What does a Kitchen Staff do?
Published 3 min read
A kitchen staff member is responsible for helping the chef with food preparation, cooking, and cleaning in a professional kitchen. They may also be responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the kitchen organized.
Kitchen Staff job duties include:
- Cleaning the kitchen and all its appliances
- Washing dishes, pots, and pans by hand or using a dishwasher
- Sweeping and mopping the floors
- Taking out the trash
- Restocking supplies such as dishes, utensils, and food
- Preparing food for cooking or serving
- Cooking food according to recipes
- Serving food to customers or guests
- Busing tables and cleaning up after customers or guests
Kitchen Staff Job Requirements
The job requirements for a kitchen staff member are not very extensive. Most kitchens will require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, and it is always beneficial to have some prior experience working in a kitchen. However, many kitchens are willing to train new employees if they are passionate about cooking and willing to learn. There are no specific certifications required to work in a kitchen, but many employers prefer candidates who have ServSafe certification, which is a food safety certification.
Kitchen Staff Skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Organization
- Problem solving
- Flexibility
- Delegation
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Creativity
- Patience
- Customer service
Related: Top Kitchen Staff Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Kitchen Staff
The first step to becoming a kitchen staff is to have a passion for cooking. Without a passion for cooking, it will be difficult to succeed in this career. Kitchen staff need to be able to work long hours on their feet and have the ability to handle multiple tasks at once. They also need to be able to work well under pressure and have excellent customer service skills.
Those who are interested in becoming kitchen staff should start by working in a restaurant as a server or hostess. This will give them the opportunity to see what goes on in the kitchen and how the staff works together. They can also learn about different cooking techniques and get an idea of what it takes to run a kitchen.
Once they have some experience, they can then apply for jobs as cooks or prep cook. There are many different types of kitchens, so it is important to find one that matches their skills and interests. For example, someone who is interested in healthy cooking may want to work in a vegetarian or vegan kitchen. Those who are more interested in baking may want to work in a pastry kitchen.
Working as a kitchen staff can be challenging but also very rewarding. It is a great way to learn new skills and meet new people. With hard work and dedication, anyone can succeed in this career.
Related: Kitchen Staff Resume Example
Related: Kitchen Staff Interview Questions (With Example Answers)