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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

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Cook ( )

Jackson, MS · On-site

$11 - $13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties include directing the activities of Cook Assistants and food service volunteers. General supervision is received from the Nutrition Specialist, who provides instruction on the type and ...

Cashier- regional

Flowood, MS · On-site

$12 - $20/hr

Cashier, Cook, Assistant Manager * Various schedules for both part-time and full-time roles Location: 63022 Flowood 115 Promenade Blvd, Flowood, MS 39232, USA Join us at our Job Fair and take the ...

Cashier, Cook, Assistant Manager * Various schedules for both part-time and full-time roles Location: 63022 Flowood 115 Promenade Blvd, Flowood, MS 39232, USA Join us at our Job Fair and take the ...

Dietary Cook

Liberty, MS · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

The Dietary Cook prepares and cooks food for residents in accordance with Resident Diet ... assist in cleaning work areas, equipment, and floors · Sanitation of dishes and utensils · ...

Cook

Hattiesburg, MS

$14 - $18.50/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Dietary Cook

Liberty, MS · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

The Dietary Cook prepares and cooks food for residents in accordance with Resident Diet ... workers who assist in preparing and serving meals • Direct and assist in cleaning work areas ...

Cook

Ridgeland, MS · On-site

$15 - $16/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 ...

Cook

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Cook

Oxford, MS · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... * Assist with inventory , stock rotation, and minimizing waste * Demonstrate strong knife skills and understanding of core cooking techniques * Work efficiently under pressure during highvolume ...

Cook

Pearl, MS · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Are you passionate about cooking delicious food? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and fun-loving ... Enthusiastically represent the Zaxby's brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ...

Cook

Pearl, MS

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Are you passionate about cooking delicious food? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and fun-loving ... Enthusiastically represent the Zaxby's brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ...

Cook

Southaven, MS · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Tupelo, MS

$10 - $13/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxby's brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook

Philadelphia, MS · On-site

$10/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxby's brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook

West Point, MS · On-site

$10/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxby's brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook

Byhalia, MS · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Holly Springs, MS · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

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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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Mississippi?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Mississippi are:

What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Mississippi with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$11 - $13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

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Job description

Characteristics of Work

Under the direction of the Center Administrator, the Cook is responsible for planning and organizing, implementing activities, record keeping and reporting, training, supervising and guiding, and supporting and collaborating to ensure the effective delivery of nutrition services. The incumbent in this position performs a variety of moderately difficult volume food preparation tasks. This position is responsible for the full range of kitchen duties normally encountered in a small cafeteria or institutional kitchen. Duties include directing the activities of Cook Assistants and food service volunteers. General supervision is received from the Nutrition Specialist, who provides instruction on the type and quantity of food to be prepared but not on methods of preparation.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include but are not limited to, the following: The agency, supervisor, or may identify and include additional essential functions.

Planning and Organizing

Sets up daily work schedules for Cook Assistants and food services volunteers.

Requests, receives, sign for and stores food supplies and equipment.

Implementing Activities

Prepares and serves meals according to guidelines.

Participates in all food service activities.

Maintains safety procedures and sanitary conditions in the food service area.

Provides nutrition education activities for classroom staff and children.

Cleans and sanitizes all food preparation equipment and ensures that it is kept in safe and operable condition.

Record Keeping and Reporting

Maintains invoices and accurate inventory records for all food, supplies, and equipment.

Keeps accurate daily production records of foods served.

Prepares and submits program reports as required.

Evaluates work performance of Cook Assistants.

Inventories supplies on hand and orders food supplies, ingredients, and other consumables on a scheduled basis as determined by menu and estimated number of diners.

Communicating and Guiding

Provide guidance to Cook Assistants and food service volunteers engaged in food service activities.

Training and Supporting

Participates in staff meetings, parent meetings, training sessions, conferences, workshop and parent activities.

Supervises cook aides and volunteers engaged in food service activities.

Recruit volunteers and in-kind contributions.

Recruit children for enrollment in Head Start.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties and assignments as directed by management.

Qualifications

High School Diploma with two (2) years food services preparation, quantity cooking and menu planning. Must have Tummy Safe Certification.

Special Requirements

Applicants must:

-have the ability to communicate effectively.

-meet State health requirements.

-pass Criminal Background and Child Abuse Central Registry Check.

-proper uniform.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand. The employee must have the ability to lift items weighing up to 50 lbs with assistance.

The employee will work in an indoor environment under hot and humid conditions.

Supervisory Control

The Head Cook is directly responsible to the Center Administrator. The Center Administrator will evaluate the Cook Annually. The evaluation will be conducted through performance monitoring and progress reviews conducted by the Nutrition Specialist in collaboration with the Center Administrator. The director of children’s services will review and approve the evaluation.

Hinds County Human Resource Agency will provide reasonable accommodations for any known disability that an otherwise qualified employee might have to assist the employee in performing essential job duties, provided that these accommodations do not result in an undue hardship for the Agency. This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards for the position. Incumbents may be required to follow instructions and perform other duties required by their supervisor.