PartTime Cooking School Kitchen Assistant

THE GOURMANDISE SCHOOL; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Job summary

The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica is seeking a part-time Kitchen Assistant to support cooking classes and private events. You will prep ingredients, assist the Chef Instructor, and help guests feel welcome during sessions.

Shifts are weekdays evenings and weekend daytime/evening hours. Advancement opportunities exist for dependable team players who excel in a fast-paced culinary environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a kitchen assistant in a commercial kitchen is required; leadership or shift lead experience is a plus.
• Physical Requirements: stand for 5 hours and lift 10–35 lbs.
• Strong familiarity with kitchen operations, equipment, and food/produce basics.
• Work Ethic: High energy, strong work ethic, and ability to move efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Attitude & Mindset: Positive, professional demeanor. Customer-focused and team-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and set up kitchen equipment before each class or event.
• Partner closely with the Chef Instructor by anticipating needs and supporting the class.
• Welcome students and private event guests, helping them feel comfortable for sessions.
• Assist with dishwashing and cleaning during and after classes/events.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in coordination with the Chef and Dishwasher.
• Remove used dishes and utensils as needed and assist with storage organization.

Skills

Initiative

Time management

Proactive

Calm under pressure

Leadership

Growth mindset

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Free food & snacks

JOB DESCRIPTION: Kitchen Assistant

The Kitchen Assistant plays a vital support role for the Chef/Instructor and students/guests during cooking classes and private events. We are seeking experienced, highly dependable professionals who take pride in excellence and enjoy working in a fast-paced, team-oriented culinary environment. This role is an excellent fit especially for someone looking to build a long-term relationship with The Gourmandise School. We value internal growth and frequently look first to our existing team when leadership opportunities become available. Advancement is based on demonstrated performance, leadership, and business needs.

This is currently a part-time position, and although we are open 7 days a week, we currently have the strongest need for individuals who are available on weekday evenings and weekend daytime and evening shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all ingredients are prepped and the kitchen is set up with necessary equipment before each class or event.
• Partner closely with the Chef Instructor by anticipating needs, staying one step ahead of the class, and providing seamless support throughout the guest experience.
• Welcome students and private event guests, helping them feel comfortable and prepared for their cooking or baking session.

Kitchen Maintenance & Cleanliness

• Assist with dishwashing and general cleaning during and after classes/events.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in coordination with the Chef and Dishwasher.
• Remove used dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils as needed.
• Follow safety protocols, help with storage organization, and assist with additional kitchen projects as assigned.

Take ownership of assigned responsibilities while remaining flexible to step in wherever needed to support the team and ensure smooth operations.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Previous experience as a kitchen assistant in a commercial kitchen is required; previous leadership, supervisory, or shift lead experience is a plus.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for 5 hours and frequently lift/move objects from to 10 to 35 lbs.
• Strong familiarity with kitchen operations, equipment, and food/produce basics.
• Work Ethic: High energy, strong work ethic, and the ability to move efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Attitude & Mindset: Positive, professional demeanor. Customer-focused with a strong commitment to guest experience. Team-oriented with a collaborative approach.

Skills

• Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment without needing constant direction.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Naturally notices what needs to be done and takes action.
• Remains calm, organized, and solutions-oriented during busy classes and events.
• Leads by example through professionalism, accountability, and reliability.
• Interested in learning all aspects of our operation and taking on increasing responsibility over time.

This position will require some flexibility - schedule and shifts will be assigned on an as-needed basis and in coordination with your availability. Shifts are scheduled daytime and evening seven days a week.

Compensation/Benefits

Hourly rate $19-$21 to start (plus gratuities), depending on experience

• Sick leave accrual
• CalSavers
• Retirement Savings
• Free Cooking Classes