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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Cook Assistant

Ada, OK · On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

We are currently looking for a Full Time Cook Assistant to join our Area of Child Development team located at the Child Development Center - Ada South working 10:30AM-7:30PM - Mo Tu We Th Fr. Summary ...

Assistant Cook

Guthrie, OK · On-site

$11.50 - $13.75/hr

Description The Assistant Cook assists in the preparation and service of meals. Responsible for kitchen and dining area sanitation. Prepares well-balanced, nutritious meals, which enable them to ...

Assistant Cook

Guthrie, OK · On-site

$11.50 - $13.75/hr

The Assistant Cook assists in the preparation and service of meals. Responsible for kitchen and dining area sanitation. · Prepares well-balanced, nutritious meals, which enable them to remain ...

Assistant Cook

Guthrie, OK · On-site

$11.50 - $13.75/hr

The Assistant Cook assists in the preparation and service of meals. Responsible for kitchen and dining area sanitation. • Prepares well-balanced, nutritious meals, which enable them to remain ...

Cook

Enid, OK · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Tahlequah, OK · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Hobart, OK · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Seminole, OK · On-site

$10.50 - $14.25/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Catoosa, OK · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Blanchard, OK · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Claremore, OK · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Kingfisher, OK · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Weatherford, OK · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Purcell, OK · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Ardmore, OK · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Perry, OK · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Holdenville, OK · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Stillwater, OK · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Lone Grove, OK · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

Cook

Enid, OK · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Sanitize and clean work stations and utensils. * Assist other cooks in preparing food or helping other team members when needed. * Comply with health regulations. * Maintain regular cleaning ...

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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 Oklahoma?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Oklahoma are:

What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Oklahoma with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$12.50 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Chickasaw Nation rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 845 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

We are currently looking for a Full Time Cook Assistant to join our Area of Child Development team located at the Child Development Center - Ada South working 10:30AM-7:30PM - Mo Tu We Th Fr.
Summary:
Assist with providing nutritional meals for children enrolled and attending the child development center or school age programs.
Responsibilities:
* Abides by all CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) regulations and policies set forth
* Abides by all SFSP (Summer Food Service Program) regulations and policies set forth
* Maintains a collaborative work environment with site program staff and tribal and community partners
* Assists with facility safety and cleanliness to meet and exceed tribal and federal standards
* Assists the site facility to meet and exceed all licensing and accreditation standards for CACFP and or SFSP
* Works cooperatively with site program staff to implement a comprehensive child development program for families
* Follows location- or function-specific procedures and guidelines
* Assists with resources, materials and equipment necessary for safe program operations and maintains accurate inventory procedures
* Assists with child development database systems for programming and tribal operations
* Assists with appropriate temperature, labeling and storage of food and food products to avoid contamination and ensure quality
* Assists with nutritious and attractive meals ensuring special nutritional needs are met in accordance with the program guidelines
* Assists with the utilization, cleanliness, maintenance, safety and sanitation of the kitchen, commercial equipment and or other assigned areas and reports all necessary problems immediately
* Follows prescribed menus and recipes
* Assists with food orders as needed
* Assists in maintaining proper records including food purchase forms, menu planning guides, meal counts, and freezer/refrigerator logs
* Assists with sanitation and safety practices, including personal appearance and hygiene
* Participates and assists in ongoing quality through tasting, smelling, and observing food to ensure consistency with recipes and appearance standards
* Attends and facilitates meetings as needed
* Maintains files, logs, and records
* Treats all applicants and co-workers with dignity and respect
* Assists with all outcomes and deliverables meet organizational goals, objectives, and quality standards
* Maintains personnel records, keeping accurate and up-to-date employee information
* Supports employees and resources complete assigned training and development
* Supports the onboarding of new staff
* Assists with the distribution of supplies and resources and maintains inventory
* Cleans and sanitizes work area, preparation tables, utensils, and trays after each use according to the established cleaning and sanitizing procedures
* Assists with daily meal counts for breakfast, lunch/dinner, snack
* Maintains knowledge of and follows all laws, rules, regulations, policies and SOPs for assigned areas, e.g. food sanitation, accounting principles, food and safety inspections, monitoring compliance and medical allergy substitutions etc.
* Obtain 20 hours of nutrition and early childhood training annually
* Provides first class customer service to both internal and external customers and responds to inquiries, compliments, and/or complaints with professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency
* Completes all training and development requirements and participates in continuing education opportunities
* Works in a collaborative and supportive manner to support the productivity and safety of the work area, team members and customers of all types
- Maintains a clean, organized work area and ensures a safe environment
- Maintains and promotes professionalism
- Punctual and consistent in meeting start time, work schedule, attendance and other assigned work time metrics
- Adheres to Chickasaw Nation dress code standards
* Maintains knowledge of and follows all rules, regulations, policies and guidelines for assigned area
* Performs all other duties as assigned
Competencies:
Essential:
* Able to follow instructions, both written and oral
* Able to adhere to all scheduling and attendance requirements
* Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all matters
* Resolves conflicts among personnel, projects and schedules
* Must be able to exert analytical and critical thinking skill
* Must be detail-oriented
* Must be self-motivated
* Honesty, truthfulness, reliability, accountability
* Able to read, understand, apply, and retain knowledge of Chickasaw Nation, departmental, divisional and all other rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines
* Must be able to operate all required equipment in a kitchen setting including but not limited to oven, warming pans, dishwashers, mixers
* Knowledge of the methods and practices used in food preparation, serving and storage
* Ability to multitask
* Organizes work and assigned area logically and orderly
* Organizational and time-management abilities
* Able to verbally communicate in a professional and positive manner with other team members, departments, guests and management
Skills:
Essential:
* Proficient with Adobe Acrobat suite of products
* Advanced computer skills
* Experience with Windows, and web services
* Must be able to operate various kitchen equipment
* Superior customer relations skills
* Must be familiar with the Microsoft Office Suite of products
Experience:
Essential:
* 1 year directly related experience
Education:
Essential:
* High School, GED or Equivalent
Essential:
* 1 year of cook experience in public school or childcare setting
Credentials:
Essential:
* Pass general background check
* Standard Driver's License
* Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR)
* ServSafe Certification
* First Aid Certification
* Child Development Institute (CDI) Training
* Conscious Discipline Training
* PAX Tools - Positive Parenting Workshop
* Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experience (HOPE)
* Class B Commercial Driver's License
* CN Core Leadership Level 1
Essential:
* Must obtain ServeSafe certification and CPR/First Aid certification within 10 days of employment, promotion or transfer
* ServSafe certification within first week of the hire or promotion date
* Training completion within 12 months of the hire or promotion date
* Class B CDL with both a Passenger (P) endorsement and a School Bus (S) endorsement to transport students
* Chickasaw Nation Core Leadership Level 1 completion within 12 months of the hire or promotion date
Working Conditions:
Essential:
* Food service
* Works in a kitchen environment
* Various kitchen equipment
* Subject to kitchen hazards such as burns, knives, slippery floors etc.
* Communications written, verbal
* Interacts with young children
* Pass pre-employment drug test
* Frequently lift and or carry up to 50 lbs
* Able to smell and distinguish food flavor quality
* Standing up to 75% of shift
* Walking up to 75% of shift
* Child development setting
* Frequently bend, kneel, stoop, push, reach
* Hand-eye coordination, reach and grasp
* Listening and hearing ability
* Visual acuity for detail, distance, color, depth perception
* Repetitive motions
Training
*It is the responsibility of each employee to attend required training for their position or profession as determined by their line of support (LOS) or the leadership of the Chickasaw Nation. It is the responsibility of those who supervise, manage or otherwise lead employees or teams to ensure each employee has access to and receives all required training.
Mission, Vision & Core Values
Mission:
*To enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.
Vision:
*To be a nation of successful and united people with a strong cultural identity.
Core Values:
*The Chickasaw People
*Cultural Identity
*Servant Leadership
*Selflessness
*Can Do Attitude
*Perseverance
*Stewardship
*Trust and Respect
*Loyalty
*Honesty and Integrity
*Teamwork

What Chickasaw Nation employees say

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Benefits

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