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Cook Helper Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pomona College

Floating Cook 1

Claremont, CA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

This position serves as a prep and helper cook in the kitchen and service areas. The Floating Cook 1 operates a variety of kitchen equipment and tools to cook, measure, mix, wash, peel, cut, shred ...

Pomona College

Floating Cook 1

Claremont, CA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

This position serves as a prep and helper cook in the kitchen and service areas. The Floating Cook 1 operates a variety of kitchen equipment and tools to cook, measure, mix, wash, peel, cut, shred ...

Sonic

Cook

Menifee, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In Cook, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards Employer: Pacific Drive-Ins, LLC ...

Sonic

Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In Cook, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards Employer: Pacific Drive-Ins, LLC ...

Sonesta International Hotels

Cook $26

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Monitoring other cooks and team members Assisting other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed Additional Job Information/Anticipated Pay Range Pay Range $24- $26Base pay ...

Sonic

Cook

Corona, CA

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In Cook, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards Employer: Pacific Drive-Ins, LLC ...

Sonic

Cook

Murrieta, CA

$14.25 - $19/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In Cook, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards Employer: Pacific Drive-Ins, LLC ...

Atria Senior Living

Cook

Mission Viejo, CA

$15 - $20/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 ...

The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc

Cook

Orange, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Cook Compensation: Minimum Wage + Why Job Seekers Choose Johnny Rockets: At Johnny Rockets our ... team and help us fill the world with fun and smiles! Flexible Hours: At Johnny Rockets we ...

Atria Senior Living

Cook

Mission Viejo, CA

$17 - $20.40/hr

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

The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc

Cook

Orange, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Cook Compensation: Minimum Wage + Why Job Seekers Choose Johnny Rockets: At Johnny Rockets our ... team and help us fill the world with fun and smiles! Flexible Hours: At Johnny Rockets we ...

The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc

Cook

Orange, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Cook Compensation: Minimum Wage + Why Job Seekers Choose Johnny Rockets: At Johnny Rockets our ... team and help us fill the world with fun and smiles! Flexible Hours: At Johnny Rockets we ...

IHOP

Cook

Menifee, CA

$18 - $20/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Prep Cook

Corona, CA

$19 - $20/hr

Acts as a team player, recognizing and helping any fellow worker (dishwasher, cook, host, * SAs, manager, etc.) that needs help. * Accepts direction from management, leads Team members. * Come to ...

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Prep Cook

Brea, CA

$19 - $20/hr

Acts as a team player, recognizing and helping any fellow worker (dishwasher, cook, host, * SAs, manager, etc.) that needs help. * Accepts direction from management, leads Team members. * Come to ...

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.40/hr

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

Corky's Kitchen & Bakery

Cook

Fontana, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Evening Shift Cook Join our vibrant team at Corky's Restaurant, located in Fontana. We are actively seeking a dedicated and skilled Line Cook to become an integral part of our home style cook team.

IHOP

Cook

Ontario, CA

$18 - $20/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

Cook

San Bernardino, CA

$18 - $20/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

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Cook Helper information

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$10

$18

$22

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Riverside, CA is $18.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Cook Helpers?

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 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Riverside, CA? For Cook Helper jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cook Helper job openings:
Cook Helper jobs near you
Floating Cook 1

Floating Cook 1

Pomona College

Claremont, CA • On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Posting Location:
Claremont, CA
Job Posting Title:
Floating Cook 1
Job Description:
ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE:
Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Floating Cook 1 prepares customer meal requests using the "Cook to Order" cooking system primarily at the grill services, exhibition, and pizza areas of assigned Dining Halls at Pomona College. This position serves as a prep and helper cook in the kitchen and service areas. The Floating Cook 1 operates a variety of kitchen equipment and tools to cook, measure, mix, wash, peel, cut, shred meats, fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. This position trims and cuts meats, poultry, and fish by incorporating HACCP and PPE procedures in kitchen production areas. The Floating Cook 1 maintains and records temperatures and food production labeling and dating to ensure Health Department compliance. This position always maintains the kitchen work area to ensure cleanliness. The Floating Cook 1 also assists with maintaining food service lines and catering production as needed. Shifts will be determined based on the needs of the department.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Reporting directly to the Executive Chef and secondarily to the Chef Manager, The Floating Cook 1 performs the following essential duties and responsibilities:
  • Prepare customer meal requests using the "Cook to Order" cooking system primarily at the grill services, exhibition, and pizza areas of assigned Dining Halls.
  • Serve as a prep and helper cook in the kitchen and service areas as needed.
  • Read and follow numerous recipes.
  • Prepare, season, marinate, cook, taste, carve, and serve soups, meats, vegetables, and desserts.
  • Cook, measure, mix, wash, peel, cut, or shred meats, fruits, vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Trim and cut meats, poultry, and fish.
  • Assist with catering production as assigned.
  • Must be California Food Handler certified, and successfully recertify every 3 years.
  • Ensure that the kitchen of assigned Dining Halls meets all safety and sanitary guidelines to comply with safe food handling practices and to provide the highest level of food quality and customer service for the Pomona College community.
  • Clean and maintain and sanitize work and service areas before and after meal periods.
  • Incorporate HACCP and PPE procedures in all kitchen production areas to ensure a safe kitchen.
  • Take and record temperatures to ensure compliance with Health Department guidelines.
  • Keep production records for all food produced.
  • Properly use "Just in Time" and "Batch" cooking to ensure freshness.
  • Minimize leftover and/or excess food production and use leftovers to decrease waste.
  • Label, date, and store items in appropriate areas.
  • Set up and maintain food service lines and steam tables as assigned.

  • Provide excellent customer service to students, faculty, staff, and external customers. Resolve problems and follow up with customers directly to ensure full customer satisfaction, without unnecessarily referring customers to other staff members.
  • Participate in training sessions provided by the College.
  • Perform special projects/tasks/duties and provide assistance as assigned.

NOTE: This position is represented by a labor union. Employees must join union upon hire.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Education: Any combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to High School Diploma or GED that provides the required knowledge, skills and ability.
  • Licenses/Certificates: Must take and successfully pass the California Food Handler Certification within 30 days of hire and successfully recertify every 3 years. A valid driver's license is essential to drive College-owned vehicles. Must take and successfully pass a functional capacity test after job offer and prior to hire.
  • Experience: Food production assignments and staff supervision in a kitchen at an academic institution is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS:
This position must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other knowledge, skills and abilities not listed below.
  • Deploy professional skills in culinary food production and food services safety, in collaboration with colleagues, to best promote the College's strategic interests.
  • Must create, read and follow numerous recipes.
  • Must assist in training staff in food prep and production.
  • Can maintain a friendly, professional, and helpful demeanor around staff and customers and act as a staff role model for how to deliver superior customer service and food services to the Pomona College community and the general public.
  • Can operate and oversee the use of a variety of kitchen equipment, appliances, and machines in order to cook, measure, mix, wash, peel, cut, shred, and store a variety of food items such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Can use various cleaning supplies to ensure good sanitation.
  • Demonstrate effective, accurate and clear communication with strong verbal, written, interpersonal, reading, phone, and customer service skills. Follow all written and verbal instructions, asking questions as needed for clarification of projects/tasks/duties/assignments.
  • Handle all activities with patience, discretion, good judgment, and tact while working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
  • Prioritize and perform multiple projects/tasks, meet deadlines/timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the College with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the College's strategic vision and the division's/department's annual goals.

  • Use strong organizational, time management, problem solving, and basic math skills to complete work with accuracy and a keen attention to detail in a highly visible, deadline- driven environment.
  • Must safely lift and move supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and walk and stand for long periods of time.
  • Must report to work on time and in uniform at the start of each shift.

REQUIRED HOURS:
The regular hours for this full-time position are 40 hours per week, 5 days per week, on a variable schedule. Overtime, holiday, weekend, and evening work hours will be required. Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.
WORK SCHEDULE NOTE:
This floating position is a permanent, ongoing role that is scheduled to work 9 months out of the year, with 3 non-working months built into the annual schedule. The position is not temporary, and the incumbent will return to their role each work cycle as part of regular College operations. Work months and non-working periods may adjust based on the needs of the College or division.
HOURLY RATE:
This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position with an hourly rate of $27.69 with a competitive benefits package. The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include, but not be limited to: education, training, relevant prior experience, and performance in prior roles.
ADA/OSHA:
This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.

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