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Prep Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Food Prep / Food Service

Auburn, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $16/hr

The Food Prep / Food Service is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Food Service / Food Prep

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Food Prep / Food Service

Auburn, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $16/hr

The Food Prep / Food Service is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Food Service / Food Prep

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Food Prep

Wiscasset, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Store 4707032: 639 Bath Rd, Wiscasset, Maine 04578 Shift Availability Flexible (Days, Evenings, Overnights + Weekends) Time Type Part time ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The position includes, but is not limited ...

Food Prep

Wiscasset, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Store 4707032: 639 Bath Rd, Wiscasset, Maine 04578 Shift Availability Flexible (Days, Evenings, Overnights + Weekends) Time Type Part time ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The position includes, but is not limited ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Dishwasher / Kitchen Prep

Resort Lifestyle Communities

South Portland, ME • On-site

$341/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Resort Lifestyle Communities rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 247 rated social care providers


Job description

About the Role 
 
As the Dishwasher / Kitchen Prep, you play a key part in creating a great dining experience for our residents. You’ll prepare, stock, and maintain a fresh, appealing salad bar that helps start each day on a positive note. In the dining room, you’ll support residents with friendly service and keep tables clean. You’ll also help keep our community safe by carefully washing and sanitizing tableware, cookware, and equipment. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
  • Operate the dish machine by loading, running, unloading, and reporting any mechanical issues; and monitor/log water temperatures to ensure proper sanitization. 
  • Wash, store, and handle all tableware and kitchenware with care; maintain a clean, organized dish room and ensure adequate levels of clean items for the dining room and kitchen. 
  • Clean food preparation and production areas as needed, and assist in the dining room by bussing tables, filling water carafes, preparing tables before meals, and delivering room‑service orders.  
  • Safely use ovens, steamers, grills, and kitchen tools, including sharp utensils and small appliances to support daily food preparation. 
  • Listen and respond politely to food comments or complaints and report any concerns to leadership right away.  
  • Perform support work and any additional tasks, including trash removal.  
What We’re Looking For 
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older.  
  • Ability to work a consistent schedule: Sunday-Thursday 6:30am to 3:00pm.  
  • Ability to read, speak and understand basic English.  
  • No previous culinary experience is required.  
  • Able to obtain food handler permits as required by local ordinances within first two (2) weeks of first day of employment.  
Benefits for Full-Time Employees 
  • Competitive compensation and benefits 
  • Access your pay anytime 
  • $341 benefit stipend per pay period to apply toward: 
    • Health, Dental, Vision 
    • Life Insurance 
    • Short- & Long-Term Disability 
    • HSA, FSA, LSA 
    • Accident & Hospital Indemnity 
    • Legal & Identity Theft Protection 
  • Paid Time Off 
  • 401(k) with employer match 
Why RLC? 
  • Fast-growing, family-owned company with 60+ communities nationwide 
  • Supportive leadership in a beautiful, resort-style environment 
  • A purpose-driven role where you make a difference every day 
Ready to Serve with Heart? 
 
Bring your servant heart to a place that feels like family. Apply today, and our Team will follow up soon! 

EOE/ADA
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