1

Cooking Assistant Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Cook Assistant

Clovis, NM · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction and guidance of the Cook or Center Service Manager, the Cook Aide is responsible for assisting with the provision of Early Childhood Development (ECD) center ...

Cook Assistant

Clovis, NM · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction and guidance of the Cook or Center Service Manager, the Cook Aide is responsible for assisting with the provision of Early Childhood Development (ECD) center ...

Line Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Follow recipes, portion standards, and proper cooking techniques * Inspect ingredients and select high-quality products for food preparation * Assist with food prep, inventory, ordering, storage, and ...

Line Cook

Taos, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, attention to detail, and the ability to work ... - Assist with inventory management and ordering supplies as needed. - Follow proper food handling ...

Line Cook

Taos, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, attention to detail, and the ability to work ... - Assist with inventory management and ordering supplies as needed. - Follow proper food handling ...

Cook II

Artesia, NM · On-site

$21.30/hr

... cooking throughout the meal as directed by Cook I to ensure freshness and quality of food served. * Replenish food items in the steam tables or cold bars as required during service * Assist on Food ...

Cook II

Artesia, NM · On-site

$26.80/hr

... cooking throughout the meal as directed by Cook I to ensure freshness and quality of food served. * Replenish food items in the steam tables or cold bars as required during service * Assist on Food ...

... cooking throughout the meal as directed by Cook I to ensure freshness and quality of food served. * Replenish food items in the steam tables or cold bars as required during service * Assist on Food ...

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 New Mexico?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in New Mexico are:

What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in New Mexico with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Cook-Hiring Immediately

SpringStone Montessori

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Join Our Team as a Cook Assistant!


SpringStone Montessori School – Where Nourishment Meets Nurturing


No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays!


Are you the one? Come and join us!

At SpringStone Montessori School, we know that good food helps fuel great learning.


We’re looking for a dedicated Cook Assistant to join our team and prepare nutritious meals that support our students' growth and development.


SpringStone Montessori School is an early learning, private school utilizing the Montessori Method as its curriculum which promotes active learning through hands-on learning and activities.


We are looking for a Cook Assistant

  • Assist with preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks
  • Cleanse and maintain kitchen, equipment, and food storage in accordance with the Health Department.  Follows food safety and sanitation guidelines. 
  • Prepares each classroom cart with specific classroom allergies and dietary restrictions.  Each cart includes the list of the children with such allergies.
  • Assist with maintaining common areas (hallways, lobby, restrooms, break room) as time permits
  • Ensure paper goods and kitchen supplies are stocked and organized
  • Support the lead cook and step in during absences, including:
    • Receiving and checking food deliveries and refusing unsatisfactory products or services
    • Implementing the cycle menu in accordance with SpringStone policies, procedures, and established practices and the guidelines established by the Child Care Food Program and Health Department 
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
  • Comfortable with bending, stooping, walking, reaching, pushing/pulling, squatting, twisting, and standing for extended periods
  • Communicates and works effectively with other staff members. 


Take advantage of the benefits including:

  • An efficient, creative, and nurturing work environment
  • Generous childcare discount
  • Professional growth plan
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Holiday pay
  • Generous paid time off package
  • Free meals
  • Gym membership (at select locations)


The hours for this position are 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM from Monday to Friday - Full Time. 


Apply Here


https://newmexico.springstone.org/careers