Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Profit sharing

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Assistant Chef

Compensation Type: Hourly Reports To: Lead Chef / Executive Chef / School Director

At Primrose Schools, we believe that who children become is as important as what they know. For almost 40 years, our approach to teaching and learning has remained true to the Primrose core belief of nurturing balance among mind, body, and heart. All elements of the Balanced Learning® approach are intentionally woven together in engaging, challenging, and varied learning experiences throughout every day. These experiences are designed to stimulate children’s intellectual, creative, physical, and social-emotional growth for Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®. Primrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Summary

The Chef’s Assistant supports the Lead Chef and Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations to ensure meals and snacks are prepared, served, and cleaned up safely and efficiently. This role assists with food preparation, meal service, kitchen cleanliness, and adherence to health and safety standards.

The Chef’s Assistant works closely with the Managing Chef to support safe and efficient food service operations while maintaining high standards of professionalism, punctuality, and adaptability. This position plays an important role in ensuring that all meals meet Primrose nutritional standards while maintaining strict adherence to allergy and dietary safety protocols.

Open-mindedness, mindfulness, and creativity are encouraged to help support a healthy and positive meal program experience for children and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen Support & Daily Operations

Assists the Lead Chef with preparation of daily meals and snacks according to the approved menu.

Prepares ingredients for cooking such as washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients.

Assists with plating and portioning meals according to Primrose portion standards.

Helps distribute meals and snacks to classrooms in a timely and organized manner.

Maintains a safe and efficient work pace to ensure service schedules are met and cleaning responsibilities are completed in a timely manner.

Follows planned menus while maintaining proper meal components and portion requirements.

Communicates any necessary menu changes or concerns to the Lead Chef, Manager, or School Director ahead of time.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Maintains a strong awareness of children with allergies, dietary restrictions, or special meal accommodations.

Prioritizes allergy and dietary preference awareness and remains proactive in preparing safe alternatives when needed.

Assists in preventing cross contamination and ensures proper handling of food items.

Maintains safe and sanitary operations for preparing, serving, and storing food.

Ensures food service areas and food preparation remain free of nuts, nut products, or items processed in facilities that process nuts.

Follows all state, county, and city health and food safety regulations.

Equipment & Kitchen Maintenance

Operates and maintains kitchen equipment properly to ensure safe and effective standards.

Assists with cleaning and sanitizing kitchen surfaces, equipment, and food preparation areas.

Washes dishes, utensils, cookware, and food service equipment throughout the day.

Maintains an organized and sanitary kitchen environment and assists with proper storage of food and supplies.

Communication & Professionalism

Maintains positive and professional standards in all aspects of work.

Implements confident and professional communication with kitchen staff, teachers, and leadership.

Follows written and verbal instructions from the Lead Chef, Executive Chef, and leadership team.

Demonstrates professionalism, punctuality, independence, and adaptability in daily responsibilities.

Contributes to a collaborative and supportive kitchen environment.

Job Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

High School diploma or equivalent preferred

Previous food service or kitchen experience preferred but not required

Must be at least 18 years old

Must obtain or currently possess a Food Handler and/or Food Manager certification

Knowledge of food safety practices and regulatory processes related to food preparation

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Ability to work independently while also supporting a team environment

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to adapt and work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The work is typically performed in a kitchen environment with varying noise levels and exposure to hot and cold temperatures.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Prolonged periods of standing and walking

Ability to bend, kneel, and reach for storage items

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Ability to work around high-temperature kitchen equipment

Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment