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Prep Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: Manufacturing Company - 48902001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts: Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $21.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-SAN MARCOS - 16631013 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $21.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-SAN MARCOS - 16631013 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $32.65/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIR NEW ZEALAND - 24424001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY - 52404001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Moraga, CA · On-site

$24.40/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA - 54408001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $21.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-SAN MARCOS - 16631013 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY - 52404001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY - 52404001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: Manufacturing Company - 48902001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Orange, CA

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY - 52404001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: Manufacturing Company - 48902001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $21.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-SAN MARCOS - 16631013 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrep Helper JobsPrep Helper Jobs in California

Prep Helper information

What is a prep helper?

Prep helpers, also known as kitchen assistants or food preparation workers, assist chefs and cooks by performing basic tasks in the kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, organizing supplies, and maintaining cleanliness in the work area. Prep helpers play a crucial role in ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently by preparing ingredients ahead of time and supporting the cooking staff as needed.

What are the typical daily tasks and team interactions for a prep helper in a commercial kitchen?

As a Prep Helper, your daily tasks often include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting chefs with basic food preparation. You'll usually work closely with line cooks and kitchen staff to ensure ingredients are ready for meal service, and may also help with maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Teamwork is essential, as you'll need to coordinate timing and workflow to keep the kitchen running efficiently. Communication skills and the ability to follow instructions are key to succeeding in this fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Prep Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (such as a food handler’s permit), and inventory systems are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting smooth kitchen operations and high-quality meal service.

What is the difference between Prep Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectPrep HelperKitchen Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary knowledgeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some culinary experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering events, food prep areasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering companies, food service providersRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Common Search & ComparisonPrep Helper vs Kitchen Assistant

Prep Helpers and Kitchen Assistants often perform similar roles in food preparation and support. While both roles require basic culinary skills and work in similar environments, Prep Helpers typically focus on basic food prep tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader responsibilities including cleaning and equipment maintenance. The roles are often interchangeable depending on the employer's needs, but understanding these distinctions can help job seekers target the right position.

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

The most popular types of Prep jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Prep Helper jobs in California?

For Prep Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prep Helper jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Prep Helper jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Prep Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Prep Helper job openings:

Prep Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution.

Food Prep Helper

Milpitas, CA • On-site

Sodexo
Food and Beverage Wholesalers • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Sodexoexternal

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Food Prep Helper


Location: Manufacturing Company - 48902001

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You'll Do: As a Food Prep Helper at Sodexo, you are a pair of helping hands and a good mood motivator. This role includes the preparation and serving of our vibrant menusand ensuring all working areas are kept clean and tidy. Your welcoming customer service puts a smile on people's faces and makes an impact in their everyday lives. 


Responsibilities include:

  • Reads recipes and/or product directions and assists in the preparation of hot and/or cold foods using a variety of kitchen utensils/equipment
  • Clean and sanitize work stations and production equipment
  • May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads.
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 0 - 1 year of related experience is beneficial


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.



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