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Cook Helper Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Sunriseseniorliving

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

SSH DT Portland LLC

Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Help set up the restaurant and employee cafeteria buffet as applicable. Prepare all menu and ... Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. Strong attention to detail ...

Sunriseseniorliving

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

StepStone Hospitality

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Help set up the restaurant and employee cafeteria buffet as applicable. • Prepare all menu and ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. • Understanding of basic ...

StepStone Hospitality Inc.

Cook

South Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Help set up the restaurant and employee cafeteria buffet as applicable. · Prepare all menu and ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic ...

StepStone Hospitality Inc.

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Help set up the restaurant and employee cafeteria buffet as applicable. · Prepare all menu and ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic ...

Atria Senior Living

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$22 - $26.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive in their ... One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment

Atria Senior Living

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Overview We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive ... Join the kitchen staff in preparing and cooking food for our residents. * Build positive ...

Cape Memory Care

Cook

Cape Elizabeth, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a ... What you will do as a Cook: * Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks ...

Atria Senior Living - Kennebunk

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$22 - $26.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive ... One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$22 - $26.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive ... One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment

Woodlands Senior Living

Cook

Cape Elizabeth, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a ... What you will do as a Cook: * Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks ...

IHOP

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and ...

IHOP

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen /Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

KITCHEN TEAM MEMBER/COOK Know what it's like to be in the stadium on game day? Then you know what ... You're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and jump in to help your Team. * You show passion ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$23/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 ...

The Landing at Saco Bay

Cook/Chef No late nights!

Saco, ME

$18 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Full time Chef / Cook Where Talent Meets Heartfelt Hospitality Why Join Our Culinary Family: We ... Join us and help redefine the culinary experience in Senior Living. APPLY NOW Criminal Background ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Westbrook, ME

$20 - $25/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 ...

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All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Portland, ME

Cook Helper information

See Portland, ME salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Portland, ME is $17.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.19 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 Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portland, ME are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Portland, ME?

For Cook Helper jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Cook Helper jobs near you

Cooks Helper

Valley Unified Education Service Center

Kennebunk, ME

$18.62 - $20.99/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Cook's Helper 
Community High School / Valley Rivers Middle Schools
About Maine School Administrative District # 27


Maine School Administrative District No. 27 serves students in grades PreK-12 from St. Francis, St. John Plantation, Wallagrass, New Canada and Fort Kent, ME, location of America's First Mile.  The district has three (3) schools, the Fort Kent Elementary School(PreK-6), Valley Rivers Middle School (7-8), and Fort Kent Community High School (9-12).

To learn more about our schools, we highly encourage all potential applicants to view our Recruitment Brochure.

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Food Service Director, to assist in preparing and serving school meals in accordance with Board policy and established district procedures. There is a 6 - 6.5 hour a day position available at Community High School / Valley Rivers Middle School.

Pay Range: $18.62 - $20.99 / hour


Essential Functions

  • Assists in preparing school meals, according to the scheduled menu.
  • Assist in serving school meals.
  • Assist in cleaning the kitchen areas after meals have been served.
  • Assists students with orderly food purchases, distribution of food, disposal of food waste, and return of trays and utensils.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective organizational and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality about students in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and district guidelines.

Qualifications Profile

  • Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.
  • Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
    • High School Diploma or completion of sufficient education to successfully perform the duties of the position.
    • Previous experience in preparing and serving meals is desirable
    • Maine Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) is required


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