Food preparation worker: pay, what you do and current jobs
Kaimahi taka kai
Food preparation workers prepare food and beverages at restaurants, cafes and other hospitality places. They may make sandwiches and salads, and do baking and cooking.
- Typical full-time pay in NZ$50,000–$68,000 a year (up to $84,000)
- Training0-1 year
- IndustryFood and drink
Pay is for full-time work across New Zealand. Part-time and hourly roles are paid by the hour; check each advert.
6 food preparation worker jobs on ManyJobs now
- Deli Assistant Full TimeFoodstuffs retail · Wellington
- Deli AssistantFoodstuffs retail · Kerikeri
- Seafood / Deli AssistantFoodstuffs retail · Cambridge
- Service Deli Assistant ManagerFoodstuffs retail · Thorndon, Wellington
- Deli AssistantFoodstuffs retail · Havelock North
- Service Deli AssistantFoodstuffs retail · Browns Bay, Auckland
What you’d do
- wash, peel and cut fruit and vegetables
- help chefs with tasks
- cook basic food
- arrange food for serving
- clean and sanitise food preparation areas
- follow food safety standards and regulations
- restock food and supplies in kitchens
- remove rubbish from food preparation areas
Life on the job
Food preparation workers:
- usually work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
- usually work in restaurants, hotels, cafes, supermarkets and other hospitality places
- may work in hot and noisy conditions
- need to be methodical, practical and work well in a team
How to get in
You usually learn on the job to become a food preparation worker and experience and a qualification may be useful.
You usually don't need specific NCEA levels for this job, but Level 2 may be useful.
You may need:
- experience in similar work
- a New Zealand Certificate in Catering Services (Level 3)
- a New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)
- a New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 4)
Also known as: Cafe worker, deli assistant, kitchen hand, hospitality worker, sandwich maker, catering assistant, kitchen assistant
Get ready to apply
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