Kitchen Assistant (Tiger Cooler)

The hiring establishment for this Kitchen Assistant position is located in Los Angeles, California, within the hospitality industry. Specifically, this role is part of the Tiger Cooler department, providing culinary support in a fast-paced food service environment. The position is casual and temporary, designed to last for 10 months with an end date of June 30, 2026, although there is a possibility for extension. Employment is full-time, but hours range between 20 and 32 per week, categorized as a non-exempt status role. The expected hourly wage for this position is $18.42. This opportunity does not offer additional employee benefits, making it ideal for individuals seeking work experience or supplementary income in food service.

The role of the Kitchen Assistant is vital in ensuring the smooth operation of food preparation and cooking within a high-volume catering and restaurant-style setting. Reporting directly to the Food Service Manager, the Kitchen Assistant is tasked with preparing multiple assigned menu items according to provided recipes and quality standards. Emphasis is placed on maintaining both speed and efficiency while adhering to strict kitchen sanitation and safe knife handling practices. Additionally, this position requires maintaining cleanliness and organization of work areas throughout and at the end of shifts to support overall kitchen hygiene and safety.

Beyond culinary duties, the Kitchen Assistant must effectively interact with a diverse community of students, employees, faculty, and staff. This interaction includes providing ingredient information relevant to food allergies and special dietary needs, underscoring the necessity for accurate communication skills and attentiveness to customer concerns. This role is inherently dynamic; it demands a combination of physical stamina, culinary skill, and interpersonal sensitivity. Candidates should expect to perform cooking assignments that account for approximately 65 percent of their responsibilities, with the remainder divided between safe operation of kitchen tools and equipment and collaborative customer engagement.

Given the strict food safety standards and varied dietary requirements encountered, the Kitchen Assistant must have ServeSafe certification or its equivalent and knowledge of allergens and special diets. The position calls for individuals who are detail-oriented, capable of problem anticipation and resolution, and able to manage multiple priorities in a confidential and high-accountability environment. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently and provide leadership and training when necessary.

In summary, this Kitchen Assistant role offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to a high-volume culinary operation within a vibrant hospitality setting. It is well-suited for candidates dedicated to producing quality food products, committed to food safety and sanitation, and eager to engage positively with a diverse clientele. The temporary nature of the position coupled with the flexibility in work hours provides a balanced opportunity for culinary professionals at varying career stages.