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Cook Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Northern Light Health

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$19.80 - $23.87/hr

Under the supervision of the Sous Chef, the Cook prepares and cooks all food items for patient service, cafeteria, and special functions. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with ...

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Weekend Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Weekend Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week.

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Weekend Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Weekend Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week.

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Weekend Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Weekend Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week.

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Weekend Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Weekend Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week.

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: P&G, AUBURN - 88889020 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $19 per hour ...

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - 96385001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: P&G, AUBURN - 88889020 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPENAVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $19 - $21 ...

LOST VALLEY MANAGEMENT LLC

Line Cook (Cook I)

Auburn, ME · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Line Cook (Cook I) Location: Auburn, ME Job Category: Back of House / Culinary Operations Position Overview Lost Valley Brew Pub is seeking a reliable and experienced Line Cook to join our kitchen ...

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - 96385001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

MAINE VETERANS HOMES

Cook - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Description Cook with purpose; serving those who served. We are looking for a dedicated and reliable Cook to join our culinary team. This a per diem position. This position is ideal for someone who ...

Maine Veterans' Homes

Cook - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cook with purpose; serving those who served. We are looking for a dedicated and reliable Cook to join our culinary team. This a per diem position. This position is ideal for someone who will take ...

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: P&G, AUBURN - 88889020 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $19 per hour ...

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: P&G, AUBURN - 88889020 Workdays/shifts: ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $19 - $21 ...

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - 96385001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Cook

Auburn, ME

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Location: CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - 96385001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Biddeford School Department

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$19.48 - $26.83/hr

Cook at Biddeford Primary School Biddeford School Nutrition Program is looking for a Cook to join our team, preparing and serving children in grades PreK-2 nutritious, appealing meals! Hours 6:30 a.m ...

MAINE VETERANS HOMES

Cook - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cook with purpose; serving those who served. We are looking for a dedicated and reliable Cook to join our culinary team. This a per diem position. This position is ideal for someone who will take ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Portland, ME

Cook information

See Portland, ME salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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.
More about Cook jobs

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:

Cook jobs near you
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.

Cook

Northern Light Health

Portland, ME • On-site

$19.80 - $23.87/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Northern Light Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 889 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Department: Cafeteria
Position is located: Mercy Fore River
Work Type: Full Time
Hours Per Week: 40.00
Work Schedule: Variable
Exempt: No
Summary:
Under the supervision of the Sous Chef, the Cook prepares and cooks all food items for patient service, cafeteria, and special functions. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or organizational proprietary information, and must handle and protect the information in accordance with hospital and system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position, and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Northern Light Health.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepares food which is palatable and appetizing in appearance.
  • Prepares and cooks food items for patient service, cafeteria, special functions and special diets.
  • Participates with Sous Chef in the development of serving and food presentation standards for patient meals, functions, and cafeteria menu.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and shows ability to understand the preparation methods of foods served on therapeutic diets.
  • Follows written and oral directions accurately.
  • Prepares food within the assigned meal schedules.
  • Prepares recipes and food accurately while avoiding food waste.
  • Adheres to proper cooking methods, written menus, standard recipe procedures and safety guidelines.
  • Minimizes food waste by following portion control guidelines and proper food production procedures.
  • Demonstrates sanitary and safe food handling techniques.
  • Performs and implements HAACP guidelines when working with food at all stages of production.
  • Maintains proper food temperatures during cooking, cooling, and storing.
  • Labels and dates items prepared and/or stored.
  • Demonstrates proper care and use of service equipment and work area.
  • Uses the fire extinguisher correctly.
  • Reports immediately any defective or unsafe equipment and/or conditions to supervisor.
  • Maintains work area and support equipment in a safe and sanitary condition and participates in general cleaning.
  • Follows policies and procedures for infection control and facility safety in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
  • Works cooperatively with food service staff and other departments.
  • Picks up / returns department keys from / to appropriate area. Unlocks / locks all applicable secured areas of the kitchen and cafeteria.
  • Oversees and directs employees assigned to morning line set-up in the absence of the manager on duty; staffs the line and ensures its proper operation.
  • Oversees and directs closing duties of the employees assigned to the evening kitchen operation in the absence of the manager on duty; ensures all duties are completed utilizing the closing checklist.
  • Accepts assigned duties in a cooperative manner.
  • Adheres to attendance and punctuality expectations.
  • Accepts responsibility for further developing professional learning needs
  • Participates in continuing education programs for professional learning needs.
  • Participates in facility Quality Improvement (QI)/Improving Organizational Performance (IOP) Program as determined by Production Management.
  • Attends scheduled Sanitation Training and other programs as required or assigned.
  • Demonstrates behaviors consistent with organizational mission, goals and policies.
  • Demonstrates practices which keep all medical record information protected and confidential.
  • Follows and adheres to Patient Rights policies at all times.
  • Takes accountability for information contained in the employee handbook and department procedures manual.

Other Information:
Competencies and Skills
  • Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
  • Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
  • Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
  • Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Education
  • Required No Minimum Requirement

Working Conditions
  • Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
  • Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
  • Potential exposure to noxious odors.
  • Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
  • Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
  • Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a nonprofit acute care hospital in Portland, Maine, and a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Our work is grounded in compassion, dignity, and service, with a commitment to caring for every member of our community, especially those most in need. At Mercy, people come to work knowing their role matters. Whether at the bedside, in support services, administration, or clinical care, every team member contributes to a culture built on respect, collaboration, and purpose.
We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services, along with multiple primary and specialty care offerings and community-based programs that extend our impact beyond the hospital walls. As a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system, employees benefit from the stability, resource, and career pathways of a larger organization while working in a hospital that feels personal and connected. Team members have opportunities to grow professionally, explore new roles, and build long-term careers in an environment focused on quality, innovation, and the well-being of our workforce.
Mercy Hospital is located in Portland, Maine's largest and most vibrant city, offering an exceptional quality of life that attracts people from across the country. Portland is nationally recognized for its food scene, arts and culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. Within minutes of the city, you can reach beaches, islands, lakes, and mountain trails, with easy access to hiking, skiing, boating, and cycling. The region also offers excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy travel connections through Portland International Jetport and nearby rail service to Boston. Southern Maine blends career opportunity with a lifestyle centered on balance, outdoor recreation, and coastal living, making it an ideal place to live and build a career.
Questions? Contact Talent Acquisition:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
Portland, Maine, Catholic, Sisters of Mercy, Level 2 NeoNatal Nursery

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