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Cook Helper Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Palmetto Goodwill

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers. * Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours. * Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP ...

Palmetto Goodwill

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers. * Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours. * Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP ...

Cantina Laredo

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$18/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Newport News, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

At Charter Senior Living, our cooks do more than prepare food - they help create meaningful dining experiences for our residents every single day. We are looking for a dependable, energetic, and team ...

Eastern Healthcare Group

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

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All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Norfolk, VA

Cook Helper information

See Norfolk, VA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Norfolk, VA is $16.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Norfolk, VA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Norfolk, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Norfolk, VA?

For Cook Helper jobs in Norfolk, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Norfolk, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Norfolk, VA are:

What cities near Norfolk, VA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Norfolk, VA with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Norfolk, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,738 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Lead Cook

Palmetto Goodwill

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Palmetto Goodwill rating

3.8

Company rating: 3.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

766th of 781 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION - LEAD COOK
JOB TITLE
Lead Cook REPORTS TO Project Manager
DIVISION Contracts
FLSA Non-Exempt Summary Work under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, prepare and supervise meals that are prepared in an appetizing manner according to the Armed Forces Recipe System (P-7). Train cooks and employee/client trainees. Ensure assigned food service spaces meet high standards of sanitation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Strictly adhere to and prepare products according to the Armed Forces Recipe Service and the food preparation worksheet (NAVSUP 1090)

. • Maintain the cleanliness and operation of the galley, and good order and discipline of employee and client trainees.
  • Maintain all work areas, equipment and cooking utensils in a clean and sanitary condition. Taste and inspect all baked items for quality, texture and appearance prior to serving.
  • Inspect all food items for quality and appearance prior to serving.
  • Maintain proper levels safety precautions in all activities you perform. Ensure all employees and client trainees meet all safety requirements. Report any failures of equipment and personnel to meet posted safety precautions to supervisors.
  • Report all inoperative equipment to the Kitchen Manager.
  • Ensure all Goodwill Industries and Naval policies and procedures are followed.
  • Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers.
  • Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours.
  • Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP 1090.
  • Assist in developing food cost and control, monitor that food budget remains within defined guidelines.
  • Prepare the NAVSUP 1282 for requisitioning of required bake products as identified on NAVSUP 1090. • Supervise receipt of provisions, proper thawing and storing for bake shop use. Ensure proper handling during preparation of bake product.
  • Responsible for the overall preparation of all cooked products and maintaining the cleanliness of all work areas.
  • Work under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, prepare and supervise meals are prepared in an appetizing manner according to the Armed Forces Recipe System (p-7). Train cooks and employee/client trainees. Ensure assigned food service spaces meet high standards of sanitation.
  • Other duties assigned by the Kitchen Manager. Supervisory Responsibilities Training and supervising Cooks. Qualifications The employee must be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with military personnel and other contractors. Must be able to read, write, and understand English and perform basic math calculations. Maintain the ability to think, react calmly, and respond to emergency situations. Must be able to perform under stressful situations and respond to work problems. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level required in the contract and upon receiving clearance eligibility must begin work within 30 days. Within 90 days of employment must be able to obtain ServSafe certification. Education and Experience High school graduate. Five (5) years' experience volume food preparation. Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in a supervisor position. Physical Demands While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is required to be able to stand walk for long periods of time; ambulate independently, bend, stoop, and balance; speak and hear clearly. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. I have read and received a copy of this Job Description. I am able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

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