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Summer Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Student jobs do not automatically roll over to the next academic year or summer. Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while ...

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Summer Kitchen information

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How much do summer kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer kitchen 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 is a summer kitchen?

A summer kitchen is a separate building or designated area used for cooking meals during the warmer months, typically located outside the main house. Historically, summer kitchens helped keep the main living space cooler and reduced the risk of fire inside the home. Today, summer kitchens can range from simple outdoor setups with grills and prep areas to fully equipped kitchens with appliances, sinks, and seating. They are popular for entertaining guests, cooking large meals, and enjoying outdoor living. A summer kitchen can enhance your outdoor space and add value to your property.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in a summer kitchen role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Working in a Summer Kitchen often means juggling a fast-paced environment, high temperatures, and fluctuating customer demand during peak hours. Staff frequently need to communicate clearly with both front-of-house and back-of-house teams to ensure smooth service and food safety. Staying organized, maintaining a positive attitude, and being adaptable to sudden menu changes or supply shortages are key to success in this role. Many kitchens provide training and encourage teamwork to help new staff adjust quickly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer kitchen staff member?

To thrive as a Summer Kitchen Staff member, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and adherence to health and sanitation regulations are typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help you excel in a fast-paced, seasonal environment. These skills ensure efficient service, food safety, and a positive experience for both staff and guests during busy summer periods.

What is the difference between Summer Kitchen vs Summer Cook?

AspectSummer KitchenSummer Cook
Primary RoleDesigning, constructing, and maintaining outdoor kitchens and cooking spacesPreparing and cooking food during the summer season, often in outdoor settings
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction, and design sitesOutdoor kitchens, events, or private homes during summer
CredentialsMay require construction or design experience; certifications varyCooking skills, food safety knowledge, sometimes culinary certifications

The Summer Kitchen role focuses on creating outdoor cooking spaces, involving design and construction, while the Summer Cook specializes in preparing food in outdoor settings during summer. Both roles are seasonal and outdoor-oriented but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What cities are hiring for Summer Kitchen jobs? Cities with the most Summer Kitchen job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Kitchen jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Kitchen jobs include:
Infographic showing various Summer Kitchen job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Summer Kitchen Manager

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions

Davidson, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Summer Kitchen Manager

Reports to: Director, Healthy Initiatives

Classification: Non-Exempt

Category: 40 hours per week, June-August

Hours: Mon - Fri 6:30am - 2:30pm, May vary slightly

Salary Range: $18.00-$20.00 / hour

Job Summary: Under the general direction of the Director, Healthy Initiatives and in accordance with the mission of the Ada Jenkins Center, the Summer Kitchen Manager will oversee food production for contracted orders. The coordinator organizes and monitors food acquisition and food preparation along with an additional kitchen worker, assistance from AJC volunteers, and assistance of the Director as needed.

Job Qualifications:

  • Experience producing meals and procuring or placing food orders, managing staff/volunteers, and maintaining sanitation/HACCP plan.
  • Minimally one year certificate from college or technical school; or 2-4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Serv-Safe certification.

Skills, Abilities, and Attributes:

  • Prior experience in leading commercial/professional food preparation.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Computer proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel is required.
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Must have a passion for the work of the Ada Jenkins Center, with a genuine commitment to the fulfillment of the agency's mission.

Job Responsibilities:

Manages the preparation of food for contracted/catered events.

  • Shops for and/or orders food from distributors.
  • Leads meal preparation with assistance from the Director when needed.
  • Maintains appropriate inventories and avoids food waste.
  • Ensures food safety, proper storage, and cleanliness.
  • Works with Director on menu planning for contracted/catered events.
  • Provides orientation and oversight to groups or individuals renting the kitchen space.
  • Schedules and trains volunteers.

Maintains Food Safety and Sanitation

Completes all forms and documentation, writes concise, accurate, and organized reports and correspondence according to established protocols.

  • Enters all client-related data into appropriate computer system. Extracts appropriate reports as needed or required.
  • Follows policies and procedures to make accurate eligibility decisions, operating within budgetary guidelines.
  • Completes all forms and documentation and writes concise, accurate, and organized reports and correspondence according to established protocols.
  • Monitors and maintains supplies.
  • Maintains accurate personal records such as leave, work time, etc.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

The Ada Jenkins Center is committed to providing a means for job applicants who have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities which are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position:

  • Ability to work without intensive supervision.
  • Vision sufficient to read standard text and read a computer monitor.
  • Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone.
  • Ability to stand, sit, walk, stoop, and bend routinely and manage the physical demands of food preparation.
  • Manual dexterity to use hands, arms, shoulders for food preparation, chopping, cutting, etc.
  • Ability to transfer pots, pans, and dishes from hot stove/oven as needed
  • Body strength sufficient to lift and transfer at least 25 lbs and occasionally up to 40 lbs.
  • Ability to interact professionally with persons from a variety of backgrounds in a high stress environment.