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School Kitchen Help Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Helper

Kittery, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

AS SOON AS SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOUND The Kittery School District is currently seeking a Kitchen Helper at Shapleigh School for the 26/27 School year. This follows the student calendar days plus 3 ...

High School diploma or equivalent~ 1 year working with youth in a child welfare or agency setting ... As a Kitchen Helper you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive ...

High School diploma or equivalent~ 1 year working with youth in a child welfare or agency setting ... As a Kitchen Helper you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive ...

KITCHEN HELPER

Edgewood, WA

$15.50 - $18/hr

Emerald Ridge High School Position : Kitchen Helper Rate : Food Service - Level B Hours: 3 hours per day, no meal break Work Schedule: 10:45AM to 1:45PM, Monday - Friday Calendar: 189-Day Required:

Kitchen Helper

Hastings, NE

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

On-site at Hastings School District Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am-2pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team‑focused Kitchen Helper to join our school food service program. In this role ...

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School Kitchen Help information

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How much do school kitchen help jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen help in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a School Kitchen Help, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Help, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, commercial dishwashers, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions efficiently are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, timely, and nutritious meal service to students while maintaining a hygienic kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by School Kitchen Help, and how can they be managed?

School Kitchen Help often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively during busy meal periods, maintaining strict food safety standards, and working efficiently within a team environment. To manage these challenges, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with coworkers, and stay updated on food handling procedures. Being adaptable and willing to assist in various tasks, from food preparation to cleaning, also helps ensure a smooth workflow and a positive dining experience for students.

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

AspectSchool Kitchen HelpSchool Cook
CredentialsNone typically required, basic food handling knowledgeFood safety certifications, culinary skills often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssist in food prep, cleaning, and serving in school kitchensPrepare, cook, and oversee meal production in school kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in schools, part-time or support rolesFull-time or lead roles in school food services

School Kitchen Help generally involves assisting with food prep and cleaning, requiring minimal certifications. In contrast, School Cooks are responsible for preparing meals and may need food safety certifications. Both roles operate within school food service environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What does a School Kitchen Help do?

A School Kitchen Help assists in preparing and serving meals to students and staff in a school cafeteria. Their duties often include washing dishes, cleaning kitchen areas, helping cooks with food preparation, and making sure food safety standards are followed. They may also be responsible for setting up serving lines, replenishing supplies, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. This role is vital in making sure students receive nutritious meals in a timely and hygienic manner.
More about School Kitchen Help jobs
What cities are hiring for School Kitchen Help jobs? Cities with the most School Kitchen Help job openings:
What states have the most School Kitchen Help jobs? States with the most job openings for School Kitchen Help jobs include:
Infographic showing various School Kitchen Help job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
School Kitchen Manager - Olympic Hills Elementary

School Kitchen Manager - Olympic Hills Elementary

Seattle Public Schools

Seattle, WA

$22.44 - $26.97/hr

Other

Posted yesterday


Seattle Public Schools rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 577 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Overview of Position Summary of Assignment Under the general direction of Culinary Services Director or designee, responsible for heating and serving of high quality, nutritious meals under sanitary conditions in a Satellite kitchen. Essential Functions Prepare and serve attractive, high quality, nutritious, cost effective meals following menu planners meeting District requirements. Ensure that all student helpers and staff comply with proper food handling techniques and follow safety and sanitation procedures.

Develop, prepare and post work schedules and diagram of serving area for program continuity and to assure that tasks are complete within the time allocated. Maintain accurate records and complete necessary reports including meal count, cash count, tickets, menu planners, orders, delivery, payroll, inventory and other reports needed according to District procedures either manually or by computer. Maintain and schedule cleaning of kitchen and storeroom as well as kitchen equipment including tables and chairs.

Report equipment malfunctions to ensure safe working conditions. Order appropriate number of meals from central kitchen and adjust meal count as needed to utilize all food ordered. Maintain appropriate stock of food and supplies; rotate and reorder as needed.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with others. Assist school staff in promoting proper nutrition. Respond to suggestions, complaints and requests of building staff and students.

Report all accidents promptly to Culinary Services office. Train and supervise staff including conducting performance evaluations. Train, monitor and evaluate student workers, substitutes and assigned staff.

Promote Culinary Services programs to increase meal participation. Check and secure kitchen and dining area at the end of the shift. Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Required to stand and walk for prolonged periods; ability to lift up to 25 Ibs.; carry, push, stoop, reach and ability to handle and perform fingering functions. Required to shift tasks and priorities; experience frequent interruptions; requires flexibility and adaptability; perform repetitive tasks; requires individual initiative and teamwork; ability to communicate with students and adults in some difficult situations. Requires effective decision making and problem solving; required to communicate with difficult individuals; excellent listening skills; adapt to change and remain flexible

Have normal far vision, depth perception and color vision. May be exposed to general cleaning chemicals. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Food preparation techniques and procedures Food Safety and Sanitation\ Basic Math Modern methods of food preparation, including recipe adjustment; acceptable product standards, including quality and sanitation aspects; basic math; basic computer operation.

Skill in: Use English communication orally and in writing Team work Ability to: Do simple mathematical calculations. Follow instructions and use fundamentals of food preparation techniques and procedures following approved safety and sanitation requirements. Learn Federal, State and Local requirements for the National School Lunch Programs Operate all types of commercial kitchen equipment, including a mechanical aptitude for operating/adjusting complex equipment.

Establish and maintain good working relationships with a variety of employees. Work under supervision Typical Qualifications EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent. LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Food Handler's Permit ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of menu planning and the nutritional requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture school meal patterns.

Ability to accurately complete necessary records required by the United States Department of Agriculture, the State and the District. Ability to take initiative, analyze information/situation and resolve situation or recommend effective solution to Culinary Services office. Must possess a valid WA Food Handler's Permit Audit and reconcile inventory and financial records.

Provide direction to assigned staff. Knowledgeable of basic food handling and preparation techniques and safe practices and ability to use kitchen tools and equipment.


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