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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Cook

Hampden Sydney, VA · On-site

$15/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 ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook

Mouth Of Wilson, VA

$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 ...

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

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 ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Cook II

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$20.41/hr

... cooking throughout the meal as directed by Cook I to ensure freshness and quality of food served. * Replenish food items in the steam tables or cold bars as required during service. * Assist on Food ...

Tazza Kitchen

Line Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... cooking techniques * adhering to standards of quality, sanitation and safety protocols * cross training in all stations - salad, sauté, plancha and wood oven * assist with inventory management ...

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All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Virginia

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.

Cook

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Hampden Sydney, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Meriwether Godsey is looking for a Full-time Cook responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals and special events at a private men's college located in Farmville, VA.
-Must be available as follows: Sunday through Saturday, rotating closing shifts
-Pay rate: $15 per hour

What you will do:

  • Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, cereals, soups, sauces, fruits, bread, desserts, and other food items
  • Prepare items in batches as close to serving time as possible to ensure quality and limit over-production using good judgment in timing to ensure service without interruption
  • Follow recipes and recommend changes in recipes and cooking methods to improve products and ensure the highest quality food preparation and presentation
  • Cook, maintain, and store all foods at/the required temperatures
  • Take and record temperatures, following all required food handling and sanitation standards to ensure food safety
  • Maintain accurate records of production amounts, attendance & leftover amounts to assist in efficient forecasting information
  • Assist with the organization and sanitation of coolers, freezers, and storerooms: all items covered, labeled, and dated
  • Attend production meetings daily, offering input concerning leftover utilization, efficiency, product quality, etc.
  • Perform all duties by food safety and sanitation best practices
  • Other duties, as assigned

What you need:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Prior experience as a restaurant line and contract dining cook preferred
  • ServSafe® Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment
  • Experience with high-volume food service operations, preferably in school environments
  • Ability to measure products and convert units of measure
  • High levels of professionalism, strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skill
  • Flexibility: ability to switch between locations and job duties
  • Growing knowledge of sustainable practices

What you will get:

  • Competitive Pay, Uniforms, Meals, Training and Mentorship, and Benefits (Health, Vision, Dental, etc.)

Meriwether Godsey offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement. The work environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and high-energy. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page

Enjoy a people- and food-focused environment where you have the opportunity to make a difference every day and advance your career. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Farmville, Virginia market!

Meriwether Godsey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.