1

Cooking Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$26/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 ...

Line Cook

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Follow all food safety, handling, and sanitation standards. * Assist with receiving, storing, and rotating food supplies. * Work collaboratively with other cooks and kitchen staff to meet service ...

Cook PT

Charlotte Hall, MD · On-site

$16/hr

The Cook will wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and equipment, returning them to proper storage areas as requested, and assist in the proper receiving, rotating, and storage of food and supplies.

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20/hr

Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and connection to others? At Charter Senior ... diets * Assist with kitchen cleanliness and organization * Maintain proper food storage and ...

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$16.50/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$17 - $18/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Showing results 41-60

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, DC?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Line Cook

First Batch

Washington, DC • On-site

$26/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

District Winery--Line Cook
District Winery is a people-first organization. We are a boutique urban winery that prides ourselves in providing high touch hospitality experiences both for our colleagues and our guests. We believe in seasonality, relevancy, authenticity, and soulful hospitality. We believe in the beauty of expertly crafted wines and how they pair with delicious food.
We are searching for team members who are committed to working as hospitality professionals. People who deeply care about creating a friendly, warm experience for our guests. People who live and breathe passion for food and wine. People that love to learn, share, and tell others about their stories and adventures. If you have the same passion for people, good food, and great wine, then we want you to join our team!
Position Summary
An Line Cook is responsible for preparing food to the exact chef's specifications and assisting the executive and sous chefs with their daily tasks. Cooks work in close collaboration with kitchen staff and must adhere to established health and safety standards. Cooks also help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.
Responsibilities
Food Preparation:
  • Prepare ingredients for cooking, including washing, peeling, cutting, portioning, chopping, and storing food
  • Weigh, measure, mix and prepare food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards and food preparation checklist
  • 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, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies and procedures

Cooking & Plating:
  • Familiarity with Grill Station, Sauté Station, Garde Manger Station
  • Execute dishes according to recipe, presentation, and timing standards.
    Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality, and in a timely fashion
  • Maintain consistency in flavor, texture, and appearance of all plated food
  • Coordinate with other cooks to ensure orders are completed efficiently and accurately.

Food Safety & Operations:
  • Comply with food handling and sanitation regulations and safety standards
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work station area
  • Assist with shift changeover to ensure orders are filled before leaving
  • Follow the opening and closing checklists for kitchen stations
  • Assist with kitchen inventory and food storage
  • Operate kitchen equipment and use kitchen tools
  • Stock and put away inventory

Team Support:
  • Attend all scheduled employee meetings and training sessions
  • Attend professional training sessions as required
  • Communicate shortages or issues with product quality to the chef team
  • Communicate prep list, product needs, work performed or work needed to the chef team or via prep / production sheet
  • In the moment of the service or plate ups following the direction of leaderships, all issues and concerns can be addressed after the service
  • Ability to assist and produce quality family meal for the team
  • Potentially assist in washing dishes and equipment based on business volume and availability of stewards
  • Ability to adapt to special guest requests including but not limited to allergies and aversions
  • Other duties as assigned

District Winery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.