A kitchen steward, also known as a kitchen worker, is a person who supports the kitchen staff through performing various tasks. He normally works as part of a staff of two or more people. His job may be in a restaurant, hotel, hospital kitchen or cafeteria in an educational institution. Some stewards work in the galleys of ships and airplanes as well.

Chefs, cooks and sous chefs normally depend on the steward to keep things clean and orderly to help them perform their jobs without interruption. He typically surveys the work areas and collects the pots, pans and utensils to be cleaned. It is ordinarily his job to maintain the trash receptacles and ensure recyclable goods are properly separated and stored. The maintenance of the walls and floors are customarily the job of the steward.

Before the shifts for each meal begin in a restaurant, the kitchen steward frequently inspects the prep stations, stoves and refrigerators. It is commonly his job to make sure all the necessary equipment is properly stored and readily available for the kitchen crew. If any of the stations require additional cutlery or other tools, he is normally expected to have the utensils clean and ready for use. In some restaurants, the kitchen steward is responsible for sanitizing the cutting boards and other surfaces used to prepare food.

If the eating establishment has storage areas separate from the kitchen, the kitchen steward is generally in charge of the maintenance of those locations as well. These often include walk-in freezers and refrigerators, pantries and stock rooms. In addition to daily maintenance, the steward is commonly required to schedule and perform in-depth cleaning of these areas on a weekly or monthly basis.

In the event a restaurant expands its operations and moves into a larger facility, the kitchen steward is frequently the person in charge of facilitating the move. He may be required to take inventory of the perishable and non-perishable foods items as well as the restaurant equipment. He may assist in the organization and stocking of the new location.

In small food service environments, the steward may be required to serve as the bus person. This generally requires him to discreetly clear tables in the dining area and keep the service areas neat and free of debris. In some locations, he may assist in serving customers during busy dining periods.

A kitchen steward is normally required to be well organized and focused on his work. He typically works long hours in a demanding environment. His job frequently requires heavy lifting, so being in good physical condition is helpful.

There are generally no educational requirements to become a kitchen steward. A significant number of people with this job aspire to being promoted to more prestigious jobs, such as sous chef or prep cook. Background in a food service preparation environment is frequently considered a plus for kitchen steward job applicants.