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School Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Douglas County School District (CO)

$17.39 - $26.89/hr

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 ...

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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 Virginia is $15.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.44 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

School Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Kitchen Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,772 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

On-site

Douglas County School District (CO)
See more jobs at Douglas County School District (CO)external

$17.39 - $26.89/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Please complete this application using your full legal name as it appears on your government issued forms of identification when you have time to go from start to finish. Application details cannot be saved along the way, and you must complete and submit the application in one sitting. If you leave your computer and return later, you may time out.

REMINDER: Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on, this application is for external candidates only!

Job Posting Title:Kitchen AssistantJob Description: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 clientele.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Frequent standing, reaching, lifting (including occasional overhead lifting), bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, climbing, pushing, twisting, and pulling items weighing 40 lbs or less. Standing or walking 95% of the work day
- Occasional climbing and balancing using step stool
- Repetitive motions including lifting, keypad entry, chopping, filling and sealing packaging. Make fast repeated movements of fingers, hands and wrists.
- Use both hands to grasp, grip, move or operate objects or equipmentPosition Specific Information (if Applicable):Responsibilities:

Assists in unloading and proper storage of delivered food items.

Learn and Operate Point of Sale system and reconcile monies daily to ensure accuracy.

Pursue opportunities to create positive relationships with the surrounding community, including other Nutrition Services staff, school staff, students and parents. Must have a focus on customer service. Must be pleasant, cooperative and able to work with a wide variety of people. Flexibility in learning new concepts, cooperates with others, and adapts to a variety of assignments and conditions.

Communicates effectively in both written and verbal form, including electronic mail and computers. Maintains confidentiality of all student information.

Participate in training to include PGI Classes. May lead training for other kitchen staff members. Must annually complete all USDA Mandatory Professional Standards training hours, as required by position category. Actively pursues upcoming regulatory changes and provides sustainable solutions.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Willing to travel to multiple schools based on the needs of sites, if requested. Flexibility in work schedule to meet the demands of the kitchen sites.

Assist in the preparation, service, and sale of meals ensuring compliance with department regulations. Preparation of meals can include washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting and chopping fresh fruits, vegetables and meat items. Must follow standard recipe, proper portion sizes and verbal instructions.

Assist in the proper set up and cleanup of serving areas for timely service to students, including dishwashing and proper sanitation of work stations. Follows and understands all HACCP standards. Uses all kitchen equipment properly. Cleans equipment properly and follows all safety precautions.

Serve meals daily while complying with all school food regulations and ensure health department sanitation standards. This includes ensuring the proper cooking and serving temperatures of foods are taken and recorded as required by HACCP standards.

Independently follows menu and recipe instructions. Must produce and understand the regulations regarding preparation, proper food temperatures, appearance and portion sizes.

Certifications:Education:High School or EquivalentSkills:Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes, Effective oral and written communication skills, Maintains a generally positive attitude, Observes all District policies and procedures, Strong organizational and time management skills, Verbal and written communication skills in English and a demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructionsPosition Type:RegularPrimary Location:Buffalo Ridge ElementaryOne Year Only (Yes or No):No


 

Scheduled Hours Per Week:20


 

FTE:0.50Approx Scheduled Days Per Year:
  • (260 days indicatesa year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are thengranted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.)
Minimum Hire Rate: $17.39 USD HourlyMaximum Hire Rate: $22.14 USD HourlyFull Salary Range:$17.39 USD - $26.89 USD Hourly
  • All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.
Benefits:This position is eligible for voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans.Time Off Plans:This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past:November 10, 2026

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