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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Myerscough Foods

Cook

Mattoon, IL

$16 - $19/hr

The ideal candidate will have a love for food, excellent cooking skills, and the ability to work in ... Ensure all food is cooked to the correct temperature and quality standards. * Assist in the ...

Bailey's Catering LLC

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL

Working onsite in Bolingbrook, IL, the Cook will collaborate with the culinary team to prep, cook, and assist with daily kitchen operations as needed for catering schedules. Key Responsibilities

Trulee Evanston

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management. * Work with the dietary ... cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment. * Ability to follow ...

Solera Senior Living, LLC

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management. * Work with the dietary ... cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment. * Ability to follow ...

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All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Illinois

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 Illinois?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Cook/Kitchen Assistant-Early Learning Center

Absolutely, Positively, Kids!

Silvis, IL • On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance

Position Summary
Absolutely Positively Kids! Early Learning Academy is seeking a reliable and organized Part-Time Cook/Kitchen Assistant to prepare and serve nutritious meals for children in our care. This position is responsible for meal preparation, menu planning, kitchen sanitation, kitchen inventory management and ensuring compliance with all health and food safety regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook lunch and snacks according to approved menus and nutritional guidelines.
  • Ensure meals are prepared, portioned, and delivered to classrooms in a timely manner.
  • Create and maintain monthly menus that meet program and licensing requirements.
  • Develop weekly grocery and supply lists and communicate inventory needs to management.
  • Receive, organize, and properly store food deliveries.
  • Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment used during meal preparation and service.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen at all times.
  • Follow all food handling, storage, and preparation procedures in accordance with local health department regulations.
  • Monitor food temperatures and maintain required food safety records.
  • Ensure compliance with all childcare licensing standards, CACFP requirements, and health department regulations.
  • Dispose of waste properly and maintain cleanliness in food preparation and storage areas.
  • Assist with special events, celebrations, or additional food preparation as needed.
  • Communicate effectively with administration regarding food supplies, menu changes, and kitchen needs.
Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous cooking, food service, or kitchen experience preferred.
  • Current Food Manager's Certificate or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
Schedule

  • Part-Time Position
  • Hours may vary based on center needs, typically 9a-2p Monday-Friday
  • Typical schedule will include meal preparation, meal service, cleanup, and kitchen maintenance.
Benefits

  • Supportive team environment
  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on children's health and well-being
  • PTO
*Must pass background check and meet childcare licensing requirements