Sous-Chef

Sous (pronounced like Sioux or Sue) means under.  Most commonly Sous-Chef.  The shortened version of Sous-Chef de Cuisine.

The second in command.
The direct assistant.

A very important job.

The kitchen is not the only place that has Sous-Chef.  Remodeling has a Sous-Chef. So does wood chopping.  So does tree trimming.

I am the Sous-Chef.

It's a very important job.  Although it often includes a lot of holding things, it's more than just a "hold this and stand on this" job. 

The most important role of the Sous-Chef, or assistant, is paying attention.  Not just paying attention to details, but also paying attention to the task at hand.  You can't get bored, even if the task is boring.  You can't let your mind wander to what is for dinner or the grocery list.  You can't get distracted by other people in the room or the television or the telephone or the cat.  You must pay attention to the play-by-play and be prepared for the next request.

A knowledge of equipment is very important, but the terminology is learned over the course of the career.  Crescent wrench, pipe wrench, Philips, vice grip, channel locks, impact driver. 

You also have to have a good memory for unusual things.  Most important is the last place an item was located. 
"Do you know where the basin wrench is?" 
"The last time I saw the basin wrench, it was in the bottom drawer of the toolbox in the game room."

An understanding of the language is helpful. 
"I need the thing for the thing." 
"This thing?" 
"Yes, that thing."

A good Sous-Chef has the next tool ready for action, not unlike a surgeon asks for an instrument. 
"Hand me a crescent wrench."
"Crescent wrench."
"Hand me the pipe wrench."
"Pipe wrench."

Lighting provider is also a key role of a Sous-Chef.  A good case of rigor-mortis is helpful at times, too.
"Hold this flashlight right here."
"Right here?"
"No lower.  Right there. Don't move."

A Sous-Chef not only assists they can think on their feet. 
"That's a good idea.  It won't work in the kitchen, but it's a good idea for the hallway."

A Sous-Chef is also good at clean up. 
"Quick grab a towel!"  
"How about a bucket?"

I am an excellent Sous-Chef.  I still have a lot to learn from the Executive Chef Walt Kowalski.