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School Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

High School Campus Date Available: August, 2026 Closing Date: Open until filled Notice of Support Staff Posting Position: Kitchen Assistant Posting # 4107 * West Ottawa High School Posting Dates:

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Harbor Lights Middle School Date Available: August 25, 2026 Closing Date: Open until filled Notice of Support Staff Posting Position: Kitchen Assistant Posting # 4092 * Harbor Lights Middle School ...

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Lakeshore Elementary School Posting Dates: August 6, 2026 - Until Filled Reports To: Food Director Beginning: August 11, 2026 Hours: 21.25 hours per week Monday to Friday School Year/Part Time ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Kitchen Assistant

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the ... High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety, preferred.

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How much do school kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen assistant in Michigan is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $14.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school kitchen assistant?

School kitchen assistants help prepare and serve food to students and staff in educational settings. Their duties typically include assisting with meal preparation, cleaning kitchen equipment, setting up serving areas, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are maintained. They may also help with receiving deliveries, storing supplies, and supporting cooks or chefs as needed. School kitchen assistants play a key role in providing nutritious meals and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a school kitchen assistant?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Assistant, you generally need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food hygiene, and sometimes a Level 2 Food Safety certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, portion control systems, and cleaning protocols is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and good communication skills help you work efficiently and maintain a positive environment. These skills ensure that meals are prepared safely and efficiently, supporting students' health and the smooth operation of the school kitchen.

What challenges do school kitchen assistants face and how can they be managed?

School kitchen assistants often face challenges such as working efficiently during busy lunch periods, maintaining strict food safety standards, and adapting to varying dietary needs among students. Effective management involves strong time-management skills, teamwork, and staying up to date with food hygiene training. Many schools offer on-the-job guidance and ongoing support to help kitchen assistants succeed, making it a great environment for those who enjoy a fast-paced, collaborative workplace.

What is the difference between School Kitchen Assistant vs School Cook?

AspectSchool Kitchen AssistantSchool Cook
CredentialsBasic food safety certification, on-the-job trainingFood safety certification, culinary skills, possibly culinary or nutrition qualifications
Work EnvironmentAssist in food prep, serve meals, clean kitchen areasPrepare, cook, and oversee meal production in school kitchens
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsSchools, educational institutions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a School Kitchen Assistant and a School Cook lies in their responsibilities and required skills. The School Kitchen Assistant primarily supports food prep, serving, and cleaning, often with minimal certifications. In contrast, the School Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Both roles work within school environments and are essential for student meal services, but the School Cook typically has a more advanced role in meal preparation.

What are the duties of a School Kitchen Assistant?

A School Kitchen Assistant is responsible for preparing and serving meals, cleaning kitchen equipment and dining areas, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are maintained. They may also assist with inventory management and follow health and safety regulations in a school environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Kitchen jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of School Kitchen jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for School Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most School Kitchen Assistant job openings:

School Kitchen Assistant jobs near you

Kitchen Assistant

West Ottawa Public Schools

Holland, MI • On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Notice of Support Staff Posting
Position:                      Kitchen Assistant                                                    Posting # 4107

  • West Ottawa High School


Posting Dates:             August 26, 2026 Until Filled
Reports To:                 Food Director
Beginning:                   August, 2026
Hours:                         26.25 hours per week
                                    Monday to Friday
                                    School Year/Part Time
.
Qualifications:












  • Experience working in a school kitchen or cafeteria preferred.
  • ServSafe certified preferred.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Food Preparation::
    Responsible for light food prep including breakfast and lunch meals.  Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency and quality. Maintain a clean and organized work area at all times.
  • Sanitation:  Adhere to proper sanitation and food safety guidelines at all times.  Clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces, equipment, and utensils.  Monitor food temperatures and storage to prevent spoilage and contamination.
  • Serving Students::  Greet students and staff in a friendly and courteous manner.  Serve food items according to portion sizes and dietary restrictions. Assist students with their meals and answer any questions about menu items.
  • Running Register:  Operate cash register and accurately process transactions. Handle cash in accordance with established procedures. Balance cash drawer at the end of each shift.
  • Dishwashing:  Assist with dishwashing duties as needed, including washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes, carts and utensils.  Ensure that all dishes are properly cleaned and stored for future use.
  • Other: Physically demanding job. Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry up to 40 lbs.  Able to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles. Must be able to lift, carry, push and/or pull up to 40 pounds
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work; those activities where detailed or import spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.
  • Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions.
  • The worker should provide consistent and reliable in person attendance.


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