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Plant Helper Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now ... These responsibilities include the safe operation of all plant equipment throughout a variety of ...

Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now ... These responsibilities include the safe operation of all plant equipment throughout a variety of ...

Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now ... These responsibilities include the safe operation of all plant equipment throughout a variety of ...

... helping identify long‑term horticultural needs throughout the properties under your care. At ... You'll spend your time caring for ornamental gardens, specialty plant collections, mature ...

... helping transform the world around us. Make Your Mark at Prysmian! Position Summary: Accountable to the North America I&C Quality Manager and Plant Manager, the Quality Manager position is ...

... helping transform the world around us. Make Your Mark at Prysmian! Position Summary: Accountable to the North America I&C Quality Manager and Plant Manager, the Quality Manager position is ...

Quality Manager

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... helping transform the world around us.Make Your Mark at Prysmian!**Position Summary:**Accountable to the **North America I&C Quality Manager** and Plant Manager, the Quality Manager position is ...

... helping transform the world around us. Make Your Mark at Prysmian! Position Summary: Accountable to the North America I&C Quality Manager and Plant Manager, the Quality Manager position is ...

Help to facilitate the needs of upper management through human and mechanical resources. Must be ... Perform preventive maintenance (PMs) on plant equipment such as changing oil and filters ...

Our technologies and services help banks exchange funds, people cross borders, energy become ... Working closely with plant management team and corporate manufacturing controlling, you will play a ...

Our technologies and services help banks exchange funds, people cross borders, energy become ... Working closely with plant management team and corporate manufacturing controlling, you will play a ...

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Plant Helper information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$18

$26

How much do plant helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant helper in Rhode Island is $18.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant helper?

Plant Helpers are entry-level workers who assist with basic tasks in manufacturing plants, factories, or industrial settings. Their duties may include cleaning equipment, moving materials, assisting machine operators, and helping maintain a safe and orderly work environment. Plant Helpers play a key role in supporting production teams by performing manual labor and ensuring daily operations run smoothly. The position often requires physical stamina and attention to safety protocols. It can be a good starting point for individuals interested in learning about industrial or manufacturing careers.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a plant helper?

Plant Helpers typically assist with a variety of tasks to ensure the smooth operation of manufacturing or processing facilities. Daily duties may include cleaning and maintaining equipment, moving materials, monitoring production lines, and assisting skilled operators or technicians as needed. They play a critical support role by helping to minimize downtime and maintain safety standards, often working closely with other team members. This hands-on position is a good entry point for those interested in advancing to more specialized roles within the plant.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a plant helper?

To thrive as a Plant Helper, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with industrial safety protocols. Experience with hand tools, forklifts, and possibly safety certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this role. These skills help ensure safe, efficient plant operations and support overall productivity in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

What is the difference between Plant Helper vs Greenhouse Worker?

AspectPlant HelperGreenhouse Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certification neededHigh school diploma; may require basic horticulture knowledge
Work EnvironmentNurseries, farms, or outdoor planting sitesGreenhouses, indoor plant facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNurseries, landscaping companies, farmsGreenhouse operations, horticulture farms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level plant care rolesMore specialized, indoor plant care roles

Plant Helpers assist with basic plant care tasks in outdoor or nursery settings, while Greenhouse Workers focus on maintaining plants inside greenhouses. Both roles require similar credentials and are used in related industries, but Greenhouse Workers typically work indoors with more specialized tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Plant jobs in Rhode Island are:

What job categories do people searching Plant Helper jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Helper jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Plant Helper jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Plant Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Helper job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,608 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Cook's Helper (Full-Time, 40 hrs., Academic Year)

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI • On-site

$33K - $35K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping, and grinding vegetables, fruits, and other foods.

  • Perform food service duties including assembling diet trays, setting up dining tables, serving food, and collecting trays and dishes.

  • Clean and wash kitchen equipment, utensils, food trucks, and dining areas, and operate dishwashing machines.


University Of Rhode Island rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
CS02289
Job Title
Cook's Helper (Full-Time, 40 hrs., Academic Year)
Position Number
143
FTE
FLSA
Pay Rate
Salary Range
$33,619 - $35,865 (ACADEMIC YEAR SALARY) PLUS (There is an ADDITIONAL $3,200 annually for shift differential).
Pay Grade Level
Grade 309
Position Type
Classified Civil Service Staff
Union
C94/L528 - Council 94/Local 528 (Serv/Maint)
Status
Academic Year, Full-time, Limited
Restriction or Limitation Reason
Leave to Protect Status
End Date of Restriction or Limitation
Leave to Protect Status - September 19, 2031
Department Information
Department
Dining Central Operations
Contact(s)
Jenna Visinho
Specialist, Talent Acquisition
Office of Human Resources
80 Lower College Road
Kingston, RI 02881
Contact Phone/Extension
Contact Email
jvisinho@uri.edu
Physical Demands
At the time of appointment must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician's certificate.
Campus Location
Kingston
Building(s)
Hope Commons (all areas)
Grant Funded
Extension Contingent on Funding Date
Extension Contingency Notes
Duties and Responsibilities
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To work as a helper to a cook or baker by performing simple tasks in the preparation of foods and beverages (hot or cold) in a kitchen of a state institution; or, to perform food services duties in a dining room or cafeteria served by this kitchen; to work in the food preparation areas or to operate the pan and rack washing machine in the central food processing plant; or to perform those duties necessary to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and related areas; and to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: To work under the close supervision of a superior from whom are received detailed and explicit instructions; work is reviewed for compliance with such instructions.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As required, may supervise the work of patient or inmate help.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
As assigned to work as helper under the close supervision of a cook by performing such duties as: To wash, peel, chop, dice, or grind vegetables, fruits, and other foods for cooking or for salads; to do other simple work in food preparation such as: making toast, coffee, tea, chocolate; preparing cereal, cooking eggs; making sandwiches; stirring soup; boiling potatoes or other vegetables; to assemble diet trays and as instructed arranges food thereon to be served to patients; loads food onto food trucks or places food in receptacles in steam tables; to set up dining tables for service; and as required to serve food to persons in a cafeteria from steam tables; to collect trays, soiled dishes, cutlery, glassware, etc. after meals and to dispose (swill) of scrap or leftover foods; to wash dishes manually or in an automatic dishwashing machine and to wash cutlery and glassware and to put them in their designated places for reuse; to clean and wash food trucks, dishwashing machines; iceboxes, walk-in refrigerators and other kitchen equipment and utensils; to clean and wash down the kitchen cafeteria and related dining areas; and to do related work as required.
As assigned to work as a helper under the close supervision of a baker by performing such duties as: To assemble materials and to weigh, measure, and as instructed mix ingredients by hand or in an electric powered mixing machine; to roll dough, and fill pans with dough or batter; to place good to be baked in, and remove them from ovens; to perform such tasks as carrying materials to a baker or to machines, depositing ingredients in containers, greasing pans, lining pans with greased paper or other appropriate lining; to move racks or rack trucks of dough and/or batter, or baked goods to and from ovens; to clean bakery areas and related equipment and utensils; and to do related work as required.
As assigned to work in the central food processing plant by performing such duties as: to work as a helper to cooks, bakers and meat cutters in performing such tasks as assembling, portioning, packaging and transporting of materials, to operate a pan and rack washing machines; to wash pots and pans; to clean work areas and refrigerators; and to do related work as required.
Required Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:
A familiarity with the methods and procedures applied in the cooking or baking of food, and in food service and in cleaning of kitchen or bakery areas; the ability to understand and follow simple verbal or written directions; the ability to exercise care in the handling, washing, drying and storing of cooking or baking equipment, and glassware; and related capacities and abilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
EDUCATION: Sufficient to follow simple verbal directions; and
EXPERIENCE: Such as may have been gained through employment as a helper in a kitchen or bakery in a hospital, hotel or restaurant which required the performance of routine work in food preparation, food service and various tasks incidental to the preparation of food in a kitchen or bakery, and food service in a dining room or cafeteria.
OR- any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Environmental Conditions
This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Work Hours
Sunday, Monday, Friday - 10:30 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday - 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
Work hours and days off will vary during the month of August, J-Term, and Spring Break period
Academic year dates are 08/09/26 through 05/15/27
Posting Date
08/31/2026
Closing Date
09/09/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Full-Time, 40 hrs., Academic Year
A generous benefits package including a tuition waiver for CCRI, RIC, and URI for the successful candidate, spouse, and dependents (if applicable) based on current education. paid time off, paid state holidays, and a mandatory retirement plan are also available in addition to many other types of benefits.
To learn more about the benefits package, please visit:
https://www.exploreemployeebenefits.ri.gov/
URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state's public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts.
All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.
For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the search process may be subject to applicable bargaining unit procedures.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment criminal background report paid for by the University.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16938

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