1

Cooking Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

... cooking. Clean and sanitize all dining service areas and equipment including routine floor ... Assist in receiving: check in product, inspect, weigh/count and properly store all food and ...

... cooking. Clean and sanitize all dining service areas and equipment including routine floor ... Assist in receiving: check in product, inspect, weigh/count and properly store all food and ...

Prepare banquet entrees, vegetables, and starches for cooking * Assist Executive Chef, Sous Chef, lead cooks in supervising activities delegated to Cook I and ware washers * Understanding and ...

Prepare banquet entrees, vegetables, and starches for cooking * Assist Executive Chef, Sous Chef, lead cooks in supervising activities delegated to Cook I and ware washers * Understanding and ...

Cook

Worcester, MA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of cook * Assist in establishing food service production line to ensure meals are prepared on time * Process diet changes and new diets as ...

Cook, Anticipated Openings

Northampton, MA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... cooking. * Assist in the preparation and service of any other meal when on duty. Contribute to the food production demands of other shifts including tea preparation. * Utilize and properly store ...

Cook, Anticipated Openings

Northampton, MA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... cooking. * Assist in the preparation and service of any other meal when on duty. Contribute to the food production demands of other shifts including tea preparation. * Utilize and properly store ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Summer Cafeteria Helper 4 hours (4 positions)

Methuen Public School District

Methuen, MA • On-site

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 2 hours ago


Job description

PLEASE POST                      PLEASE POST                      PLEASE POST

METHUEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

VACANCY NOTICE

Position starts July 1, 2026

Title:                                     4 Hour Cafeteria Worker (4 positions) 

Qualifications:                 

Qualified candidate must be able to demonstrate aptitude and competence for all assigned daily responsibilities.

General Responsibilities:

  • May require some light cooking
  • Assist in the daily production of over 1200 meals
  • Gather accurate meal count records daily
  • The proper sanitation of all equipment utilized during that days needs
  • Any other duties as assigned

 

Salary:  Per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement

Hours:      4.0 hours per day, per the needs of the program