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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Cook 2

Eugene, OR · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... Assist putting away and organize incoming orders Maintain organization of storage in walk-in Assist Cook Lead in any requested tasks Assist Cook Lead in training new line cooks Ensure plate integrity ...

Responsibilities * Assist with daily meal preparation, including food prep, cooking, and plating as needed. * Support batch cooking activities to ensure meals are prepared efficiently and on schedule ...

Line Cook

Bend, OR · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... - Assist with post-service cleanup and ensure all kitchen areas are left in optimal condition ... Complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and ...

Cook

La Grande, OR · On-site

$21.95 - $25.57/hr

Determine if the food prepared is of the highest possible quality in taste and flavor. Assist in planning cooking schedules. Confirm foods are ready on time for tray service. * Maintain and improve ...

Cook

La Grande, OR · On-site

$21.95 - $25.57/hr

Determine if the food prepared is of the highest possible quality in taste and flavor. Assist in planning cooking schedules. Confirm foods are ready on time for tray service. * Maintain and improve ...

Line Cook

Salem, OR

$15.25 - $19/hr

Portion food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe ... Handle, store and rotate all products properly. * Assist in food prep assignments during off-peak ...

Cook

Myrtle Point, OR · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

Cook

Myrtle Point, OR · On-site

$21.61 - $27.11/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred

Cook

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... * Assist the Dining Room Attendants in serving, cleaning up, dishwashing, and reseting after each ... SHIFTS OF A COOK Our Cook shifts run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This schedule enables our cooks to be ...

Cook

Gresham, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

Cook

Lake Oswego, OR

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... * Assist the Dining Room Attendants in serving, cleaning up, dishwashing, and reseting after each ... SHIFTS OF A COOK Our Cook shifts run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This schedule enables our cooks to be ...

Line Cook

Sisters, OR

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... line cooking while guiding and supporting other cooks Plate dishes to meet chef specifications and presentation standards Assist with banquet plating and high-volume service execution Maintain ...

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

Showing results 21-40

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 Oregon?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$17 - $19.71/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Oregon Child Development Coalition rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC):

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work has purpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.

Position Summary:

Assists center staff in carrying out various duties at the center as assigned, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, Day Care Licensing Regulations, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other applicable standards.

Essential Functions:

Serves and welcomes visitors by:

  • Greeting them in person or on the telephone, answering or referring inquiries, and directing them.

  • Notifying center personnel of visitor arrivals.

  • Issuing visitor's badges and maintaining visitor's log.

Performs clerical duties by:

  • Entering data, completing reports, filing, and retrieving information.

  • Typing miscellaneous correspondence, reports, memos, faxing information, copying various documentation.

Performs the duties of Teacher Assistant as assigned by:

  • Assisting the teacher in implementing a good balance of child directed and teacher directed activities.

  • Providing healthy and safe activities that are developmentally and age appropriate.

  • Assisting the teacher with record keeping as assigned.

  • Assisting with custodial duties of the classroom.

  • Assisting with playground supervision.

  • Serving as sick room attendant as directed.

Performs the duties of Bus Assistant as assigned by:

  • Assisting bus driver in providing safe transportation for the children.

  • Ensuring that all children are seated at all times while the bus is in motion.

  • Ensuring that all children are wearing seat belts or are in appropriate car seats.

  • Ensuring that all children enter and exit the bus safely.

Performs the duties of Cook Assistant as assigned by:

  • Assisting the food service staff in preparing health, nutritious meals and snacks as directed, ensuring special dietary needs are met.

  • Assisting with record keeping as assigned.

  • Assisting with dish washing and maintaining the kitchen and storage areas in a safe, clean condition.

Performs custodial duties of the center as assigned by:

  • Performing laundry duties as assigned.

  • Assisting with general maintenance of center, such as emptying trash, maintaining floors, bathrooms, replenishing supplies, etc., as needed.

Contributes to team effort by:

  • Communicating positively with staff, parents, and children who participate in the program.

  • Attending local staff and parent meetings if required.

  • Attending local or state training if required.

  • Fostering an understanding of Head Start, its mission, goals, objectives, and program services.

Maintains confidence and protects agency operations by:

  • Keeping information confidential.

Continually applies safety practices in all facets of the performance of duties by:

  • Complying with agency safety standards.

  • Supporting participation of a safe environment.

  • Immediately reporting any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury.

Other responsibilities:

  • Performing other work related or assigned duties.

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Six months experience working within a variety of responsibilities to include working with young children, cooking in a restaurant, or cleaning in an industrial setting.

Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is $17.00 to $19.71 hourly. Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Retirement plan with employer contribution

  • Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs

  • Employer paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources

  • Optional benefits including pet insurance

At OCDC, employee well-being is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.


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