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School Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Independent School District 15

Kitchen Assistant

East Bethel, MN · On-site

$19.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

East Bethel Elementary School (K-5) Date Available: 09/02/2025 Closing Date: Open Until Filled ... The kitchen assistant will assist each production kitchen with the increased volume due to the NEW ...

Sourcewell

Kitchen Assistant

Staples, MN · On-site

$16.63/hr

Lindbergh Elementary School Date Available: 08/17/2026 District: Little Falls ISD 482 Little Falls Community School District is excited to announce a 4 hour Kitchen Assistant opening at Lindbergh ...

Sourcewell

Kitchen Assistant

Staples, MN · On-site

$16.63/hr

Little Falls Community School District is excited to announce a 6.5-hour Kitchen Assistant opening at Lindbergh Elementary for the upcoming school year! This is a wonderful opportunity to join our ...

PIIC

Kitchen Assistant

Welch, MN · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting the Elder Nutrition Program Cook with the Title ... High School Diploma or Equivalent * Must possess a strong understanding and desire to build rapport ...

Sourcewell

Kitchen Assistant

Staples, MN

$16.63/hr

Little Falls Community School District is excited to announce a 4 hour Kitchen Assistant opening at Lindbergh Elementary for the upcoming school year! This is a wonderful opportunity to join our ...

Douglas County School District (CO)

$17.39 - $26.89/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Kitchen Assistant Responsible for providing assistance in the daily preparation of the school lunch program. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school ...

Farmington School District

Kitchen Assistant

Farmington, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Equivalent to high school graduation supplemented by coursework and training in food service ... All positions within the kitchen are required to participate in daily clean up to include, but not ...

Fairview Range

Kitchen Assistant, Full Time

Hibbing, MN

$18.04 - $24.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Kitchen Assistant you will be responsible for duties in the role of Expediter, Hostess, and ... High School education * Coursework in institutional food service helpful * Previous experience in ...

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School Kitchen Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do school kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen assistant in Minnesota is $15.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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

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

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

School Kitchen Assistant jobs near you

Kitchen Assistant

Independent School District 15

East Bethel, MN • On-site

$19.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Nutrition Services
Date Posted:
8/26/2025
Location:
East Bethel Elementary School (K-5)
Date Available:
09/02/2025
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
Application Procedure: To be considered for this vacancy, applicant must complete the on-line application process and indicate interest in this specific job number. Questions regarding this posting should be directed to Wendy Klobe, Nutrition Services Supervisor
Duty Days Per Year: 171 (school year)
Hours Per Day: 7.5 (6:30 am to 2:00 pm) BENEFIT ELIGIBLE
Type of Position: (X) Continuing ( ) Temporary
Salary: (A12 step 6) $19.30 according to the Nutrition Services Work Agreement
Immediate Supervisor of Position: Kitchen Manager
Qualifications:
Required qualifications:
  • High school diploma.
  • Must possess good math skills and communication skills (both oral and written).
  • Previous attendance must be good.
  • Foodservice experience.

Preferred qualifications:
  • School foodservice experience, assistant experience, cook experience, must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Ideal candidate will possess a positive attitude and provide excellent customer service to students, staff, and others while fostering an environment of teamwork with others in kitchen.
  • Attendance is an Essential function of the job.
  • Must be a collaborative team player, contributing to consistent environment in kitchen and have high customer service skills.

The kitchen assistant will assist each production kitchen with the increased volume due to the NEW free meals program starting next school year. The kitchen assistant will report to the Kitchen Manager at the assigned production kitchen, and will be the trained backup for the cook. When filling in for the cook, the kitchen assistant will timecard additional time and pay differential from A12 to A13 rate of pay. When staying late due to short staff in kitchen (not due to a cook absence) the kitchen assistant will timecard additional time at the A12 rate of pay.
Duties for kitchen assistant are but are not limited to:
  • Assist in receiving food deliveries and put items away. Must be able to lift 50# frequently.
  • Assist with inventory management by utilizing proper food marking and rotation in freezers, coolers and storerooms.
  • Assist with preparing food, assist with cooking, and serve food utilizing a variety of kitchen equipment including Combi Ovens, Warmers, etc.
  • Wash dishes; clean kitchen and assist organizing storeroom, freezer, and cooler areas daily
  • Back up for the cook position, will perform duties of the cook in their absence (could report as early as 5:45 am and possibly stay as late as 3 pm when needed)
  • Assist with maintaining daily production records for all lines
  • Assist with preparing daily ship out for food being prepared for shipout school(s), assist production records and assist with troubleshooting any issues regarding shipout.
  • Provide input to Kitchen Manager regarding participation, serving line staffing, menus, inventory, orders, etc.
  • Provide positive leadership by example to helper/servers & others in kitchen
  • Positively reinforce and contribute to the team environment in the kitchen and cafeteria
  • Other duties as assigned, including operating POS as needed, dishwasher and monitoring cafeteria

Job Description: Nutrition Services
Positions 1,020 hours or more per year are benefit eligible
Benefits offered for this position include:
  • Medical Insurance with district contribution for Single coverage or Family coverage
  • Dental Insurance with district contribution for Single coverage, Employee +1 coverage, or Family coverage
  • FSA Account- Flexible Spending Account
  • Long Term Disability Income Insurance
  • Life Insurance paid for by the district
  • PERA (Pension Plan): 6.5% employee contribution and 7.5% district contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement Plan 403(b) or Roth IRA
  • Floating Holidays
  • Sick Leave includes ESST
  • Vacation Pay
  • Longevity Pay
  • Retirement/Severance Package with Medical & Dental benefits offerings

The policy of the school district is to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The school district does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.

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