What we are looking for/Qualifications:

  • Team Player can handle feedback
  • Attention to Detail (cares about presentation and quality)
  • Takes pride in the food they put out and their work performance
  • Knowledge of common food safety practices
  • Customer service oriented
  • Flexible and eager to learn and cross train
  • At least 2 years cooking experience
  • Breakfast experience (not required but preferred)
  • Sea Food experience (not required but preferred)
  • Food Handlers Card (required)
  • Alcohol Servers Card (preferred, but will be required after hire)
  • Can assist with inventory
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Prep/Dishwasher/Float:

  • Buses Tables and Helps Keep dining area clean and presentable
  • Washes dishes from the kitchen and from our guests
  • Follows standards and procedures
  • Kitchen Prep work: cutting, dicing, mixing, makes sauces, cut fish and chicken,
  • Follow recipes and pay attention to details
  • Monitor quality of products and services produced
  • Helps in retrieving things for the line cooks
  • Plating, and Calling orders
  • Assist FOH Team with kegs, orders, and making drinks

What we are looking for/Qualifications:

  • Team Player can handle feedback
  • Attention to Detail (cares about presentation and quality)
  • Takes pride in the food they put out and their work performance
  • Knowledge of common food safety practices
  • Customer service oriented
  • Flexible and eager to learn and cross train
  • Food Handlers Card (required)
  • Alcohol Servers Card (preferred, but will be required after hire)
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Interested in learning to be a line cook

Compensation:

  • Hourly rate (based on experience) plus tips

Company Description

Tin Fish has multiple locations throughout the county and we're expanding!