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Cook Jobs in Ellsworth, ME (NOW HIRING)

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Orono, ME · On-site

$20 - $24/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 ...

Stillwater Health Care

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$18.25 - $20.20/hr

The cook's duties might also include helping prep cook, working as a diet aid or helping out in the dish room. This position comes with an every other weekend rotation. Cook Job Summary~ Working for ...

Stillwater Health Care

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The cook's duties might also include helping prep cook, working as a diet aid or helping out in the dish room. This position comes with an every other weekend rotation. Cook Job Summary~ Working for ...

Stillwater Health Care

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The cook's duties might also include helping prep cook, working as a diet aid or helping out in the dish room. This position comes with an every other weekend rotation. Cook Job Summary~ Working for ...

Encompass Health Corporation

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook Career Opportunity Recognized for your culinary skills Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook Career Opportunity Recognized for your culinary skills Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Orono, ME · On-site

$20 - $24/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 ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Orono, ME · On-site

$20 - $24/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 JobsCook Jobs in Ellsworth, ME

Cook information

See Ellsworth, ME salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Ellsworth, ME is $15.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.
More about Cook jobs

What cities near Ellsworth, ME are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Ellsworth, ME with the most Cook job openings:

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Ellsworth, ME as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,210 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook

Orono, ME • On-site

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.
See more jobs at Healthcare Services Group, Inc.external

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Healthcare Services Group rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 261 rated facilities management

Job description

Overview

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 passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and enhancing customer and resident experiences, join us and make a difference!


Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus and recipes.
  • Ensure food quality, taste, and presentation meet HCSG standards.
  • Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen.
  • Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies.
  • Interact positively with residents, staff, and guests, providing excellent customer service.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred.
  • Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and effectively communicate with building occupants, administration, and HCSG leadership to perform daily tasks.
  • Compliance with COVID-19 vaccination policies
  • Must be able to lift/carry a maximum of 50 pounds, push/pull a maximum of 50 pounds, stand, sit, bend and walk for extended periods. 
  • Must be able to perform routine, repetitive tasks continuously.
  • Must be able to work around food and cleaning products.
  • May be required to complete an approved sanitation and safety course.
  • Current ServSafe or Food Handler certification is required based on State / County law.  
  • Residency within the service area required

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a role where you can contribute to serving delicious meals and be part of a supportive and dedicated team, apply now and start making a difference at HCSG!

What Healthcare Services Group employees say

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