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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Vancouver, WA (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Cook

Portland, OR

$21/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with daily meal preparation, including food prep, cooking, and plating as needed. * Support batch cooking activities to ensure meals are prepared efficiently and on schedule ...

Greenridge Estates Operating, LLC

Cook

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... * Assist the Dining Room Attendants in serving, cleaning up, dishwashing, and reseting after each ... SHIFTS OF A COOK Our Cook shifts run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This schedule enables our cooks to be ...

Sapphire at The Butte

Cook

Gresham, OR

$14.75 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

Greenridge Estates Assisted Living

Cook

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... * Assist the Dining Room Attendants in serving, cleaning up, dishwashing, and reseting after each ... SHIFTS OF A COOK Our Cook shifts run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This schedule enables our cooks to be ...

AC By Marriott Vancouver Waterfront

Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... cooking abilities. Benefits * * Competitive Pay * Medical Insurance * Dental * Vision * Referral Bonus * Holiday Pay * Matching 401K * Employee Assistant Program * Investment in Career Growth and ...

Sapphire at Gateway Care Center

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

AC By Marriott Vancouver Waterfront

Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... cooking abilities. Benefits * * Competitive Pay * Medical Insurance * Dental * Vision * Referral Bonus * Holiday Pay * Matching 401K * Employee Assistant Program * Investment in Career Growth and ...

Sapphire at Fernhill

Cook

Portland, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

AC By Marriott Vancouver Waterfront

Cook

Vancouver, WA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... cooking abilities. Benefits * * Competitive Pay * Medical Insurance * Dental * Vision * Referral Bonus * Holiday Pay * Matching 401K * Employee Assistant Program * Investment in Career Growth and ...

Sapphire at Fernhill

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred.

Sapphire at The Butte

Cook

Gresham, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred

Sapphire at Gateway Care Center

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.50 - $24/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred

Sapphire at Fernhill

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.50 - $24/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment * Assist with inventory, stock ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living, or food service setting preferred

SYNDICATE Beaverton

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$19/hr

Monitor inventory levels and assist with stock rotation and supply orders. * Bring creativity and ... Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations. * Ability to work ...

Cascade AIDS Project

Kitchen Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.17/hr

The Kitchen Assistant's Pay increases with tenure and the top of the pay scale is $27.16. This is a ... Cooks and trains in short order and meal service cooking for 20 meals per service * Communicate ...

CASCADE AIDS PROJECT

Kitchen Assistant

Portland, OR

$23.17/hr

The Kitchen Assistant's Pay increases with tenure and the top of the pay scale is $27.16. This is a ... Cooks and trains in short order and meal service cooking for 20 meals per service * Communicate ...

McLoughlin Place Senior Living

Cook

Oregon City, OR

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment, including all equipment and prep areas * Assist in ... for cooking and service to a team that values excellence, teamwork, and creating meaningful ...

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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 Vancouver, WA?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Vancouver, WA are:

What cities near Vancouver, WA are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities near Vancouver, WA with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Vancouver, WA 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.

Assistant Cook

Support For Early Learning & Families

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$18.41 - $19.34/hr

Other

Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare, deliver, and serve nutritious meals and snacks within the child care center.

  • Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment and facilities in accordance with regulations.

  • Maintain record-keeping related to food service and compliance with applicable regulations.

Job description

Description
Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) seeks an experienced, engaging, and dedicated Assistant Cook to join our educational community. This is a part-time, non-exempt position reporting directly to the Center Director. This position is based in Vancouver, WA.
Who is SELF?
Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) is a nonprofit organization founded in response to the question, "How can we work to improve opportunities for our community's children?" This question is at the heart of the work that we do.
SELF Mission:
Support for Early Learning & Families envisions a Southwest Washington where every child thrives through equitable access to quality, affordable early care and education-powered by a united community of families, educators, leaders, and advocates.
We work in partnership with the Educational Service District (ESD) 112 to staff and facilitate numerous childcare centers in the southwest Washington area. Our programs are designed to support children at ages ranging from birth, to preschool, to school age. We have program types to support children of all backgrounds and needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a community that helps our mission by helping each other.
To learn more about SELF, we invite you to visit our website: www.SELFwa.org
Job Title: Assistant Cook
Employment Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Center Director
Supervises: N/A
About the Assistant Cook Position:
Under the supervision of the Center Director the Assistant Cook is responsible for the safe preparation, delivery, and service of nutritious meals and snacks within the child care Center. They are accountable for cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities, record-keeping and other related duties as required in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and other applicable federal, state and local regulations and guidelines.
What could you bring to SELF?
  • Energetic, and mission-focused with a passion for early childhood development, learning and fun!
  • Professional and positive disposition that demonstrates a strong work ethic, integrity and reliability.
  • Passionate about supporting the growth and development of children through child-lead programming
  • Collaborative, positive, and team oriented.
  • Proactive in actively contributing to the learning and work environment and demonstrating the ability to handle multiple priorities and emergent program needs.
  • Appreciation for and commitment to supporting children and families with diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
  • Interest in professional development and growth.

What could SELF offer you?
  • A competitive compensation package with an hourly position range. This position is eligible for overtime.
  • A 401(k)-retirement savings plan with up to 2.5% employer match.
  • Sick Time Accrual
  • Paid holidays
  • Life Insurance- $10,000.
  • The general work schedule is Monday through Friday business hours, with some work hour flexibility as needed.
  • Availability is requested occasionally for paid in-service meetings or professional development events, or other work needs.
  • Discounted childcare for preschool and school-aged children.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Quarterly passes to Columbia Sportswear and Adidas employee store.
  • A collaborative, mission-focused organizational culture with continuous professional development opportunities.
  • An opportunity to make a difference in our community!

Qualifications and Skills:
  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and within a team.
  • Ability to follow directions and be flexible in the completion of assigned tasks.
  • Ability to work an opening or closing shift, depending on the need.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, busy environment with constant interruptions, while maintaining a focus on efficient and safe meal preparation to meet program requirements.
  • Ability to operate a variety of kitchen appliances and instruments including cutters, knives, mixers, and ovens safely.
  • Must present a professional and orderly demeanor in behavior and dress.
  • Experience working with children and in a food setting.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds of families served.
  • Knowledge of USDA regulations and record-keeping requirements preferred.

Employment Requirements:
  • Successful completion of a portable background check (PBC) and clearance through the Department of Children Youth and Families prior to working in program.
  • Valid Food Handler's Card required prior to working in program.
  • Negative TB test completed within the previous twelve months prior to working in program.
  • Documentation showing immunity to Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR), either vaccination records or results of a Titer test prior to working in program.
  • Completion of HIV/Blood Borne Pathogens training prior to working in program.
  • Valid Oregon or Washington State driver's license, a record of no DWI convictions or other violations which have resulted in the suspension or revocation of a driver's license in the preceding three years, and proof of automobile insurance as mandated by Washington State law.
  • Ready access to a personal, legally licensed motor vehicle.

Requirements
Agency Coordinated:
Enrollment in DCYF background check system - https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister - FREE
A valid WA Food Handlers Card. More information: https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/
Completion of Washington State HIV/Blood Borne Pathogens - FREE
Participation in Washington's State Training and Registry System (STARS) program required - (enroll within 45 days of hire date)
Health and Safety Requirements - All Initial Health and Safety Requirements are Agency Funded and Facilitated:
  • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test - Valid testing within previous 12 months.
  • Documented immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).

Application Process:
For consideration, please complete the application at on our website www.SELFwa.org
Reference and background checks are conducted with finalist candidate(s) as part of our interview process. The Assistant Cook position is available immediately and will remain open until it is filled.
SELF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic. Our organization is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

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