1

Substitute Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $21.57/hr

Environment: The work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to extreme ... substituted * Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe) Skills * HACCP ...

Environment: The work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to extreme ... substituted * Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe) Skills: * HACCP ...

Hospitality Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $21.57/hr

Environment: The work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to extreme ... substituted * Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe) Skills: * HACCP ...

Cook Assistant

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Ensures and follows registered dietitian substitutes of meals for children with special medical ... Maintains kitchen safety and health standards according to licensing standards, USDA Regulations ...

Showing results 41-60

Substitute Kitchen Assistant information

What is a substitute kitchen assistant?

Substitute kitchen assistants are temporary staff members who fill in for regular kitchen personnel in settings such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias when they are absent. Their duties typically include assisting with food preparation, serving meals, cleaning kitchen areas, and following food safety guidelines. Substitute kitchen assistants must be adaptable and able to quickly learn the routines and standards of different kitchens. This role is essential for maintaining smooth kitchen operations and ensuring that meal services are not disrupted.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute kitchen assistant?

To thrive as a Substitute Kitchen Assistant, you should have basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling protocols, and sometimes a food handler's permit are typically required. Reliability, flexibility, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for adapting to different kitchen environments and supporting staff. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining food quality, safety, and smooth operation in busy or changing kitchen settings.

What are some common challenges faced by a substitute kitchen assistant, and how can I prepare for them?

As a Substitute Kitchen Assistant, you may face challenges such as quickly adapting to different kitchen environments, learning new routines on the spot, and managing time efficiently during busy meal periods. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as you’ll often work with various team members and supervisors at different locations. Preparing by familiarizing yourself with basic food safety protocols and efficient kitchen workflows can help you perform confidently and contribute positively, even when stepping into unfamiliar settings.

What is the difference between Substitute Kitchen Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectSubstitute Kitchen AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationUsually no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentSchools, hospitals, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, institutional kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and healthcare institutionsFood service establishments and restaurants
Job RoleAssists in food prep, cleaning, and supporting kitchen staffPerforms basic food prep, cleaning, and assisting cooks

The Substitute Kitchen Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles share similar duties like food prep and cleaning, but the Substitute Kitchen Assistant often works in institutional settings and may require food safety certifications. The Kitchen Helper typically works in restaurants or cafeterias with less formal credential requirements. Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in work environment and certification needs.

What is the difference between a kitchen helper and a substitute kitchen assistant?

A substitute kitchen assistant is a temporary worker who fills in for regular staff as needed, often with specific training or certifications. A kitchen helper typically performs routine tasks such as cleaning, prepping, and basic food preparation under supervision, and may be a regular or part-time employee. The main difference is that the substitute role is temporary and flexible, while a kitchen helper may have a more consistent, ongoing position.

What are popular job titles related to Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs in Texas?

For Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Substitute Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Substitute Kitchen Assistant job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Culinary Assistant

Rice University

Houston, TX • On-site

$18 - $21.57/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Rice University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

151st of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Position Summary:
The Dining Assistant is responsible for preparing a variety of dishes in accordance with established menus and standardized recipes. This role ensures high standards of food quality, sanitation, and presentation are consistently maintained, while also upholding cleanliness in the work area and supporting overall kitchen sanitation and maintenance. In addition to core cooking duties, the Dining Assistant will also perform one or more specialized roles as needed, including:
  • Cashier
  • Dishwasher
  • Cold Prep
  • Bakeshop Prep
  • Restaurant Server
  • Banquet Server
  • Barista
  • Cohen House Steward

Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays-must be available to work any shift required.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and at least one year of related experience, preferably in a commercial kitchen setting. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks. They may be expected to perform specialized roles such as Cashier, Dishwasher, Cold Prep, Bakeshop Prep, Restaurant Server, Banquet Server, Barista, or Cohen House Steward as needed.
Workplace Requirements:
On campus position: "This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at their designated work location at Rice University.
Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change."
Essential On Campus: This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.
Physical Demands: LIGHT WORK: Exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Requires walking or standing for up to 8 hours per day. Other physical requirements include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.
Other Requirements: Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.
Environment: The work environment is a commercial kitchen and includes exposure to extreme temperatures. Work hazards include exposure to chemicals, wet floors, dangerous equipment (fryers, stoves, ovens, knives, slicers, etc.), and hot oil, steam, and water.
Hiring Range:$18.00 - $21.57 hourly, contingent upon qualifications and experience..
*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High School Diploma
  • 0-1 year related culinary experience
    • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  • Certified Food Handler's Permit (Houston) or equivalent (ServSafe)

Skills
  • HACCP Compliance: Able to document HACCP log sheets.
  • Communication: Must be able to speak and understand basic English.
  • Collaboration: Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team with others.
  • Technical Literacy: Able to read and understand standard recipes and production sheets.
  • Sensory Awareness: Must be able to detect scents and discern flavors.
  • Physical Endurance: Requires walking or standing for up to eight hours per day.
  • Mobility: Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, lift, see, reach, climb, and balance.
  • Schedule Flexibility:Weekly schedule will vary and will include working on weekends and holidays-must be available to work any shift required.

Essential Functions:
  • Prepares and serves food items in accordance with menus and standardized recipes
  • Participates in maintaining a high degree of sanitation within the kitchen and serving area including cleaning standard kitchen equipment
  • Performs one or more specialized roles:
    • Cashier: Responsible for providing customer service to individuals entering the unit, answering questions, and maintaining door security. Shared responsibility for cleanliness and set-up at the front of the house.
    • Dishwasher: Responsible for maintaining servery and kitchen cleanliness. Assists in daily dishwashing, including pots and pans, and is responsible for sweeping and mopping.
    • Cold Prep: Responsible for assisting with food production and preparation of cold food items such as salads, fruit trays, and deli items. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking of assigned work station before, during, and after service.
    • Bakeshop Prep: Assist with the preparation and production of baked goods, including pastries, cookies, and bread items. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the workstation and ensure supplies are properly stocked.
    • Restaurant Server: Responsible for providing professional table service, including taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring a high-quality dining experience for Faculty Club guests.
    • Banquet Server: Responsible for the set-up, service, and breakdown of special events and banquets; involves moving furniture, setting tables, and serving large groups efficiently.
    • Barista: Responsible for preparing and serving specialty coffee beverages and maintaining the cleanliness and stock of the coffee station.
    • Cohen House Steward: Responsible for maintaining the unique ambiance and cleanliness of the Faculty Club's dining and meeting spaces, ensuring all areas are guest-ready
  • Performs all other duties assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

What Rice University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom