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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Cook

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$16/hr

... support cooking, reheating, cooling, and storing with accurate temperature recording. * Keep the ... Night shift Assistant Cooks assist with closing duties; support other stations as needed. BENEFITS ...

New

Cook II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$19.89 - $23.86/hr

... Cook Assist in preparing all types of food while maintaining a safe, clean and sanitary work area ... You will also assist with receiving and stocking deliveries using proper rotational practices. May ...

Cook I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18.41 - $21.64/hr

... Cook Assist in preparing all types of food while maintaining a safe, clean and sanitary work area ... You will also assist with receiving and stocking deliveries using proper rotational practices. May ...

Assistant Cook

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$16/hr

... cooking and serving of congregate and home-delivered meals, ensuring standards of portions ... Assists with special programs conducted by the staff or volunteer organizations * Assist with ...

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Assistant Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17.32 - $22.41/hr

Phoenix Residential Reentry Center is looking for an Assistant Cook in our residential program for the ex-offender population. The appropriate candidate will possess the following: * Excellent ...

Looking for a motivated individual in a fast paced environment, supports cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen sanitation, preparing plates according to established recipes and safety ...

Cook

Lake Havasu City, AZ

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... assist with various tasks as needed. - Creative and passionate about food and cooking. Working Conditions: - Work is primarily conducted in a kitchen environment. - Must be able to work flexible ...

Events Assistant

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.50/hr

Desires to learn a variety of cooking and baking techniques. * Has open availability in the ... Join Taste Buds Kitchen as an Events Assistant, an excellent entry-level opportunity for those who ...

Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This part-time role is ideal for someone passionate about cooking who enjoys working in a fast ... Maintain cleanliness, organization, and proper sanitation within the kitchen * Assist with food ...

Prep Cook

Catalina, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

A Prep Cook, or Kitchen Assistant, is responsible for food preparation, which then allows the Cooks to maximize their time cooking food. Their main responsibilities include chopping and peeling ...

Cooks

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

This part-time role is ideal for someone passionate about cooking who enjoys working in a fast ... Maintain cleanliness, organization, and proper sanitation within the kitchen * Assist with food ...

Cooks

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

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Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Cook

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Other

PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

AUBERGINE KITCHEN

Assistant Cook

Kitchen — Morning & Night

Reports To: Lead Cook / Assistant Manager

Shift: Monday - Saturday 8am-3pm | Shifts include weekends | Closed Sundays

Job Type: Full-Time & Part-Time

Pay: $16

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

  • Ability to communicate in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

  • Willingness to learn from lead cooks; sense of urgency and accuracy in a fast-paced kitchen; punctual, organized, and detail-oriented.

  • 25+; prior experience in a restaurant or professional kitchen required.

  • Completes Aubergine's onboarding and position-specific training; Food Handler Certificate within 14 days of hire (company-supported).

  • Available 30–40 hrs/week incl. weekends/holidays (closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th).

  • Able to stand/move for extended periods, lift/push/carry up to 50 lbs, and work around heat, steam, and cold.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Production Support

  • Assist preparing proteins, sauces, and hot items per the lead cook's instructions; support cooking, reheating, cooling, and storing with accurate temperature recording.

  • Keep the production area and line stocked with proteins and sauces throughout service.

Food Safety & Organization

  • Label and organize food items respecting expiration dates and FIFO rotation.

  • Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, and surfaces during and after the shift; report missing ingredients or damaged equipment immediately.

Shift Communication & Support

  • Document what was prepared or cooled for the next shift; support lead cooks with opening/closing organization.

  • Night shift Assistant Cooks assist with closing duties; support other stations as needed.

BENEFITS

Employee discount, PTO, referral program.