Kitchen Worker Jobs in New York 2026: Seasonal kitchen worker employment in Southold, New York, can be a fantastic option if you appreciate working with food, maintaining a clean kitchen, and being a part of a dedicated team. In order to help with food preparation, meal service, cleaning, dishwashing, and safe food storage during the summer, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is looking for kitchen support staff.
The position is planned from June 1 through August 23, 2026, and pays a seasonal compensation of $6,050–$7,700. Candidates who are able to work flexible hours, such as mornings, evenings, and weekends, are eligible for this full-time temporary position. Candidates must be able to lift between 20 and 50 pounds safely and be at least 16 years old.
Details of Kitchen Worker Job:
- Job Title: Kitchen Worker Jobs in New York 2026
- Employer: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
- Location: Southold, New York 11971, USA
- Employment Type: Full-time, temporary seasonal
- Season: June 1, 2026 – August 23, 2026
- Salary: $6,050–$7,700 per season
- Schedule: Flexible; early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available
- Relocation Assistance: Not available
- Application: Online through the employer’s application system
About the Kitchen Worker Role:
As a Kitchen Worker, you will work under the direction of the Food Service Manager or Cook. Your daily duties will help ensure that meals are prepared and served efficiently while maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.
This is a practical role where teamwork matters. From preparing ingredients and washing dishes to cleaning equipment and storing food correctly, every task contributes to a smooth kitchen operation and a positive experience for those being served.
Responsibilities for Kitchen Worker Jobs in New York:
The chosen applicant for this role can be in charge of:
- helping with basic food preparation while being supervised by kitchen personnel.
- assisting with meal preparation and serving in accordance with protocol.
- cleaning and disinfecting kitchen equipment, surfaces, and utensils.
- running commercial dishwashers and cleaning kitchenware, pots, and pans.
- safely getting rid of packaging, food scraps, and other kitchen waste.
- Food safety and freshness can be preserved by properly storing food.
- according to any applicable health and hygiene regulations.
- assisting food service supervisors and cooks with day-to-day kitchen tasks.
- keeping the workplace tidy, safe, and orderly.
- observing food handling and workplace safety protocols.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Must be 16 years of age or older, in accordance with applicable New York State Department of Health requirements.
- Must be available to work flexible hours.
- Ability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends when required.
- Ability to lift approximately 20–50 pounds safely.
- Willingness to follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace procedures.
- Ability to work cooperatively with cooks, managers, and other kitchen employees.
Benefits of Kitchen Worker Job:
- Competitive Seasonal Earnings: Kitchen Worker Jobs in New York offer a seasonal salary of $6,050 to $7,700, providing valuable income during the summer employment period.
- Valuable Kitchen Experience: Employees can develop practical experience in food preparation, meal service, dishwashing, sanitation, food storage, and commercial kitchen operations.
- Flexible Working Schedule: The position provides opportunities to work varied schedules, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, helping workers gain experience in a busy food service environment.
- Teamwork and Professional Skills: Kitchen workers collaborate with cooks, food service managers, and other staff while developing communication, teamwork, organization, reliability, and workplace safety skills.
- Food Safety Knowledge: Employees gain hands-on experience maintaining clean work areas, sanitizing equipment, handling food properly, storing ingredients safely, and following applicable health and sanitation requirements.
- Seasonal Career Opportunity: This temporary summer position can provide useful food service experience for students, entry-level workers, and individuals interested in developing skills for future hospitality or culinary employment.
Check Also: Chef De Partie Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Preferred Qualifications:
The following qualifications can strengthen an application but are not necessarily required:
- Valid Suffolk County Department of Health Food Managers Certificate.
- One to two years of previous kitchen experience with increasing responsibility.
- Familiarity with generally accepted nutrition guidelines.
- Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment.
- Previous experience in food preparation, food service, or institutional kitchens.
Why Consider This Seasonal Kitchen Job?
For those interested in food service, hospitality, culinary employment, or community-based initiatives, a seasonal kitchen job can offer invaluable practical experience. It might also be a chance to work as a supportive team member and acquire useful workplace skills.
Candidates who are trustworthy, at ease with hard labor, and prepared to uphold strict standards of hygiene and food safety are especially well suited for the position. Candidates should be ready for a disciplined but hectic work environment because the position operates over the summer.
Important Visa and Relocation Information:
This position does not offer visa sponsorship or relocation assistance. Applicants who require employer-sponsored immigration support should consider other positions that specifically advertise sponsorship.
Candidates should also confirm that they can legally work in the United States before applying.
How to Apply for Kitchen Worker Jobs in New York 2026?
Applications are being reviewed immediately, and the position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates has been established.
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
- Cover letter in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
- Contact information for three professional references.
All required documents should be uploaded through the online application system. Applicants should carefully review their submission before completing the application because additional documents or changes may not be possible after submission.
About Cornell Cooperative Extension:
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration involving Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, New York State, and residents of New York State. According to the posting, the employment opportunity is with the applicable Cornell Cooperative Extension entities rather than Cornell University itself.
The employer also states that reasonable accommodations may be available to qualified applicants and employees who require assistance during the hiring process or in performing essential job functions.
Conclusion:
There is more to being a kitchen worker than just cooking and cleaning dishes. Teamwork, accountability, cleanliness, and service are the cornerstones of this position. For someone seeking seasonal work in Southold in the summer of 2026, this role provides a chance to contribute to a busy food-service setting while gaining real-world culinary experience.
This seasonal opportunity can be worthwhile if you can work flexible hours, are comfortable adhering to tight cleanliness protocols, and fulfill the minimal age and physical criteria. Remember that the job is temporary, pays between $6,050 and $7,700 every season, and does not offer relocation help or sponsorship for a visa.
What qualifications are required for Kitchen Worker jobs?
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to lift 20 to 50 pounds. Candidates should also work flexible hours and follow food safety, sanitation, cleaning, and workplace procedures consistently.
Is previous kitchen experience required for applicants?
Previous kitchen experience is preferred but not mandatory for this position. Applicants with one to two years of increasing kitchen responsibility, commercial equipment experience, or food service knowledge may have additional advantages during consideration.
Do these Kitchen Worker jobs offer visa sponsorship?
No, the advertised Kitchen Worker position does not provide visa sponsorship. It also does not offer relocation assistance. Applicants requiring immigration sponsorship should seek employers specifically advertising eligible sponsorship opportunities before submitting their applications for consideration.
