Kitchen Porter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of hospitality, the role of the kitchen porter is often unsung yet essential.

As the gastronomic scene evolves, so does the need for reliable, versatile and diligent individuals who can support, maintain, and streamline our kitchen operations.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a kitchen porter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the demands of this role,
• A hiring manager shaping the profile of the perfect recruit,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes action in a commercial kitchen,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable kitchen porter job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Kitchen Porter Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen Porters perform a range of tasks related to cleaning and maintaining the kitchen, as well as aiding chefs in food preparation when needed.

They play an essential role in ensuring the smooth running of a kitchen.

Kitchen Porters are primarily responsible for maintaining cleanliness, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Clean and sanitize the kitchen area, including work surfaces, floors and walls
• Wash utensils, dishes and cutlery, and ensure they are stored appropriately
• Operate dishwashing machines safely and efficiently
• Unload deliveries and organize them in storage areas
• Assist in the preparation of food under the supervision of chefs
• Empty and clean trash containers and dispose of waste in accordance to the restaurant’s waste disposal system
• Maintain a stock of cleaning supplies
• Report any serious maintenance issues to the relevant personnel

 

Kitchen Porter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Kitchen Porter to assist our kitchen staff and ensure the smooth running of our kitchen operations.

Your role will involve maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, handling kitchen equipment, and assisting the kitchen staff as needed.

Our ideal candidate is diligent, efficient, and able to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Ultimately, the Kitchen Porter’s responsibilities are to ensure our kitchen is clean, well-organized, and fully stocked at all times.

 

Responsibilities

• Ensure the kitchen is clean and sanitized
• Unload deliveries and organize the storeroom
• Operate the dishwasher and wash dishes, utensils and cooking equipment manually when needed
• Assist the kitchen staff with food prep tasks
• Dispose of waste appropriately
• Ensure food supplies are stored properly and used resourcefully
• Maintain kitchen appliances and work surfaces to the required hygiene standards
• Report any serious incidents, such as equipment failure or food safety issues, to the kitchen manager

 

Qualifications

• No formal qualification is required, but previous kitchen or cleaning experience is a plus
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment
• Understanding of food safety practices
• Excellent time-management skills
• Team spirit and good communication abilities

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Meal on duty
• Paid time off
• Training opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Kitchen Porter
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a fast-paced restaurant kitchen. The position may involve late hours and weekend work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Kitchen Manager or Head Chef.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $12 minimum to $15 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Kitchen Porter Do?

A Kitchen Porter, also known as a Kitchen Assistant, plays a crucial role in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments where food is prepared and served.

They are mainly responsible for ensuring the kitchen area is clean, tidy, and well-organized.

This involves cleaning kitchen appliances, utensils, and cutlery, as well as washing dishes and making sure they are properly stored.

Kitchen Porters also assist in basic food preparation tasks, such as peeling vegetables, preparing ingredients, and disposing of waste appropriately.

They may also be tasked with unloading food and equipment deliveries and ensuring that storage areas are properly stocked.

Being a key part of the kitchen staff, a Kitchen Porter often collaborates with chefs and cooks, helping them to locate specific items or assisting with larger food preparation tasks when needed.

Their role is vital for maintaining the smooth operation of the kitchen and ensuring health and safety standards are met at all times.

 

Kitchen Porter Qualifications and Skills

A competent Kitchen Porter should possess the skills and qualifications that fulfill the needs of the role, such as:

• Physical stamina and strength to carry out tasks such as lifting heavy pots, standing for extended periods, and performing repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment to keep up with the demands of a busy kitchen.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously such as cleaning, restocking and helping the culinary team.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety regulations in the kitchen to maintain a safe and clean workspace.
• Good communication skills to work effectively with the kitchen team, understand instructions and share information when necessary.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, showing initiative when tasks need to be done.
• Detail-oriented to ensure kitchen areas, equipment, and utensils are clean and ready for use.
• Flexibility to work different shifts, including weekends and holidays.

 

Kitchen Porter Experience Requirements

Kitchen Porters may start with little to no experience in the field, as many establishments provide on-the-job training.

The role primarily requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions.

However, some experience in a restaurant or kitchen environment, even if not directly related to the job of a Kitchen Porter, can prove beneficial.

This might include roles such as dishwashing, cleaning, or any other general kitchen duties.

Kitchen Porters with 1 to 2 years of experience may have developed a familiarity with kitchen operations, health and safety procedures, and food hygiene standards.

They may also be responsible for training new kitchen porters.

Those with over 3 years of experience in the role may have had the opportunity to work in a variety of kitchen types and sizes, enabling them to adapt quickly to different environments.

Kitchen Porters with 5 years of experience or more might be prepared to take on roles with more responsibility, such as Kitchen Supervisor or Assistant Kitchen Manager, as they will have developed a comprehensive understanding of kitchen operations and procedures.

 

Kitchen Porter Education and Training Requirements

A Kitchen Porter, also known as a dishwasher or utility worker, doesn’t necessarily require formal education for entry-level roles.

Often, high school education or equivalent is sufficient to get started.

However, in some establishments, a food handler’s certificate could be required which entails a short course on basic food hygiene.

Training for this role is usually on-the-job, and it involves learning about kitchen safety, sanitation procedures, and the efficient operation of kitchen equipment.

While not mandatory, having a certification in food safety or related areas can make a candidate more appealing to potential employers.

Additionally, individuals interested in progressing in the culinary world may consider attending culinary school or obtaining formal training in the field.

Such experience or education can provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance into more specialized or senior roles within a kitchen.

Experience in the role is highly valued, as it demonstrates an individual’s ability to work in a high-pressure environment, and their commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen.

 

Kitchen Porter Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Kitchen Porter is $10.34 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the establishment they are employed by.

 

Kitchen Porter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Kitchen Porter need?

A Kitchen Porter needs to be physically fit as the job often requires them to be on their feet for long periods, lifting heavy kitchen equipment and supplies.

They also need to have good organizational skills to handle all their tasks efficiently, and hygiene awareness is crucial as they play an important part in maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen.

Being able to work quickly and under pressure in a busy environment is also a critical skill for a Kitchen Porter.

 

Do Kitchen Porters need any formal qualifications?

Typically, Kitchen Porters do not require any formal qualifications.

However, some employers may prefer if the candidate has a high school diploma.

On-the-job training is usually provided, and there may be opportunities for Kitchen Porters to undergo additional training and progress to more advanced roles in the kitchen.

 

What should you look for in a Kitchen Porter resume?

When reviewing a Kitchen Porter resume, look for previous experience in a similar role or a busy kitchen environment.

Any certificates or courses in food hygiene or safety can also be advantageous.

Indicators of physical stamina, such as involvement in sports or physical activities, can also be beneficial for this role.

 

What qualities make a good Kitchen Porter?

A good Kitchen Porter is hardworking, reliable, and able to work effectively as part of a team.

They should be able to follow instructions and adhere to all health and safety regulations.

They should also show a willingness to learn new skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

 

Is it difficult to hire Kitchen Porters?

Hiring Kitchen Porters is not typically difficult, but finding candidates who are hardworking, reliable, and able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment can be challenging.

The role can be physically demanding and often requires working unsociable hours, which can limit the pool of suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of what it means to be a kitchen porter.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about washing dishes.

It’s about orchestrating the backbone of every successful kitchen, one dish at a time.

With our handy kitchen porter job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive into the culinary world.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating meticulous listings or sprucing up your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every clean dish is a part of the bigger culinary masterpiece.

Let’s create that masterpiece. Together.

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