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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Floating Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

... assist at our accounts, in the DC/NOVA/MD area. As a member of our Team, you will be responsible for working alongside Executive Chefs for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals ...

New

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Floating Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$25/hr

... assist at our accounts, in the DC/NOVA/MD area. As a member of our Team, you will be responsible for working alongside Executive Chefs for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals ...

New

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Floating Cook

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$25/hr

... assist at our accounts, in the DC/NOVA/MD area. As a member of our Team, you will be responsible for working alongside Executive Chefs for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals ...

New

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Floating Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$25/hr

... assist at our accounts, in the DC/NOVA/MD area. As a member of our Team, you will be responsible for working alongside Executive Chefs for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals ...

New

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Floating Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

... assist at our accounts, in the DC/NOVA/MD area. As a member of our Team, you will be responsible for working alongside Executive Chefs for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals ...

New

The Greene Turtle

Cook

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/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 ...

DIMENSION MASTER

COOK

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

You love the craft of cooking. You thrive in the rhythm of a busy kitchen, take pride in every ... Communicate with the kitchen team during service * Assist with inventory, labeling, and storage

Moby Dick House of Kabob

Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.50/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 ...

The Greene Turtle

Cook

Olney, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/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 ...

The Greene Turtle

Cook

Hanover, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

The Greene Turtle

Cook

College Park, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

The Greene Turtle

Cook

Edgewater, MD · On-site

$13.50 - $18/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 ...

The Greene Turtle

Cook

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

The Greene Turtle

Cook

Columbia, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.75/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 ...

Buffalo Wing Factory

Line Cook

Sterling, 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

Ashburn, 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 ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Washington

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 Washington?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Floating Cook

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Meriwether Godsey is looking for a Floating Cook to assist at our accounts, in the DC/NOVA/MD area. As a member of our Team, you will be responsible for working alongside Executive Chefs for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals and special events.

  • $25 an hour
  • Availability during the weekdays and weekends
  • Free Meals and Uniforms
  • Free Parking


What the Floating Cook will do:

  • Participate in the preparation, cooking, and portioning of large quantities of meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, cereals, soups, sauces, fruits, breads, 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/to 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 & left-over 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 in accordance with food safety and sanitation best practices
  • Other duties, as assigned

What the Floating Cook will need:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 5 years of proven experience as a restaurant line and/or contract dining cook
  • ServSafe® Certification and Allertrain or the 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
  • Knife handling knowledge and experience with braising, steaming, and roasting
  • High levels of professionalism, strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Flexibility; ability to switch between locations and job duties
  • Ability to work independently
  • Growing knowledge of sustainable practices

What the Floating Cook will get:

  • Competitive Pay, Uniforms, Meals, Training, 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. Cultivate your culinary skills with a value-based company that prides itself on growing great talent.

Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page

Enjoy a small, community-focused environment where you may grow your leadership and hospitality skills, and your career opportunities with an employee-owned, value-based company. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Metro DC market!

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




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