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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.50 - $24/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

$19.50 - $24/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

$14.75 - $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

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

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.

If you have restaurant cooking experience, are ready to make a difference, and put a smile on ... Direct and assist in cleaning and sanitizing work areas, equipment and floors, dishes, and utensils.

Be Seen First

... and cooking breakfast items within a small kitchen team. This full-time position involves ... Coordinate with a small team of 1-3 cooks for efficient service * Assist with inventory and ...

Cook

Brookings, OR · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and quality standards * Maintain a ... Monitor food inventory, freshness, and proper storage procedures * Assist with food prep including ...

If you have restaurant cooking experience, are ready to make a difference, and put a smile on ... Direct and assist in cleaning and sanitizing work areas, equipment and floors, dishes, and utensils.

Cook - Part Time

Corvallis, OR · On-site

$21.27 - $27.31/hr

If you have restaurant cooking experience, are ready to make a difference, and put a smile on ... Direct and assist in cleaning and sanitizing work areas, equipment and floors, dishes, and utensils.

Cook

Eugene, OR

$21.27 - $27.31/hr

If you have restaurant cooking experience, are ready to make a difference, and put a smile on ... Direct and assist in cleaning and sanitizing work areas, equipment and floors, dishes, and utensils.

New

Cook

Eugene, OR · On-site

$21.27 - $27.31/hr

If you have restaurant cooking experience, are ready to make a difference, and put a smile on ... Direct and assist in cleaning and sanitizing work areas, equipment and floors, dishes, and utensils.

New

Cook

Brookings, OR · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and quality standards * Maintain a ... Monitor food inventory, freshness, and proper storage procedures * Assist with food prep including ...

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $18.15/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment, including all equipment and prep areas * Assist in ... for cooking and service to a team that values excellence, teamwork, and creating meaningful ...

Prep Cook

Keizer, OR · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The successful candidate will assist the Head Chef in preparing ingredients, cooking and par-cooking dishes, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. Responsibilities: * Completing all tasks on ...

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Prepare, cook, and plate menu items according to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines. * Assist with daily kitchen prep, including chopping, seasoning, marinating ...

New

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $18.15/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas 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 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 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$19.50 - $24/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

PRN
Weekends and Holidays
JOB SUMMARY:
The Cook supports all activities of the Dining Services Department including the Kitchen and Dining Room. This position is responsible for the quality of meals, delivery during meal service, and for compliance with special diets offered by the Community. As a Cook it is important to provide the highest quality food preparation, plate presentation, and prompt service to all residents.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines
  • Ensure all food meets quality, taste, and presentation standards
  • Follow modified diet requirements (e.g., texture-modified, therapeutic diets, low sodium, diabetic diets)
  • Coordinate meal preparation to ensure timely service for all dining periods
  • Maintain proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices in compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Monitor food temperatures and ensure safe food handling procedures at all times
  • Assist with food prep, portioning, and plating as needed
  • Work collaboratively with dietary team members, nursing staff, and leadership
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment
  • Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and ordering as directed
  • Accommodate resident preferences and special requests when appropriate
  • Support special events, holidays, and community activities as needed
  • Assist with training and mentoring dietary aides or new kitchen staff
  • Report any resident concerns, changes in appetite, or nutritional issues to nursing or dietary leadership
  • Other Duties as Assigned

REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred
  • Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices
  • Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions accurately
  • Strong time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills
  • Experience in skilled nursing, assisted living, or healthcare dining
  • Food Handler's Card (or ability to obtain upon hire)
  • Experience with therapeutic or modified diets
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
Benefits of being a Sapphire Health Services employee include, but is not limited to:
  • PTO
  • 401(K)
  • Medical/Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Birthday/Holiday Pay
  • Wellness Fund
  • Uniform Fund
  • Longevity Bonuses
  • Quarterly Vacation Drawing
  • Tuition Reimbursement

HOW TO APPLY:
At Sapphire Health Services we are dedicated to creating a supportive and enriching environment for both our residents and our team members. If you are a passionate healthcare professional looking to make a difference in the lives of residents, we encourage you to apply!
Address: 5737 NE 37th Ave., Portland, OR 97211
Our Mission: To Promote the highest quality of life for our residents, staff and communities. We strive to treat them all with the greatest consideration and respect.