What does a Kitchen Helper do?

Kitchen Helpers help keep a kitchen operating optimally. From checking inventory before the Cooks’ shifts to cleaning after peak hours, Kitchen Helpers can help contribute to both productivity and food safety. Duties such as chopping produce, weighing dry ingredients, setting up kitchen equipment and stocking shelves may impact the kitchen’s speed, volume and quality of its culinary output.

Kitchen Helper skills and qualifications

Successful Kitchen Helper candidates may have a combination of these skills and qualifications:

• Excellent multitasking ability to assist several other kitchen staff positions
• Familiarity with common kitchen utensils and commercial equipment
• Knowledge of best practices for kitchen safety and sanitation, including cross-contamination prevention or the three-sink dishwashing method
• Basic kitchen skills, such as experience chopping, dicing, frying, following a recipe and measuring ingredients accurately
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Kitchen Helper experience requirements

Most employers accept Kitchen Helper candidates with little to no experience. Some candidates may have basic kitchen skills learned through prior Kitchen Assistant positions or Waitstaff, Busser or Dishwasher roles.

If your restaurant offers minimal training, consider hiring Kitchen Helpers familiar with basic food preparation techniques. Experience with specialized equipment and knowledge of food safety practices may also be important.

Kitchen Helper education and training requirements

Since formal education isn’t a requirement for Kitchen Helpers, you might use a skills-based approach to hire a Kitchen Helper. List the position’s required skills and prioritize candidates with similar abilities, such as attention to detail, food safety or preparation and teamwork.

You may also prefer applicants interested in the culinary arts, such as students currently enrolled in culinary arts programs or those looking to apprentice under the Chef.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Kitchen Helper job description doesn’t align with your needs, you may find more inspiration by reviewing these sample job descriptions for similar positions:

• Sous Chef
• Restaurant Manager
• Restaurant Expeditor

Kitchen Helper job description FAQS

What types of businesses employ Kitchen Helpers?

Any business with a kitchen producing food for employees or public consumption may benefit from hiring a Kitchen Helper. This may include eateries, such as restaurants, delis, cafés and buffets.

Kitchen Helpers may also work for hotels and resorts, casinos or cruise ships or in healthcare facilities where food is prepared for patients and cafeteria visitors. Other businesses that may employ Kitchen Helpers include museums, schools, office buildings, catering businesses and retirement communities.

Is Kitchen Helper an entry-level position?

Depending on your company, the Kitchen Helpers may be an entry-level position ideal for applicants interested in the hospitality industry. Many employers offer on-the-job training for new hires with little culinary experience. Some applicants may be studying culinary arts or interested in later advancing to a Cook or Chef position.

Do Kitchen Helpers need culinary skills?

Some Kitchen Helpers may need culinary skills, especially workers in fine dining or high-volume establishments. Many employers don’t expect Kitchen Helpers to know how to cook or prepare ingredients without guidance and continued on-the-job training.

Is Kitchen Helper a strenuous position?

Kitchen Helper is generally an active position, with workers often moving for the entirety of their shift. Kitchen Helpers may be required to lift equipment and bulk ingredients, transition from station to station and remain at their workstation for long periods. They may also need to bend work in hot and cold environments and be comfortable with non-traditional hours.