Kitchen Assistant / Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Assistant

Care-O-World Early Learning Centers – Ayden, NC

Love to Cook? Looking for Better Hours?

If you enjoy cooking but are ready to leave nights, weekends, and the fast-paced restaurant environment behind, Care-O-World has the perfect opportunity for you!

We're looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our team in Ayden, NC. In this role, you'll help prepare nutritious meals that fuel children's learning and growth while enjoying a consistent weekday schedule and a supportive team environment.

Pay: $10.00–$15.00 per hour

Location: Ayden, NC

Position: Full-Time

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Monday through Friday schedule
• 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (1-hour lunch)
• No evenings or weekends
• All major holidays off
• Minimal overtime
• Less stress than a traditional restaurant kitchen
• Seasonal menus with variety throughout the year
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• Employee Discount

What You'll Do

As our Kitchen Assistant, you'll play an important role in keeping our children healthy by helping prepare fresh, nutritious meals in a clean and organized kitchen.

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare meals and snacks following approved menus
• Assist with food preparation using fresh ingredients
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen
• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Help accommodate food allergies and dietary substitutions
• Assist with inventory and food storage
• Work closely with the leadership team to ensure smooth meal service
• Support compliance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least one year of food service experience preferred
• Experience preparing food from raw ingredients is a plus
• Ability to pass a background check
• Positive employment references
• Dependable, organized, and team-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Certification
• Culinary education or training
• Experience in childcare, school nutrition, or institutional food service
• Knowledge of NC DCDEE and USDA CACFP guidelines is helpful but not required

Why Care-O-World?

At Care-O-World, we believe every child deserves healthy meals prepared with care. As part of our team, you'll make a meaningful impact every day while enjoying a schedule that gives you your evenings, weekends, and holidays back.

If you're passionate about cooking and want a career where your work truly matters, we'd love to meet you!

Apply today and become part of the Care-O-World family in Ayden!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Care-O-World Early Learning Centers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.