Kitchen Assistant
About The Position
As a Kitchen Assistant at Bright Horizons, you will support the catered kitchen of a child care center, preparing nutritious, family-style meals that support children’s health, growth, and learning. Your work helps create a warm, predictable daily routine for children, educators, and center staff. This is a Monday–Friday, full-time position, with preferred hours of 7 a.m.–3 p.m. The role is performed in person at an early education/preschool child care center and provides food service in accordance with Bright Horizons policies and applicable requirements. Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet applicable minimum education and experience requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. A food handler certification within 30 days of hire, nutrition coursework or certification, and food service experience in a child care center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or high-volume food service setting are preferred. The role involves lifting and carrying food and supplies, typically 10–40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds; standing for extended periods; bending, reaching, pushing carts; and repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks. Employees must remain mentally and physically alert and respond appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies. Applicable immunization, employment physical/screening, and health and safety requirements apply. The hourly pay range is $14.42–$19.47. Actual compensation depends on factors including experience, education, training, certifications, geography, and other relevant factors. Bright Horizons describes its workplace as a community that supports professional growth and offers career development opportunities, including free college degrees through its Horizons CDA & Degree Program.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements.
- Previous experience in a role involving cooking or kitchen work in a domestic or commercial property.
- Passion for nutrition and inspiring others in healthy eating.
- Sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies.
- Good communication skills with colleagues, children, and parents.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to lift and carry food and supplies, typically 10–40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds; stand for extended periods; bend, reach, push carts, and perform repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks.
- Ability to maintain mental and physical alertness and respond appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.
Nice To Haves
- Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire.
- Coursework or certification in nutrition.
- Food service experience in a child care center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or high-volume food service setting.
Responsibilities
- Support food service in the catered kitchen of a child care center.
- Prepare nutritious, family-style meals that support children’s health, growth, and learning.
- Help create a warm, predictable routine for children, educators, and center staff.
- Apply knowledge of dietary requirements, particularly food allergies.
- Communicate with colleagues, children, and parents.
- Perform kitchen and cleaning tasks, including lifting and carrying supplies, standing, bending, reaching, and pushing carts.
- Remain alert and respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.
- Comply with applicable Bright Horizons, client site, and legal requirements concerning immunizations, employment physicals or screening, and health and safety training.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid vacation leave
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holiday leave
- Paid parental bonding leave
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Long-term disability insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools
- Career development opportunities
- Free college degrees through the Horizons CDA & Degree Program
- Caregiving support and resources for children and adults in the employee’s family
- Employee Referral Bonus Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
