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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Bolingbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

Working onsite in Bolingbrook, IL, the Cook will collaborate with the culinary team to prep, cook, and assist with daily kitchen operations as needed for catering schedules. Key Responsibilities

Cook

La Grange, IL · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Cook Positions

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Previous cooking or food preparation experience preferred * Ability to work flexible hours ... Clean and sanitize workstations, equipment, and kitchen areas after events. * Assist with inventory ...

Cook

La Grange, IL · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Cook

Elgin, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

... and cooking a wide variety of meals for our residents and guests. You will be part of a dynamic ... Ensure all food is prepared and served safely and in a timely manner * Assist with inventory ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... * Assist with prep and event work * Portion food products prior to cooking according to standard portions sizes and recipe specifications * Understand portions sizes, cooking methods, ingredients ...

New

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Showing results 21-40

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 cities near Bolingbrook, IL are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities near Bolingbrook, IL with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Bolingbrook, IL 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 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Job description

The Cafe Assistant completes a variety of tasks to ensure Green Tomato Cafe guests are well served and cafe processes run smoothly. These tasks include, but are not limited to: cashier, busser, dishwasher and cook duties. This team member will serve wherever needed for the Green Tomato Cafe team.

Additionally, the Cafe Assistant will provide periodic support to the Conference Center for events. To be successful in this position a positive, team-oriented attitude that centers around guest satisfaction will be required. The Cafe Assistant will report to the Cafe Manager.