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Cook Helper Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook Branch County Jail - Coldwater, Michigan Are you looking for a ... Are you comfortable working in a structured environment while leading a team and helping prepare ...

New

Cook

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cook

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Role: Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are ...

Cook

Kalamazoo, MI

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Role: Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are ...

Cook

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Cook

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Cook

Portage, MI · On-site

$18.50/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Cook

Portage, MI · On-site

$18.50/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Dietary Cook

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15/hr

As a Cook, you help nourish residents through thoughtfully prepared meals that meet dietary needs while supporting a warm, welcoming dining experience. Be a light - to residents, families, and your ...

This individual will help coordinate food preparation activities, ensure recipes and procedures are ... Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to company standards * Follow approved recipes and ...

Cook-NE

Battle Creek, MI

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Northpointe Woods is recruiting for a hospitality focused Cook to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services Department.

Lead Cook-

Coldwater, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Are you comfortable working in a structured environment while leading a team and helping prepare ... About the PositionAs a Lead Cook, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the ...

New

Cook-NE

Battle Creek, MI

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Northpointe Woods is recruiting for a hospitality focused Cook to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services Department.

Cook-NE

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Northpointe Woods is recruiting for a hospitality focused Cook to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services Department.

Cook-NE

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Northpointe Woods is recruiting for a hospitality focused Cook to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services Department.

Cook-NE

Battle Creek, MI

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Northpointe Woods is recruiting for a hospitality focused Cook to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services Department.

Cook-NE

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Northpointe Woods is recruiting for a hospitality focused Cook to join our team! This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary Services Department.

Line Cook

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

A line cook at the Crow's Nest primary role is accurately preparing our varied menu items for our guests. While the restaurant specializes in breakfast and brunch options, it is well known for a ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook Helper information

See Portage, MI salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Portage, MI is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 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 popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Portage, MI?

For Cook Helper jobs in Portage, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Portage, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Portage, MI are:

What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Portage, MI with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Portage, MI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,711 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$20/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Permanent Part-Time Lead CookBranch County Jail - Coldwater, Michigan

Are you looking for a leadership opportunity in food service?

Do you take pride in your work, have strong character and integrity, and bring a positive, can-do attitude to everything you do? Are you comfortable working in a structured environment while leading a team and helping prepare quality meals?

Tigg's Canteen Services is seeking a dependable and motivated Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook to join our food service team at Branch County Jail in Coldwater, MI.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a kitchen environment, has strong leadership skills, and wants to be part of a company that values hard work, teamwork, and professionalism.

What We Offer

We provide a competitive wage and benefits package, including:

  • Starting pay: $20.00 per hour
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off
  • And much more!
About the Position

As a Lead Cook, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the kitchen. You will assist with meal preparation, help maintain a clean and organized kitchen, and provide leadership and direction to kitchen staff.

The ideal candidate is someone who can work independently, follow established procedures, and maintain a professional attitude in a structured correctional facility environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Assist with the daily preparation and production of meals.
  • Read, understand, and accurately follow company recipes and menus.
  • Prepare food according to established standards and procedures.
  • Assist with baking, cooking, food preparation, and meal service.
  • Provide direction, instruction, and assistance to other kitchen employees as needed.
  • Help ensure meals are prepared accurately, safely, and on schedule.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and work area.
  • Assist with kitchen clean-up and sanitation duties.
  • Follow all company, facility, food safety, and security policies and procedures.
  • Work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills.
Qualifications

The successful candidate should have:

  • The ability to work well in a structured correctional environment.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
  • A positive attitude and dependable work ethic.
  • The ability to read and follow company recipes and written instructions.
  • The ability to work independently as well as with a team.
  • The ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • The ability to lead, instruct, and assist with various kitchen duties, including food preparation, baking, cooking, serving, and clean-up.
  • A commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and professional work environment.
Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
  • Flexibility to work varying days and hours, generally between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain clearance approval to enter the facility.
  • Previous food service, restaurant, institutional food service, or kitchen experience is a plus, but we are willing to train the right candidate!
Why Join Tigg's Canteen Services?

At Tigg's Canteen Services, our employees are an important part of our success. We are looking for individuals who are dependable, hardworking, team-oriented, and ready to take pride in the work they do.

If you are ready to take the next step in your food service career and enjoy working in a leadership role, we would love to hear from you!

Ready to Join Our Team?

Visit www.canteenservices.com, click on "Jobs," and follow the link and application instructions.

You may also send your resume to recruiter@canteenservices.com.

Join the Tigg's Canteen Services team and become part of a company where your hard work and dedication make a difference every day!