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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC

Line Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... assistant, or other entry-level kitchen roles. * Desirable - Previous experience in a high volume restaurant. Skills & Competencies: * Basic culinary skills, including proficiency in cooking ...

People Inc

Assistant Cook

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $13.77/hr

The successful candidate will assist in preparing and cooking meals following established menus and USDA guidelines. ServSafe certification required within 6 months of hire required. One year of ...

The Cooking Lady Catering LLC

Line Cook

Poquoson, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... cooking with a creative flair. Position: Line Cook Type: Full-Time or Part-Time Location: 185 ... excellence. * Assist in setting up and breaking down the kitchen, managing inventory, and ...

The Cooking Lady Catering LLC

Line Cook

Poquoson, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... cooking with a creative flair. Position: Line Cook Type: Full-Time or Part-Time Location: 185 ... excellence. * Assist in setting up and breaking down the kitchen, managing inventory, and ...

The Cooking Lady Catering LLC

Line Cook

Poquoson, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... cooking with a creative flair. Position: Line Cook Type: Full-Time or Part-Time Location: 185 ... excellence. * Assist in setting up and breaking down the kitchen, managing inventory, and ...

Amentum

Cook II

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook assist in preparing food for the day whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cooks are responsible for preparing quality food and pleasing presentations, and meeting food handling and ...

Pae

Cook II

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook assist in preparing food for the day whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cooks are responsible for preparing quality food and pleasing presentations, and meeting food handling and ...

Westwood Country Club

Cook 1

Vienna, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

This role requires more advanced culinary skills and greater flexibility, as Cook 1 is expected to work independently in various kitchen areas and assist in the development of specials. Cook 1 is a ...

RVA Gigsters

Line Cooks / Prep Cooks

Richmond, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

... cooking menu items to order, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. Key Responsibilities: - Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and quality standards - Assist with food ...

Maimonides Health Center

FT Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$12 - $16.25/hr

FT Cook Opportunity - Maimonides 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 Opening: 6a-2p Why ... Collaborate with the dietary team to plan menus and may assist with special events or themed meals.

New

Maimonides Health Center

PT Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Opportunity - Maimonides 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 Opening: 6a-2p Why Join ... Collaborate with the dietary team to plan menus and may assist with special events or themed meals.

New

Hunters Woods at Trails Edge

Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management. * Work with the dietary ... cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment. * Ability to follow ...

Solera Senior Living, LLC

Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management. * Work with the dietary ... cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment. * Ability to follow ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Cook will assist in the butchering of meats and fish and assist with the daily operations of the kitchen. * Ensures that all food preparations and presentations meet ACW specifications and ...

Poplar Hill Health and Rehab

Cook

Warrenton, VA

$14 - $18.75/hr

Preparing and cooking meals and snacks for residents, staff, and visitors, ensuring dietary ... Collaborating with the dietary team to plan menus and may assist with special events or themed ...

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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 Virginia? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Virginia are:
Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Food Service Worker (Part-time)

CHILDRENS HARBOR

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description


BASIC FUNCTIONS

The Cook/Assistant Cook assists on a full time or part time basis in the service of meals and snacks in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and agency policy. The Cook/Assistant Cook reports to the Kitchen Manger / Assistant Center Director / Center Director, and may be required to assume overall responsibility for kitchen operation in the absence of the Kitchen Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma or G.E.D. and experience with institutional food service are required. The Cook/Assistant Cook meet all qualifications required by the local health department or other supervisory organizations.

NATURE AND SCOPE

The Cook/Assistant Cook participates in all phases of the operation of a full service kitchen and child care food program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following general areas:

General Management
  1. Assistance with daily preparation, cooking, serving, and cleaning up of all meals and snacks.
  2. Assistance with meal counts, food inventories, and other records required by the agency, by regulatory offices, and by USDA.
  3. Attendance at staff meetings, in-service workshops, and nutritional education programs, as appropriate.
  4. Reporting of any problems in kitchen operation to the Kitchen Manager or Center Director.
  5. Assumption of responsibilities with minimal supervision, is reliable; is flexible; has a positive, supportive attitude toward both children and adults.
  6. Participation in center and agency events, as appropriate.
Meal Planning/Service
  1. Participation in all aspects of meal service within planned menu cycle.
  2. Assistance with special meals for volunteers or staff, for picnics, for field trips and for other occasions as needed.
Inventory
  1. Assistance with ordering of food and kitchen supplies, as needed.
  2. Assistance with inventory processing and record keeping, as needed.
Environment
  1. Participation in cleaning and upkeep of kitchen, pantry, and dining areas, as well as equipment and supplies.
  2. Reporting promptly to Kitchen Manager/Assistant Center Director/Center Director any needed repairs or any unsafe or unsanitary conditions in the kitchen/pantry/dining areas.
Other
  1. Other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager/Assistant Center Director/Center Director.