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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Union, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Dartcor

On-Call Event Cook

Whippany, NJ · On-site

$30/hr

Prepare and execute menu items according to company recipes and standards Assist with event production, packaging, and transportation of food and equipment Set up and operate on-site cooking, carving ...

Nami Nori

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

HANAC, Inc.

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 ...

HANAC, Inc.

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 ...

WEST SIDE FED SR.SUP

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 ...

New Brunswick Public Schools

Assistant Cook

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Job Title: 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 ...

Brine Fire Grilled Chicken

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY

$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 ...

New Brunswick Public Schools

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) * ...

Brine Fire Grilled Chicken

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 ...

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All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Union, NJ

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 Union, NJ are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs? Cities near Union, NJ with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:
Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Union, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

On-Call Event Cook

Dartcor

Whippany, NJ • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Us:

Ōme Caterers is proud to be part of the Dartcor Enterprises family — a purpose-led organization redefining hospitality as a force for connection, culture, and community. Alongside our sister brands, Dartcor Hospitality and Chelsea Hospitality, we're part of a broader ecosystem that brings hospitality to life across workplace, event, and dining experiences.

We are seeking skilled, dependable, and team-oriented Cooks to join our on-call events team. This position is ideal for culinary professionals who enjoy working in a dynamic event environment and are passionate about preparing and presenting high-quality food for a variety of occasions.

What You'll Do:

Event Cooks assist with food preparation, production, transportation, on-site finishing, and service support for corporate events, weddings, social gatherings, and special events. This role requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to perform efficiently in both commissary and off-site event settings.

Responsibilities:

Prepare and execute menu items according to company recipes and standards

Assist with event production, packaging, and transportation of food and equipment

Set up and operate on-site cooking, carving, buffet, and station equipment as needed

Maintain food quality, presentation, and temperature standards throughout service

Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures

Assist with loading, unloading, and breakdown of event equipment and supplies

Maintain a clean and organized work area before, during, and after events

Work collaboratively with chefs, captains, servers, and other event staff

Requirements

What We Need From You:

Prior cooking experience required; catering, banquet, or event experience preferred

Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices

Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining quality standards

Ability to follow recipes, production schedules, and chef direction

Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

Must have reliable transportation, as this position requires travel to various event venues throughout the region

Dependable, punctual, and able to work both independently and as part of a team

Availability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays

Benefits

What You'll Get From Us:

Flexible, on-call scheduling

Opportunities to work a variety of corporate, social, wedding, and private events

Travel stipend provided for events located more than 30 miles from the employee's home base

Compensation: $30.00 per hour

We are looking for culinary professionals who take pride in their craft, work well under pressure, and are committed to delivering exceptional food experiences at every event.