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Cook Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

As a Cook on our team, you will prepare and serve appetizing meals while ensuring dietary needs and preferences are met. Your culinary skills will contribute to creating a positive dining experience ...

Cook

Cape Elizabeth, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you will do as a Cook: * Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and snacks daily for all residents according to ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$22 - $26.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment * Food handlers permit as required by state law and/or Company standards * Ability to read and follow ...

Cook

Scarborough, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook you are responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for our residents; dining services are available seven days a week, featuring themed dinners, carving stations, and dessert ...

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and healthful food based on the nutrition ...

As a Cook you are responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for our residents; dining services are available seven days a week, featuring themed dinners, carving stations, and dessert ...

Cook

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

As a Cook you are responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for our residents; dining services are available seven days a week, featuring themed dinners, carving stations, and dessert ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Responsibilities What you will do as a Cook * Join the kitchen staff in preparing and cooking food for our residents. * Build positive relationships with residents, employees and coworkers.

Cook

Saco, ME

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and healthful food based on the nutrition ...

Cook

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook you are responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for our residents; dining services are available seven days a week, featuring themed dinners, carving stations, and dessert ...

Cook

Cape Elizabeth, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you will do as a Cook: * Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and snacks daily for all residents according to ...

Cook

Saco, ME

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and healthful food based on the nutrition ...

Cook

Biddeford, ME

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Cook

Biddeford, ME

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$22 - $26.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment * Food handlers permit as required by state law and/or Company standards * Ability to read and follow ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$22 - $26.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment * Food handlers permit as required by state law and/or Company standards * Ability to read and follow ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook information

See Portland, ME salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Portland, ME is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $18.27 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.

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 jobs in Portland, ME?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,745 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Job description

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A Great Place to Work

Winship Green is a proud affiliate of National Health Care Associates. As a Certified Great Place to Work, we think that you are going to love it here. Your work will be meaningful to you. You will make a genuine difference in the lives of our aging guests and the families that love them. You will enjoy lasting bonds with the families you meet and with the teams you work on. And if you desire, you will experience real career growth where your expertise and dedication is valued and appreciated. We invite you to join our team!

Location:  51 Winship Street, Bath, Maine, 04530

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**$2500 Sign on Bonus

SIGN ON:

$500520 hours worked

$500520 hours worked

$500520 hours worked

TOTAL1560 hours

STAY ON:

Additional $1000 after another 640 hours worked

(estimated 4 months for full-time)

What You'll Do:

As a Cook on our team, you will prepare and serve appetizing meals while ensuring dietary needs and preferences are met. Your culinary skills will contribute to creating a positive dining experience that enhances the quality of life for our residents.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and cook nutritious and flavorful meals following prescribed menus and dietary requirements
  • Ensure high-quality food preparation, presentation, and portion control
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in the kitchen and food storage areas
  • Collaborate with dietary staff to plan menus and accommodate special dietary needs
  • Order and manage inventory of food supplies and kitchen equipment
  • Adhere to food safety regulations and guidelines

If you are passionate about making a real difference in people's lives through the power of food in an environment where compassion, care, and your culinary expertise come together, we invite you to join our team as a Cook!

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What We Offer

As an affiliate of National Health Care, our Winship team enjoys:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package
  • Comprehensive training and mentorship
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Supportive and collaborative work environment
  • The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents
Rate of PayStarting from USD $19.00/Hr.-

What You'll Bring:

Qualifications of a cook include:

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Experience as a Cook, preferably in a healthcare or long-term care setting
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Safe knife handling skills
  • Experience operating commercial slicers, ovens, grills, large blenders, etc.
  • Ability to follow instructions for the safe use, cleaning and care of dietary equipment, preparation and service areas
  • Compassionate and empathetic nature
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment
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We Hire for Heart!

National Health Care Associates (National) is proud to be a family-run organization since 1984. Like family, each of National's centers are unique but share common values: Kindness, Service, Compassion and Excellence.  Today, our centers include more than 40 premier providers of short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and post-hospital care including several named "Best Of" by US News & World Report.  When you join the team at a National center, you join a team that provides life-changing care to thousands of patients, residents, and families in a Great Place to Work Certified environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME