1

Cooking Assistant Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Delivery Packer/ Prep Cook Assistant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Utilize continuous improvement mindset and assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes ... Prepare ingredients for cooking * Clean and cut or grind meat, fish, poultry and shellfish

Assistant Cook

Astoria, NY · On-site

$21.21/hr

Assistant Cook (Full-Time) - Ravenswood Senior Center Organization: HANAC, Inc. Location: 34-35A ... This role is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving high-quality, nutritious meals to ...

Assistant Cook

Astoria, NY · On-site

$21.21/hr

Assistant Cook (Full-Time) - Ravenswood Senior Center Organization: HANAC, Inc. Location: 34-35A ... This role is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving high-quality, nutritious meals to ...

Assistant Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20.50 - $22.50/hr

Assistant Cook WSFSSH MISSION STATEMENT The mission of WSFSSH is to provide safe, affordable ... At least 6 months of cooking and meal preparation experience PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS * This role may ...

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Coordinate work with other cooks; assist other stations when need arises. Adhere to all food safety and quality regulations as well as restaurant policies and procedures. Keep refrigerators and ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Coordinate work with other cooks; assist other stations when need arises. Adhere to all food safety and quality regulations as well as restaurant policies and procedures. Keep refrigerators and ...

Assistant Cook

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Assistant Cook See attached Effective: 2023-2024 School Year Pending Budgetary Approval Satellite and Assistant Cooks Benefits: * 10 sick days, 3 personal (prorated if hired after September 1) * ...

Showing results 21-40

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 cities near Elizabeth, NJ are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs? Cities near Elizabeth, NJ with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Elizabeth, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Delivery Packer/ Prep Cook Assistant

Nami Nori

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for pulling and packing products for deliveries and providing culinary support to the commissary kitchen. Assisting prep cook as assigned by Chef on Duty.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Pull and pack products for deliveries; label them based on location and priority
  • Fulfill daily order accurately and on time
  • Utilize continuous improvement mindset and assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes.
  • Load and unload up to 50 pounds of products
  • Comply with OSHA and other safety regulations.
  • Pack nori in a quick and efficient manner when assigned by the manager/chef.
  • Assist prep cook as assigned by Chef on Duty
    • Wash, peel, and chop produce
    • Prepare ingredients for cooking
    • Clean and cut or grind meat, fish, poultry and shellfish
  • Maintain cleanliness of all storage areas: dry storage, walk-in cooler, freezers, and other storage areas
  • Maintain sanitation to Department of Health standards
  • Complete opening and closing side work checklist for shift daily
  • Complete deep cleaning projects as assigned each week
  • Assist with washing dishes and cleaning as necessary
  • Perform all other related and compatible duties as assigned by the management team

Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • The ability to lift at least 50 pounds on a regular basis
  • The ability to bend, stoop, stand and perform extensive walking for 6-10 hours a day
  • The ability to go up and down stairs multiple times per day
  • Adaptable in fast-paced and challenging work environment
  • Organized approach to projects
  • Able to take and give direction
  • Able to approach their work with a sense of ownership and work with a sense of urgency
  • Ability to perform essential job functions under pressure, maintain professionalism when working under stress
  • Polished personal presentation; grooming meets Company standards, as outlined by Employee Handbook
  • Strict adherence to posted schedule and clock in/out at times
  • Communicate information effectively and efficiently
  • Attends all mandatory meetings
  • Adhere to all HR policies and guidelines

Salary Description
$18-$20/hour