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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Moby Dick House of Kabob

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$15/hr

... of grills and cooking surfaces. * Follow all health and safety guidelines, including proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices. * Assist with inventory management by monitoring ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl ... Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & left-over amounts to assist in ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl ... Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & left-over amounts to assist in ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl ... Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & left-over amounts to assist in ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl ... Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & left-over amounts to assist in ...

Meriwether Godsey

Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl ... Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & left-over amounts to assist in ...

The Greene Turtle

Cook

Hampton, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

... cooking methods by portioning, battering, seasoning, or marinating • Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes • Assist in food prep assignments during off peak periods ...

Meriwether Godsey

Cook

Mclean, VA

$21/hr

Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl ... Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & left-over amounts to assist in ...

COMMONWEALTH CARE OF ROANOKE

Cook

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.30/hr

CookJob Summary Do you enjoy cooking and take pride in creating delicious, high-quality meals? Join ... Direct and assist other dietary team members with food preparation and meal service as needed.

Buffalo Wing Factory

Line Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies as needed Requirements: * Proven experience as a Line Cook * Strong knowledge of food safety ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

Must be energetic, enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated to assist in food preparation and presentation. * Prior catering and hospitality/food culinary, cooking experience preferred. * It is ...

Crestview Management, LLC

Cook

Arlington, VA

$21 - $25/hr

Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines. * Assist with inventory management and stock ... How to Apply If you are passionate about cooking and meet the qualifications above, please submit ...

Buffalo Wing Factory

Line Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies as needed Requirements: * Proven experience as a Line Cook * Strong knowledge of food safety ...

Columbia Sussex

Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines. * Assist with inventory management and stock ... How to Apply If you are passionate about cooking and meet the qualifications above, please submit ...

Buffalo Wing Factory

Line Cook

Reston, VA

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies as needed Requirements: * Proven experience as a Line Cook * Strong knowledge of food safety ...

Maimonides Health Center

FT Cafe Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Cafe Cook Opportunities - Maimonides Health Center 6401 Auburn Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 $17 /hr ... Collaborate with the dietary team to plan menus and may assist with special events or themed meals.

Buffalo Wing Factory

Line Cook

Leesburg, VA

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies as needed Requirements: * Proven experience as a Line Cook * Strong knowledge of food safety ...

Buffalo Wing Factory

Line Cook

Fairfax, VA

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies as needed Requirements: * Proven experience as a Line Cook * Strong knowledge of food safety ...

MJ Morgan Group

Line Cook

Winchester, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... and cooking high-quality meals while maintaining food safety and sanitation standards. This ... Follow all food safety, health, and sanitation regulations. * Assist with food preparation ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Virginia

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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

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, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Cook

Moby Dick House of Kabob

Mclean, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Opportunity to Grow
  • Flexible Schedule – because we know life happens!
  • Tips from the tip pool (Based on hours worked)
  • Competitive Hourly Pay
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Group Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discounts

About Us:
Moby Dick House of Kabob is a fast-growing, fast-casual brand with 34 locations and over 36 years of excellence in serving bold, authentic Persian and Mediterranean flavors. Our commitment to quality ingredients, exceptional hospitality, and a vibrant dining experience have made us a favorite among guests who keep returning for more. As we continue to expand, we seek passionate, driven leaders to join our team and help us take our brand to the next level, one unforgettable meal at a time!
Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Cook/Grill Operator to join our kitchen team. This role focuses on preparing and cooking our signature kabobs, fresh sides, and other menu items to perfection. The ideal candidate has a passion for cooking, works well under pressure, and is committed to maintaining our high standards of food quality and cleanliness.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and grill kabobs, proteins, and vegetables according to company recipes and standards.
  • Operate and maintain grill and cooking equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure food is cooked to the appropriate temperature and presented attractively.
  • Follow portion control guidelines and minimize food waste.
  • Prepare and assemble sides, sauces, and salads as needed.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, including regular cleaning of grills and cooking surfaces.
  • Follow all health and safety guidelines, including proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
  • Assist with inventory management by monitoring ingredient levels and notifying the manager of shortages.
  • Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure efficient and timely food preparation.
  • Assist in other kitchen tasks, such as prepping ingredients, as required.
Qualifications:
  • Previous experience as a cook or grill operator in a fast-paced restaurant environment preferred.
  • Knowledge of grilling techniques and food preparation.
  • Ability to work in a high-temperature kitchen environment and stand for extended periods.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and safety.
  • Team-oriented mindset with excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure.
  • Flexible schedule, including availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays