National Occupation Code (NOC): 65201

Food counter attendants and food preparers prepare, heat and finish cooking simple food items and serve customers at food counters. Kitchen helpers, food service helpers and dishwashers clear tables, clean kitchen areas, wash dishes, and perform various other activities to assist workers who prepare or serve food and beverages. They are employed by restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals and other establishments.

Follow This Occupation Share

Job Duties for Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations

Food counter attendants and food preparers

• Take customers' orders
• Clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs using manual and electric appliances
• Use deep fryer, grill, oven, dispensers and other equipment to prepare fast food items such as sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, salads, ice cream dishes, milkshakes and other beverages
• Portion, assemble, and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to patrons, and package take-out food
• Use equipment to prepare hot beverages such as coffee and tea specialties
• Serve customers at counters or buffet tables
• Stock refrigerators and salad bars and keep records of the quantities of food used
• May receive payment for food items purchased.

Kitchen helpers

• Wash and peel vegetables and fruit
• Wash work tables, cupboards and appliances
• Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers
• Unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, cupboards and other storage areas
• Sweep and mop floors, and perform other duties to assist cook and kitchen staff.

Food service helpers

• Clear and clean tables and trays in eating establishments
• Bring clean dishes, flatware and other items to serving areas and set tables
• Replenish condiments and other supplies at tables and in serving areas
• Remove dishes before and after courses
• Perform other duties such as scraping and stacking dishes, carrying linen to and from laundry area and running errands.

Dishwashers

• Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots and pans using dishwasher or by hand
• Place dishes in storage area
• Scour pots and pans, and may clean and polish silverware.

Alternate Job Titles

• Airline Food Assembler
• Bar Helper
• Barista
• Bartender Helper
• Bus Boy/girl
• Cafeteria Counter Attendant
• Cafeteria Helper
• Cafeteria Worker
• Cafeteria-buffet Attendant
• Camp Cook's Helper
• Camp Lunchroom Attendant
• Caterer Helper
• Cook's Helper
• Counterperson - Food Services
• Dessert Maker
• Dessert Preparer
• Dietary Aide
• Dining Room Assistant
• Dining Room Attendant
• Dishwasher
• Dishwashing Machine Attendant
• Donut Shop Attendant
• Donut Shop Clerk
• Donut Shop Counter Clerk
• Doughnut Shop Attendant
• Doughnut Shop Clerk
• Doughnut Shop Counter Clerk
• Drive-in Food Service Attendant
• Expediter - Food Services
• Fast-food Preparer
• Fast-food Service Attendant
• Fish And Chips Preparer
• Food And Beverage Service Runner Assistant
• Food And Beverage Services Attendant
• Food Assembler - Fast Food
• Food Concession Worker
• Food Counter Attendant
• Food Preparer
• Food Runner
• Food Service Attendant
• Food Service Counter Attendant
• Food Service Helper
• Food Service Worker
• Hospital Meal Attendant
• Hospital Tray Carrier
• Hot Dog Vendor
• Ice Cream Counter Attendant
• Ice Cream Vendor
• Kitchen Helper
• Logging Camp Cook's Helper
• Lunchroom Counter Attendant
• Lunchroom Counterman/woman
• Popcorn Vendor
• Pot Washer
• Restaurant Counter Attendant
• Salad And Sandwich Maker
• Salad Bar Attendant
• Salad Maker
• Sandwich Artist
• Sandwich Maker
• Sandwich, Salad And Dessert Maker
• Silverware Cleaner
• Snack Bar Attendant
• Steam Table Attendant - Food Services
• Steward - Canadian Armed Forces
• Street Food Vendor
• Sushi Preparer
• Take-out Attendant - Fast Food
• Tray Carrier Attendant - Hospital
• Team Member
• Grill Cook
• Full Time Crew Member
• Dietary Aid