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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Assistant

Narragansett, RI · On-site

$16.25 - $16.50/hr

Kitchen Assistant DEPARTMENT: Back of House - Kitchen REPORTS TO: Kitchen Manager and Restaurant ... Lead Cook when necessary POSITION STATUS: Internship PAY BRACKET: Paid and/or School Credit Do you ...

Cook

East Greenwich, RI · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

May wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment. * Compile and maintain records of food usage. * May assist with inventory. * Follow food specification amounts provided by ...

Cook

Providence, RI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Works closely with assistant cooks, as needed, with food preparation, cooking and storing of food according to specs and standards * Operates assigned kitchen equipment, including cleaning and ...

Cook

Providence, RI

$14.25 - $19/hr

Works closely with assistant cooks, as needed, with food preparation, cooking and storing of food according to specs and standards * Operates assigned kitchen equipment, including cleaning and ...

Line Cook

West Greenwich, RI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... cooking stations with necessary ingredients and equipment Ensure food is cooked and presented ... Assist with food prep such as chopping vegetables, portioning meats, and preparing sauces ...

Cook

Middletown, RI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Newport, RI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Be Seen First

Position: Full-Time Pizza Cook Location: West Warwick, RI Schedule: Full-time (weekends required ... Follow food safety and sanitation standards * Assist with prep and other kitchen duties as needed

Be Seen First

Position: Full-Time Pizza Cook Location: West Warwick, RI Schedule: Full-time (weekends required ... Follow food safety and sanitation standards * Assist with prep and other kitchen duties as needed

Line Cook

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

Line Cook

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

Cook

Providence, RI · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Cook and prepare meals for residents of the facility ... Review menus prior to preparation of food * Assist in developing, implementing, and coordinating ...

Cook

East Greenwich, RI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

As assigned, assist with food preparation, kitchen line, and dishwashing. * Uphold the food quality including cooking temperatures and plate presentation. * Be aware of contamination on reported ...

Cooks and Dishwashers

Ashaway, RI · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

Cook

Cranston, RI

$17 - $19/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 ...

Cooks and Dishwashers

Ashaway, RI · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Rhode Island are:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Cook (Full Time, Academic Year)

Johnson and Wales University

Providence, RI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Assistant Cook (Full Time, Academic Year)
Job no: 11235
Work type: Full Time
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Categories: Staff/Administration, Campus Dining, Academic Year, Campus Based
Summary
Prepares ingredients to support recipes, menus and stations, in accordance with health code regulations
Essential Job Functions
  • Follows standardized recipes and prep lists for daily need
  • Prepares and cooks food products, timely and efficiently, alongside cooks, as needed
  • Cools, refrigerates, labels and properly stores food and ingredients according to university policy and health code requirements
  • Utilizes appropriate cleaning procedures for assigned duties so that products are acquired, maintained, and stored according to university policy and health code requirements
  • Prepares kitchen for daily set up and stocking as well as assists with serving food at stations, as needed
  • Organizes the prep boards based on needs of operation and delivery schedules
  • Adjusts work, as needed, while prepping because of changing needs
  • Decides on quantity and quality of products to be prepped
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications
  • Experience working in prep and/or dishwasher or other related experience
  • Obtain and maintain food safety managers certification approved by Conference for Food Protection
  • Ability to work days, evenings, and weekends

Please Note:
Qualified candidates must live or relocate to live within a daily commuting distance of the Providence Campus location upon hire.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until job posting is closed.
Johnson & Wales University is an equal opportunity employer. The university does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected class. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnic and national origin, familial status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, military service, national origin, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class.
Advertised: 13 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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