kitchen helper Needed in Canada by Hawksworth Restaurant 

Work setting

• Urban area

Key Responsibilities:

• Food Preparation Assistance: Help with basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, peeling, chopping, and cutting vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients as directed by chefs or cooks.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing: Clean kitchen utensils, pots, pans, cutting boards, and other equipment. Ensure that kitchen surfaces, floors, and storage areas are kept clean and sanitized to meet health and safety standards.
• Dishwashing: Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils either manually or using a dishwasher, and organize them properly for reuse.
• Stocking and Organizing: Assist in stocking shelves with ingredients and kitchen supplies. Ensure that food items are correctly labeled and stored according to food safety regulations.
• Trash and Recycling: Empty trash bins and recycling containers regularly, ensuring proper disposal of waste according to the establishment’s guidelines.
• Assisting Cooks and Chefs: Help the kitchen staff by handing them ingredients or utensils, and perform other tasks to support the preparation and cooking process.
• Cleaning Equipment: Clean kitchen equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, and fryers, ensuring they are functioning properly.
• Food Safety: Follow food safety guidelines, such as proper food handling, temperature control, and cleanliness practices, to ensure the safety of food served to customers.

Tasks

• Bring clean dishes, flatware and other items to serving areas and set tables
• Carrying and replace linen
• Clean and sanitize items such as dishwasher mats, carts and waste disposal units
• Clear and clean tables, trays and chairs
• Load buspans and trays
• Operate dishwashers to wash dishes, glassware and flatware
• Place dishes in storage area
• Replenish condiments and other supplies at tables and serving areas
• Sanitize and wash dishes and other items by hand
• Scour pots and pans
• Package take-out food
• Portion and wrap foods
• Prepare, heat and finish simple food items
• Serve customers at counters or buffet tables
• Stock refrigerators and salad bars
• Take customers’ orders
• Use manual and electrical appliances to clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs
• Clean and sanitize kitchen including work surfaces, cupboards, storage areas, appliances and equipment
• Receive, unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, freezers, cupboards and other storage areas
• Remove kitchen garbage and trash
• Sweep, mop, wash and polish floors
• Wash, peel and cut vegetables and fruit

Experience and specialization

Equipment and machinery experience

• Conventional oven
• Deep fryer
• Food dispensers
• Grill

Additional information

Transportation/travel information

• Public transportation is available

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Fast-paced environment
• Handling heavy loads
• Overtime required
• Physically demanding
• Repetitive tasks
• Standing for extended periods
• Work under pressure

Weight handling

• Up to 9 kg (20 lbs)
• Up to 23 kg (50 lbs)

Personal suitability

• Client focus
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Reliability
• Team player

Benefits

Health benefits

• Health care plan

Financial benefits

• Gratuities

Other benefits

• Team building opportunities

Skills and Qualifications:

• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy items and carrying trays or boxes.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring that food preparation and cleaning tasks are completed correctly, and maintaining a high level of cleanliness and organization.
• Teamwork: Work effectively with chefs, cooks, and other kitchen staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and complete them efficiently, especially during busy meal times.
• Basic Cooking Knowledge: While advanced cooking skills aren’t required, a basic understanding of kitchen equipment, ingredients, and food preparation is helpful.
• Communication Skills: Ability to follow instructions from chefs and other kitchen staff and communicate effectively in a fast-paced, often noisy environment.

Education and Experience:

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically sufficient, though some employers may prefer candidates with a culinary background or experience in food service.
• Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen environment is beneficial but not usually required for entry-level kitchen helper positions. On-the-job training is often provided.
• Food Safety Certification: Some kitchen helpers may need to complete a food safety certification course, especially if working in a restaurant or food service environment. Certification in ServSafe or equivalent programs is a plus.

Work Environment:

Kitchen helpers work in fast-paced, high-energy environments such as restaurants, catering companies, hotels, or institutional kitchens (e.g., schools or hospitals). The work can be physically demanding, with long hours standing, bending, and lifting. Kitchen helpers may be exposed to heat, steam, and hot surfaces, so safety precautions and wearing protective gear (e.g., aprons, gloves) are important.