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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Cook Assistant

Athens, OH · On-site

$14.43 - $18.30/hr

Position Information Job Title Cook Assistant Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the public ... Also prepare meat proteins before cooking. * Sets up and break downs food lines, cleans and breaks ...

Dietary Cook

Cincinnati, OH

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Responsibilities of the Dietary Cook: * Assist with meal and snack preparation * Support cooks in food production and plating * Serve meals and assist residents during dining * Maintain cleanliness ...

Dietary Cook

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Responsibilities of the Dietary Cook: * Assist with meal and snack preparation * Support cooks in food production and plating * Serve meals and assist residents during dining * Maintain cleanliness ...

Cook

Washington Court House, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Position Responsibilities for a Cook: * Assist in preparing meals * Verify tray tickets * Wash & sanitize dishware * Clean & sanitize equipment * Operate all food service equipment in a safe manner ...

Cook | Part Time

Coldwater, OH

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Position Responsibilities for a Cook: * Assist in preparing meals * Verify tray tickets * Wash & sanitize dishware * Clean & sanitize equipment * Operate all food service equipment in a safe manner ...

Cook Assistant / Prep Cook

Sidney, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

The Cook Assistant/Prep Cook prepares food in accordance with company standards and federal, state ... Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes, recipe specifications ...

Cook - FT Days!

Piqua, OH

$12.75 - $17/hr

Position Responsibilities for a Cook: * Assist in preparing meals * Verify tray tickets * Wash & sanitize dishware * Clean & sanitize equipment * Operate all food service equipment in a safe manner ...

Cook Assistant / Prep Cook

Sidney, OH

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

The Cook Assistant/Prep Cook prepares food in accordance with company standards and federal, state ... Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes, recipe specifications ...

Cook

Washington Court House, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Position Responsibilities for a Cook: * Assist in preparing meals * Verify tray tickets * Wash & sanitize dishware * Clean & sanitize equipment * Operate all food service equipment in a safe manner ...

Cook FT Evenings Fox Run Manor

Findlay, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Position Responsibilities for a Cook: * Assist in preparing meals * Verify tray tickets * Wash & sanitize dishware * Clean & sanitize equipment * Operate all food service equipment in a safe manner ...

Cook | Part Time | 10am- 6:30pm

Celina, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Position Responsibilities for a Cook: * Assist in preparing meals * Verify tray tickets * Wash & sanitize dishware * Clean & sanitize equipment * Operate all food service equipment in a safe manner ...

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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 are Cooking Assistants?

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 does a Kitchen Assistant do?

A Kitchen Assistant supports food preparation and kitchen operations by cleaning utensils, assisting with ingredient organization, and maintaining cleanliness standards. They often work under the supervision of chefs or cooks and may handle tasks such as washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring a hygienic environment.

What are the duties of an assistant cook?

An assistant cook supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also help with inventory management, following safety and sanitation standards, and operating kitchen equipment. Good organizational skills and knowledge of food safety are important for this role.

What does a cook assistant do?

A cook assistant helps in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision and following safety and hygiene standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To be a Kitchen Assistant, there are typically no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, good communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; some positions may require food handler certifications. Prior experience in food service can be beneficial but is not always necessary.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:
Cook Assistant

$14.43 - $18.30/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Ohio University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

407th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the 'Posting End Date' shown below.
Position Information
Job Title
Cook Assistant
Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the public , AFSCME 1699 Bargaining Unit Wide, AFSCME 1699 Intradepartmental
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is open to the public; however, current Ohio University AFSCME 1699 bargaining unit employees will be given first consideration.
CURRENT OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES MUST INCLUDE THEIR OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY AND ANY RELEVANT VERIFIABLE EXPERIENCE TO SHOW THEY MEET MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS CLASSIFICATION. IF YOUR APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE, YOU WILL BE SCREENED OUT. IF YOU NEED YOUR OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY OR NEED ASSISTANCE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT UNIVERSITY HUMAN RESOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE.
In an effort to make the process of awarding bid upon positions more efficient, the successful candidate must indicate at the time of offer whether they accept or decline the position.
Candidates may contact management during the posting period to ask questions regarding the expectations of the position.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and pre-employment physical.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.
Posting Number
20166993S
Job Description
Under direction from the lead worker and/or general supervision from food service management, assists in food preparation, helps cooks prepare and cooks quantities of food, prepares, serves and displays food in operation.
  • Adheres to all OSHA and/or Ohio University required guidelines.
  • Prepares and cooks food items to standardized recipes using standard kitchen equipment. Cleans and prepares hot, cold, special menu foods, sliced meats, cheeses and vegetables. Also prepare meat proteins before cooking.
  • Sets up and break downs food lines, cleans and breaks down work area: to include scraping, washing pots, pans and dishes, mopping, swiping and emptying trash. Follows prep and production sheets using standardized recipes and department guidelines.
  • Performs other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ability to carry out instructions in written, oral, and pictorial form.
  • Work independently or with others.
  • Willingness to foster a welcoming and respectful workforce and community
  • Demonstrate dexterity and skill in use of craft-associated hand and/or power tools & equipment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to read and write common vocabulary in sentence structure.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, calculate fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • Ability to apply principles to solve practical problems.
  • Successful completion of a test may be required.
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures, hot ovens, sharp utensils, prolonged standing.
  • An established pattern of good work habits and performance with good interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of safety practices. *
  • Skill in the operation of kitchen equipment. *
  • Knowledge of all applicable OSHA and/or Ohio University safety guidelines and procedures. *

*Developed after employment
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
Department
Culinary Services
Pay Rate
AFSCME Pay Range I 01 I $14.43 - $18.30
Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
Job Open Date
07/02/2026
Posting Close Date
7/16/2026
Job Category
Classified AFSCME 1699 Bargaining Unit appointment
Months
12 month
Planning Unit
Vice President for Student Affairs
Work Schedule
Varied/Varied
Every other weekend off
12-month position
Assigned to Culinary Services
Campus
Athens
Expected hours worked per week
40
Expected duration of assignment
Permanent
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Joni Fisher, fisherj5@ohio.edu, 740-593-2970
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
Job Information
Employment Type
full-time regular
Job Family/Subfamily
Career Track & Level
Pay Grade
AFSCME|01|
Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report
Clery Act Statistics
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