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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Boar's Head Resort

Cook I

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17/hr

... kitchen assistants working at the station, ensuring they follow proper cooking techniques and safety protocols. * Monitor station inventory and communicate any supply needs to the Sous Chef or ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook

Mouth Of Wilson, VA · On-site

$13 - $16/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 ...

Boar's Head Resort

Cook I

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17/hr

... kitchen assistants working at the station, ensuring they follow proper cooking techniques and safety protocols. * Monitor station inventory and communicate any supply needs to the Sous Chef or ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Cook (McLean)

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

Chatham, VA · On-site

$16/hr

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

Mannino's Italian Bistro

Line Cook

Virginia Beach, VA

$15 - $18.75/hr

... cooking food items according to recipes and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have ... Follow proper food handling and sanitation procedures * Assist with inventory management and ...

Boar's Head Resort

Cook II

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Food Preparation and Cooking * Prepare and cook a wide range of dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts, following established recipes and standards. * Assist in preparing food for ...

Boar's Head Resort

Cook II

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Food Preparation and Cooking * Prepare and cook a wide range of dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts, following established recipes and standards. * Assist in preparing food for ...

Black Bear Talent

Night Shift Cook

Staunton, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Communicate effectively with the culinary team and other hotel staff. * Assist with preparation and closing duties as needed. Qualifications * Prior professional cooking experience required.

The Landmark Center

Cook

Stuart, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $14/hr

Dietary Reports to: Dietary Service Supervisor, Administrator, Assistant Administrator Key ... Job Knowledge: Proficient in preparing and cooking a variety of foods in larger quantities.

The Landmark Center

Cook

Stuart, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $14/hr

Dietary Reports to: Dietary Service Supervisor, Administrator, Assistant Administrator Key ... Job Knowledge: Proficient in preparing and cooking a variety of foods in larger quantities.

Black Bear Talent

Night Shift Cook

Staunton, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Communicate effectively with the culinary team and other hotel staff. * Assist with preparation and closing duties as needed. Qualifications * Prior professional cooking experience required.

Senior Living Hiring

Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$12.41 - $18/hr

Inventory Control: Assist with inventory management and help track food supplies. Report shortages ... Previous cooking experience in a senior living, healthcare, or restaurant setting (preferred)

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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 I

Boar's Head Resort

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted just now

Job description

JOB OVERVIEW
Cook I is an advanced-level position within the resort's culinary team, responsible for preparing and cooking high-quality dishes according to the resort's standards and recipes. This role involves overseeing specific kitchen stations, ensuring proper food preparation, and mentoring junior kitchen staff. Cook I must have a deep understanding of various cooking techniques, the ability to work independently, and a commitment to maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and a passion for excellence in the kitchen.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Kitchen, (high noise level and confined space) dish area, food store rooms, occasionally work in outside weather conditions. Required to operate and work with high heat cooking equipment and be exposed to freezing temperatures for short periods of time in walk-in refrigerators and freezers. Responsible for proper preparation of food items for the resort including restaurants and/or banquets.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Food Preparation and Cooking:
  • Prepare and cook a variety of complex dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts, following established recipes and presentation standards.
  • Oversee specific kitchen stations, ensuring all food is prepared to the highest quality and delivered in a timely manner.
  • Assist in the creation of daily specials and contribute ideas for new menu items.

2. Station Management:
  • Set up and manage a designated kitchen station, ensuring it is fully stocked and organized for service.
  • Train and supervise junior cooks and kitchen assistants working at the station, ensuring they follow proper cooking techniques and safety protocols.
  • Monitor station inventory and communicate any supply needs to the Sous Chef or Executive Chef.

3. Quality Control:
  • Ensure all dishes meet the resort's quality and presentation standards before they are served to guests.
  • Conduct regular taste tests and visual inspections to maintain consistency and quality in food preparation.
  • Identify and correct any issues with food quality, presentation, or preparation.

4. Kitchen Operations and Cleanliness:
  • Maintain a clean and organized workstation throughout the shift, adhering to the resort's cleanliness and sanitation standards.
  • Ensure proper handling and storage of all food products to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.
  • Participate in regular deep-cleaning tasks and assist in maintaining overall kitchen cleanliness.

5. Training and Development:
  • Mentor and train junior kitchen staff, providing guidance on culinary techniques, safety practices, and kitchen operations.
  • Assist in developing training materials and programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the kitchen team.
  • Provide feedback to junior staff to help them improve their performance and advance their culinary careers.

6. Menu Planning and Development:
  • Collaborate with the Sous Chef and Executive Chef to develop new menu items and seasonal specials.
  • Experiment with new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques to create unique and innovative dishes.

7. Other Duties:
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Sous Chef or Executive Chef.
  • Assist with kitchen prep work and close-down procedures at the end of shifts.

Requirements
Essential
  • Knowledge of large volume food preparation.
  • Preferred at least 2 years culinary experience at a Four Diamond Restaurant/Hotel.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • Basic kitchen organizational skills.
  • Ability to comprehend, read, write and speak the English language in order to communicate with co-workers and fully understand job assignments.
  • Basic knowledge in solids and liquids measurement units.
  • Ability to convert units of measure.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
  • Ability to work under pressure and remain calm.

Desirable
  • American Culinary Federation Certified Cook/Culinarian.
  • State Food Handler Certification.
  • Knowledge of CPR or First Aid.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
All employees must learn and comply with all Resort safety rules; must use appropriate safety equipment at all times; must immediately report all unsafe conditions to supervisors; must be familiar with all safety features or equipment, machinery or materials encompassed by job duties; and must check with supervisor if there is a question as to the safe procedure to be used for any job function.
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees or guests.
This description excludes the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
Salary Description
$17 hourly

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