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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

NHS Management, LLC

Assistant Cook (7a-3p)

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

Food Preparation and Cooking * Assist in preparing and cooking meals according to pre-set menus and dietary guidelines. * Ensure meals are flavorful, nutritious, and meet residents' specific dietary ...

St. Bernards Healthcare

COOK ASSISTANT - VILLA

Jonesboro, AR · On-site

$11.25 - $13.50/hr

The Assistant cook performs any or all of a variety of duties related to food preparation or cleanup in the kitchen, dining room, food serving line, or dishroom areas. Employment Type: PER_DIEM

St. Bernards Healthcare

COOK ASSISTANT - VILLA

Jonesboro, AR · On-site

$11.25 - $13.50/hr

The Assistant cook performs any or all of a variety of duties related to food preparation or cleanup in the kitchen, dining room, food serving line, or dishroom areas. Employment Type: PER_DIEM

Continuum Healthcare, LLC

Cook

Hot Springs Village, AR · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, a strong understanding of nutrition, and a ... and safe kitchen environment - Assist in planning and developing menus that meet dietary ...

Morada Rogers

Prep Cook

Rogers, AR · On-site

$11 - $12/hr

Support Cooking Staff:** Assist cooks and chefs in food preparation during service, including expediting and plating dishes as needed. - **Sanitation Compliance:** Follow all food safety and ...

Morada Rogers

Prep Cook

Rogers, AR

$12 - $15/hr

... Cooking Staff: Assist cooks and chefs in food preparation during service, including expediting and plating dishes as needed. * strong>Sanitation Compliance: Follow all food safety and sanitation ...

Morada Rogers

Prep Cook

Rogers, AR · On-site

$11 - $12/hr

Support Cooking Staff:** Assist cooks and chefs in food preparation during service, including expediting and plating dishes as needed. - **Sanitation Compliance:** Follow all food safety and ...

Morada Rogers

Prep Cook

Rogers, AR · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

... Cooking Staff: Assist cooks and chefs in food preparation during service, including expediting and plating dishes as needed. * strong>Sanitation Compliance: Follow all food safety and sanitation ...

Provincial Senior Living

Prep Cook

Rogers, AR · On-site

$11 - $12/hr

Support Cooking Staff:** Assist cooks and chefs in food preparation during service, including expediting and plating dishes as needed. - **Sanitation Compliance:** Follow all food safety and ...

The Athletic Clubs

Cook - Nights and Weekends

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Experience in using various ingredients, kitchen tools, and cooking techniques is preferred. The ... Maintain working knowledge of restaurant menu. * Assist in menu development for the Grill and FUEL ...

State of Arkansas

COOK

Mena, AR · On-site

$33K - $49K/yr

... Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness. Knowledge and Skills Basic knowledge of cooking techniques ...

VSL Employee Co LLC

Kitchen Assistant - FT

Little Rock, AR

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

Deliver and retrieve kitchen supplies from resident apartments * Assist Cooks in cleaning food service areas and equipment, sweeping and mopping floors and completing assigned cleaning duties. NOTE:

Golden Corral

Fry Cook

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

... and cooking a variety of fried foods, including french fries, chicken wings, and onion rings. The ... Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with food preparation and other kitchen tasks as ...

Workman's Travel Centers, LLC

Prep Cook

Rudy, AR · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

... also assist in general cleaning and storing food items and non-food items, and cleaning and sanitizing production and storage equipment. JOB DUTIES: - Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and ...

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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 Arkansas?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Cook (7a-3p)

NHS Management, LLC

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Cook
Location:
Employment Type:
Reports To: Head Cook/Chef

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Assistant Cook to join our team. The Assistant Cook will support the Head Cook in preparing nutritious, appealing, and well-balanced meals for residents, ensuring compliance with dietary requirements and health regulations. This role plays a vital part in enhancing the overall well-being and satisfaction of our residents.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Food Preparation and Cooking

    • Assist in preparing and cooking meals according to pre-set menus and dietary guidelines.
    • Ensure meals are flavorful, nutritious, and meet residents' specific dietary needs (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, pureed diets).
    • Follow portion control guidelines to minimize waste.

  2. Kitchen Operations

    • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
    • Assist with receiving, inspecting, and storing food supplies appropriately.
    • Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.

  3. Compliance and Safety

    • Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handling of ingredients and equipment.
    • Adhere to policies regarding allergen management and cross-contamination prevention.

  4. Collaboration

    • Work closely with the dietary team to accommodate residents' special dietary preferences or restrictions.
    • Communicate effectively with staff regarding meal service schedules and adjustments.

  5. Other Duties

    • Assist in plating and serving meals as needed.
    • Monitor inventory levels and report shortages to the Head Cook.
    • Support in cleaning kitchen equipment, utensils, and surfaces after meal preparation.
Qualifications

  1. Education & Experience

    • High school diploma or equivalent required.
    • Previous experience in food preparation or cooking, preferably in a healthcare or nursing home setting.

  2. Skills & Abilities

    • Basic knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen operations.
    • Familiarity with dietary restrictions and specialized diets.
    • Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
    • Strong organizational and time-management skills.

  3. Certifications

    • ServSafe Food Handler certification (preferred).
    • Any state-required food safety or health certifications.

  4. Physical Requirements

    • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
    • Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Benefits
  • Competitive hourly wage.
  • Flexible scheduling.
  • Opportunities for training and advancement.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and paid time off (if applicable).
NHS Management logo

About NHS Management

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NHS Management, LLC provides administrative and consulting services for individual health care facilities and companies across the southeast. Facilities served by NHS employ a comprehensive approach to care ensuring that their patients and residents receive the highest quality of care practical.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tuscaloosa, AL, US

Year founded

1981

Social media

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