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Cooking Assistant Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Clovis, NM · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Stock and rotate stations before service * Assist with receiving deliveries * Keep prep areas and equipment clean throughout the shift * Support line cooks during service and communicate clearly with ...

COOK

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.72/hr

... - Assist in the development of menu items and daily specials. - Work collaboratively with the ... cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures. - Excellent communication and teamwork ...

Prep Cook

Espanola, NM · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prepare ingredients by washing, peeling, chopping, and measuring according to recipe specifications. * Assist chefs and cooks by organizing and stocking workstations with necessary supplies and ...

Cook I- Part Time

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... cooking a variety of foods according to recipes and production standards. This role works in the ... Maintains all kitchen equipment's cleanliness. * Assist with food preparation such as chopping ...

Line Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$18.20/hr

Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure food quality and proper preparation * Maintain ... Follow all food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standards * Assist with cleaning, stocking ...

Line Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$18.20/hr

Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure food quality and proper preparation * Maintain ... Follow all food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standards * Assist with cleaning, stocking ...

Line Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$18.20/hr

Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure food quality and proper preparation * Maintain ... Follow all food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standards * Assist with cleaning, stocking ...

Cook I- Part Time

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... cooking a variety of foods according to recipes and production standards. This role works in the ... Maintains all kitchen equipment's cleanliness. * Assist with food preparation such as chopping ...

Line/Grill Cook

Clovis, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Follow all food safety, temperature, and sanitation standards * Assist with prep tasks and cross-station coverage as needed What We're Looking For * 2+ years of line/grill cook experience in a fast ...

Line/Grill Cook

Clovis, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Follow all food safety, temperature, and sanitation standards * Assist with prep tasks and cross-station coverage as needed What We're Looking For * 2+ years of line/grill cook experience in a fast ...

Line/Grill Cook

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Follow all food safety, temperature, and sanitation standards * Assist with prep tasks and cross-station coverage as needed What We're Looking For * 2+ years of line/grill cook experience in a fast ...

Line/Grill Cook

Hobbs, NM

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Follow all food safety, temperature, and sanitation standards * Assist with prep tasks and cross-station coverage as needed What We're Looking For * 2+ years of line/grill cook experience in a fast ...

Cook I- Part Time

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... cooking a variety of foods according to recipes and production standards. This role works in the ... Maintains all kitchen equipment's cleanliness. * Assist with food preparation such as chopping ...

Line Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and workstations. * Assist in inventory ... The required skills for this position include a strong understanding of cooking techniques and food ...

Cook - HE (8667)

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Cook position is essential to our production kitchen, responsible for preparing and serving ... Maintain a clean working environment and assist the team with additional cleaning duties. * Keep ...

Cook PM

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

... are passionate about cooking and thrive under pressure this is your opportunity We offer ... Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines * Assist with inventory prep work and kitchen ...

Cook - HE (8667)

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Cook position is essential to our production kitchen, responsible for preparing and serving ... Maintain a clean working environment and assist the team with additional cleaning duties. * Keep ...

Cook - FT

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Setup plating line and assist with plating duties * Arrange prepared food items in an aesthetic ... Wash, cut and peel meats and vegetables before preparing them for cooking * Taste and evaluate food ...

Setup plating line and assist with plating duties * Arrange prepared food items in an aesthetic ... Wash, cut and peel meats and vegetables before preparing them for cooking * Taste and evaluate food ...

Line Cook

Espanola, NM · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Experience with specific cooking techniques such as grilling, sautéing, or frying. * Familiarity ... * Assist with inventory management by reporting low stock and helping with deliveries. * Adapt to ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Cotton Patch Cafe rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Prep Cook Full-Time and Part-Time | Flexible Scheduling Available
At Cotton Patch Cafe, we cook scratch-made Texas favorites and serve them with real hospitality. We're looking for a dedicated Prep Cook who takes pride in a clean workspace, moves efficiently, and loves being part of a team that cares about food.
What You'll Do
  • Wash, peel, cut, and portion vegetables, proteins, and other items to recipe specs
  • Follow food safety and sanitation standards, including temperature logging
  • Stock and rotate stations before service
  • Assist with receiving deliveries
  • Keep prep areas and equipment clean throughout the shift
  • Support line cooks during service and communicate clearly with the kitchen team

What We're Looking For
  • 1-2 years of kitchen experience preferred (restaurant, catering, or institutional)
  • Solid knife skills and comfort with basic cooking techniques
  • Knowledge of food safety practices
  • Food handler certification required
  • Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented

Who We Are
  • A growing Texas-based brand with 46 locations across 2 states
  • Passionate about our people, food, and communities
  • Committed to quality, hospitality, and promoting from within

Why You'll Love Working Here
  • Competitive pay
  • Flexible scheduling - full-time and part-time available
  • Instant Pay access
  • Paid training - including the opportunity to learn scratch-made cooking techniques
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Team Member and Friends & Family meal discounts
  • Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas - spend the holidays with the people who matter
  • Tenure bonuses
  • Team recognition programs
  • Voluntary benefits options

Equal Opportunity Employer
Cotton Patch Cafe is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all Team Members. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law.
Cotton Patch Cafe participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. E-Verify Participation Poster | Right to Work Poster

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