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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Child-Parent Centers, Inc.

Cook Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15.45/hr

Exposure to very hot foods, equipment and metal objects used in cooking and baking Physical ... Cook Assistant Responsibilities : * Demonstrate sanitary practices in relation to preparation of ...

Child-Parent Centers, Inc.

Cook Assistant

Tucson, AZ

$15.45/hr

Exposure to very hot foods, equipment and metal objects used in cooking and baking Physical ... Cook Assistant Responsibilities : * Demonstrate sanitary practices in relation to preparation of ...

Chicanos Por La Causa

Cook Assistant

Surprise, AZ · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

The Cook Assistant ensures the center is in compliance with all appropriate local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to the Food Services component, including USDA guidelines. Promotes school ...

New

Bannerhealth

Assistant Cook

Casa Grande, AZ

$14.25 - $17/hr

As an Cook Assistant you will be helping in the kitchen with various tasks including salad and dessert food prep, preparing and serving side dishes, helping with the dishes, and assisting the Cook.

New

Vi Living

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 ...

LONDON BRIDGE RESORT LLC

Cook

Lake Havasu City, AZ · On-site

$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 ...

CASA RAMIREZ MEXICAN FOOD LLC

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 ...

B & B Eateries Inc

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 ...

B&B Hospitality Staffing LLC

Cook

Scottsdale, 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 ...

B&B Hospitality Staffing LLC

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 ...

CASA RAMIREZ MEXICAN FOOD LLC

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 ...

B & B Eateries Inc

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 ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Grill Cook

Blue, AZ · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Grill Cook will work the grill and assist the Chef with catering orders and other food prep work as needed. Grill Cook Responsibilities: * Cook (to order) breakfast and lunch items per customer ...

Paradise Valley Country Club Inc.

Cook

Paradise Valley, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... cooking and presentation. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure kitchen environment. Key Responsibilities: * Assist the Chef Manager and Lead ...

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Cooking Assistant information

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 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 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 are Cooking Assistants?

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 does a Kitchen Assistant do?

A Kitchen Assistant supports food preparation and kitchen operations by cleaning utensils, assisting with ingredient organization, and maintaining cleanliness standards. They often work under the supervision of chefs or cooks and may handle tasks such as washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring a hygienic environment.

What are the duties of an assistant cook?

An assistant cook supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also help with inventory management, following safety and sanitation standards, and operating kitchen equipment. Good organizational skills and knowledge of food safety are important for this role.

What does a cook assistant do?

A cook assistant helps in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision and following safety and hygiene standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To be a Kitchen Assistant, there are typically no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, good communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; some positions may require food handler certifications. Prior experience in food service can be beneficial but is not always necessary.
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:
Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Cook Assistant

Cook Assistant

Child-Parent Centers, Inc.

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$15.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Level: Entry
Job Location: Wright Head Start, 2080 North Columbus Blvd Tucson, AZ 85712
Position Type: 40 hours/week
Education Level: High School Diploma or GED
Salary Range: $15.45 Hourly
Travel %: In Town
Job Shift: Day (M-F), 7:00am-3:00pm, work is in-person and has limited eligibility for remote work, may require working some evenings and weekends.
Job Categories: Education
Classification: Hourly
Supervisor: Center Manager
Supervises: None
Job Summary:
Child-Parent Centers prides itself on serving delicious and nutritious meals that our Cook Assistant helps to prepare in our Head Start center kitchens, and we are looking for an experienced and passionate Cook Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate for this position has previous experience with food service. The Cook Assistant enjoys the convenience of a semi commercial kitchen environment, yet the feeling of home with "family style" meals served in the classrooms. The Cook Assistant will support the Cook with all aspects of food service at the center including food orders, food storage, sanitary practices, meal prep, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) compliance, dish washing, and kitchen clean up. The Cook Assistant is responsible for cleaning the kitchen. This position requires effective communication and organizational skills, the ability to work in a time sensitive environment, and strong math skills to keep costs within acceptable standards. Reporting to the Site Supervisor, the Cook Assistant position is an entry-level position funded to work 8 hours per day Monday through Friday and may work a split shift. If you have food service and/or food preparation experience and enjoy preparing healthy meals and introducing children to nutritional activities, please submit an application today!
Benefits:
  • Paid Leave - 25 paid holidays, 5 days paid vacation after one year and up to 10 days each year thereafter, and 5 days paid Personal leave first year, 8 days each year thereafter, up to 5 days paid Sick leave each year.
  • Insurance benefits - dental, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts, PPO medical (3 plans), Vision, and Supplemental Life coverage for self, spouse, and child ($25,000 basic life and Accidental death and disability provided by employer)
  • Retirement Plan - Agency contribution after years of services and hours eligibility criteria are met. Employee 401k deferral once eligibility is met.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Prior experience in one or more of the following food service activities: direct responsibility for preparing nutritious meals, scheduling meals, proper food handling and storage, food inventory, food ordering, and working with the Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Submit a current AZ Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card prior to start date.
  • Possess a valid Arizona driver's license and excellent driving record.

Competencies:
  • Accountability and Dependability
  • Accuracy
  • Safety Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Self-Management
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Technology

Other Requirements (post hire):
  • Must be able to travel to and from various sites as needed.
  • Provide proof of immunizations: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Tdap (adult Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), and a Tuberculosis Self-Assessment.
  • Able to pass a company paid physical exam prior to starting work.
  • Able to pass a criminal background check.
  • Must be able to prove the right to work in the USA by providing appropriate documents to complete the Federal I-9 form.
  • Must possess or have the ability to possess and keep current certification in First Aid Training/CPR training including Infants and Children.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the Food Safety Manager Certification and Food Handler's Certificate issued by the Arizona Health department within 30 days of employment.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand Spanish.
  • Three (3) years' experience working with the Child and Adult Care Food Program or School Lunch Program.
  • Three (3) years' experience working with Head Start.
  • Demonstrated proficiency using Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel. PowerPoint

Work Environment:
  • Indoor environment
  • Exposure to heat exceeding 85 degrees
  • Exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals
  • Exposure to sharp knives and slicers.
  • Exposure to very hot foods, equipment and metal objects used in cooking and baking

Physical Requirements:
Frequently
  • Stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling
  • Reaching, pulling, pushing
  • Climbing up step stool
  • Carrying/lifting heavy objects 0-25lbs
  • Operating appliances and small kitchen equipment
  • Works with commercial gas range

Occasionally
  • Picking up and dropping off supplies
  • Push, pull, move furniture or equipment {20 to 50lb}
  • Exposure to sharp knives and slicers
  • Clerical duties (computer, typing, copying, etc.)

Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Cook Assistant Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate sanitary practices in relation to preparation of food and personal hygiene.
  • Assist in meals preparation and afternoon snacks for children.
  • Assist in maintaining kitchen to meet sanitation requirements; cleans dishes, stoves, carts and work surfaces after meal preparation.
  • Maintain daily record of number of snacks served.
  • Prepare quantity of food to meet CACFP and Head Start Standards
  • Work independently and cooperatively with the cook.
  • Assist cooks in calculating and ordering food from vendors to prepare planned meals using centralized ordering system. Limits shopping for approved items and errands to center workday and/or before or after preparation and clean-up times.

Supervision:
  • Identify self-growth, development goals, and strategies for achievement with support and input from supervisor.
  • Commit and participate in consistent and planned meetings with supervisors to further professional growth by seeking feedback, reflecting on and assessing own practice, and taking advantage of opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.

Recordkeeping, Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Assist in maintaining daily Inventory of food and food service supplies.
  • Assist in completing/submitting kitchen/disposable and maintenance supplies order forms to Procurement when needed.
  • Assist cooks in maintaining inventory of kitchen appliances and equipment.
  • Assist in maintaining daily records of number of meals served by the Child and Adult Care Food Program menu production worksheets, cycle menus and recipes.
  • Receive food orders, sign bills and submit paperwork and bills to accounting on the established schedule when needed.

Leadership, Management and Teamwork:
  • Actively participate in the center team and contribute to the decision-making process for compliance, strategic initiatives, professional development, budget, governance, and agency self-assessment
  • Assume the lead role in food services with other staff that includes one substitute and volunteer when the cook is absent.
  • Participate in developing Accommodation /Special Care Plans for children requiring special diets whenever requested by the Registered Dietician.
  • Assist with recruitment of volunteers and substitutes for the kitchen.
  • Train and support volunteers, substitutes and center staff with kitchen procedures, routines, and the proper use of equipment.
  • Work cooperatively with the cook and center team and communicate need to know information on a daily basis.

Responsibilities for all Child-Parent Centers, Inc.:
  • Understand and model the agency's vision, mission, and philosophy within the agency and the community.
  • Demonstrate approachability, ownership, accountability, and life-long learning.
  • Use the agency's communication and problem-solving approach.
    • Seek perspective of others.
    • Identify emerging issues and contribute new knowledge.
    • Work to de-escalate when emotions and stakes are high.
  • Maintain professional behavior and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Use agency systems and technologies to accomplish work.
  • Maintain a high level of attendance to support ongoing service delivery.
  • Recognizes children's safety as the first responsibility of all staff and acts swiftly to ensure no child is unsupervised.
  • Implement agency policies and procedures for safeguarding confidential or sensitive information about employees and/or program participants. Restrict access to paper or electronic documents for those with a need to know.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Please Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job opening is intended to provide information about the position for employee recruitment purposes only and is not intended to be the basis of any employee contract.
Child-Parent Centers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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