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Prep Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

American Dining Creations

Prep Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

A Prep Cook with American Dining Creations prepares meal ingredients, simple dishes, condiments, and other related items as required to meet daily production needs. As a pivotal member of the ...

Rusty Lantern Markets LLC

Full time Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Summary As a Prep Cook at Rusty Lantern Markets, you will play an essential role in preparing delicious meals and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality. This position is vital to ...

The Friendly Toast

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

The Prep Cook will be responsible for preparing food items for cooking, assembling dishes for cooking, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion ...

The Friendly Toast

Prep Cook

Portland, ME

$20 - $23/hr

The Prep Cook will be responsible for preparing food items for cooking, assembling dishes for cooking, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion ...

Parkhurst Dining

Salad Prep

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Job Summary The salad prep team member is responsible for the quality and quantity of prepared salad items. All salad items must be prepped in accordance with Parkhurst Culinary Gold Standards ...

Bagel Works

Prep Cook (Portland, ME)

Portland, ME · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works ® is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafés, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest customer ...

Parkhurst Dining

Prep/Saucier

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The pay rate for this position is $19 - $21 / hour, depending on experience! Parkhurst Dining is a family-owned and operated company that provides culinary, dining and catering services to over 80 ...

Bowdoin College

Kitchen Prep Assistant

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$19.65/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Title Kitchen Prep Assistant Posting Number S01582JP Department Dining Service - Thorne Hall Job Summary Located in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin College boasts a student ...

McDonald's

Morning Prep Person

Windham, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $19/hr

Crew Team Member Pay Range: $15.10 to $19.00 per hour The actual starting rate offered will be based on factors such as experience, availability, qualifications, and the staffing needs of the ...

McDonald's

Morning Prep Person

Freeport, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $19.10/hr

Crew Team Member Pay Range: $15.10 to $19.10 per hour The actual starting rate offered will be based on factors such as experience, availability, qualifications, and the staffing needs of the ...

McDonald's

Morning Prep Person

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$3.0K/wk

Crew Team MemberPay Range: $15.10 to $17.05 per hourThe actual starting rate offered will be based on factors such as experience, availability, qualifications, and the staffing needs of the ...

Circle K Stores, Inc.

Food Prep Assistant

Boothbay Harbor, ME · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Supervises the activities of food prep employees engaged in preparing and serving food and other related duties in the absence of the Store Manager. Helps coach and train new employees to carry out ...

Circle K

Food Prep Assistant

Boothbay Harbor, ME · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Supervises the activities of food prep employees engaged in preparing and serving food and other related duties in the absence of the Store Manager. Helps coach and train new employees to carry out ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrep JobsPrep Jobs in Portland, ME

Prep information

See Portland, ME salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep in Portland, ME is $14.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep?

Prep workers, also known as food preparation workers, are responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting chefs or cooks in the kitchen. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in work areas, and helping with basic cooking tasks. Prep workers play a crucial role in ensuring that meals are prepared efficiently and safely by keeping the kitchen organized and ready for service.

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

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and recipe management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in a busy restaurant environment.

What are the typical challenges faced by prep cooks during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Prep Cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where maintaining speed and accuracy is essential. Common challenges include keeping up with a fast-paced workflow, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining a clean and organized workstation under time constraints. To succeed, Prep Cooks benefit from strong time management skills, clear communication with kitchen staff, and a proactive approach to replenishing ingredients and supplies. Staying organized and prioritizing tasks are key strategies to handle the demands of the role effectively.

What is the difference between Prep vs Teacher?

AspectPrepTeacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in education or related field; state certification often required
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, tutoring centers, online platformsClassrooms, schools, educational institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, tutoring companies, online education providersPublic and private schools, educational organizations
Common Search & ComparisonPrep vs Teacher

Prep roles typically involve assisting teachers or preparing students for exams, often requiring less formal education. Teachers are responsible for delivering instruction, managing classrooms, and developing curricula, usually requiring a degree and certification. While both work in educational settings, teachers have a broader scope of responsibilities and formal qualifications compared to prep roles.

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Prep jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Prep job openings:

Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,453 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Prep Cook

American Dining Creations

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare meal ingredients, simple dishes, condiments, and related items to meet daily production needs.

  • Follow standards to prepare ingredients and undertake basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces and parboiling food.

  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and properly storing foods and supplies.

American Dining Creations rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Pay: - Pay varies by location



Location: Portland, Maine

Summary:

A Prep Cook with American Dining Creations prepares meal ingredients, simple dishes, condiments, and other related items as required to meet daily production needs. As a pivotal member of the culinary staff our Prep Cooks are a “go to” and reliable resource to the team to ensure we are providing an optimal dining experience to our guests.  


Responsibilities:  

  • Follow standards to prepare meal ingredients and simple dishes as directed by management, or other staff. 
  • Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and other meal prep. Mixes or prepares condiments, dressings, and sauces. 
  • Undertake basic cooking duties, such as reducing sauces and parboiling food.
  • Stores foods in designated areas following standard wrapping, dating, food safety, and rotation procedures. 
  • Adhere to all state and local food production, safety, and sanitation regulations.
  • Keep supplies replenished, may restock coolers, and take inventory as directed.
  • Assists with unloading, inspection, and proper storage of raw ingredients and supplies.
  • Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and taking out trash. 
  • Listen well and communicate in a professional and friendly manner. 
  • Be efficient and organized. 
  • May be assigned other duties and responsibilities as needed.  


Qualifications:  

  • Previous experience in a related role. 
  • Understanding of proper food handling, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Understanding of sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
  • Basic knife skills.  
  • Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-quality environment.
  • Self-motivated achiever, eager to learn and interested in taking on additional roles and responsibilities. 
  • Must be dedicated to excellence in hospitality and have a desire to offer a great dining experience. 
  • Ability to cross train and cross utilize skills. 
  • Safety and detail oriented. 
  • This position requires lifting 50lbs, bending, walking, climbing stairs, and standing for scheduled shifts.  


About Us

Together, American Food & Vending and American Dining Creations form one of the nation’s largest privately held dining and refreshment service organizations. Family-owned and headquartered in Syracuse, NY, we have served clients nationwide for more than 80 years, delivering customized dining and refreshment solutions across business, education, healthcare and cultural environments.

Recognized by NAMA and our peers as Operator of the Year, we combine national capabilities with a personal, responsive approach to create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.

Our Mission

To create moments of happiness through customized hospitality experiences that delight guests and bring people together.

Our Vision

To be the best in the industry at elevating hospitality experiences for places where people want to be.

Our Values: F.I.R.S.T.

Family – Treat people as family.

Integrity – Do the right thing.

Responsiveness – Listen first. Then act with urgency.

Service Excellence – Deliver exceptional experiences every day.

Teamwork – Win together.


American Dining Creations Offers: 

  • Weekly Pay 
  • 401K with match  
  • Delicious employee meal and beverage during your shift 
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program  
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Some positions may include flexible hours and shifts. 
  • Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans 
  • Uniforms and Safety Shoes provided.  
  • Learning and advancement opportunities 


American Food & Vending is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 


Chat with Scout, our virtual hiring assistant to apply for this position right from your mobile device. Text JOB to (315) 803-6049 to get started!

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