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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Willimantic, CT (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Bozrah, CT · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... Food preparation and proper storage * Assist maintaining all health code regulations in kitchen

Cook

Bozrah, CT · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... Food preparation and proper storage * Assist maintaining all health code regulations in kitchen

CNL Lead Cook

New London, CT · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

... * Assist with receiving and proper storage of food deliveries when needed. * Train new kitchen employees on cooking techniques, safety procedures, equipment use, and company policies. * Ensure ...

CNL Lead Cook

New London, CT · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

... * Assist with receiving and proper storage of food deliveries when needed. * Train new kitchen employees on cooking techniques, safety procedures, equipment use, and company policies. * Ensure ...

Cook

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$24/hr

... • Assist with prep work, including chopping, portioning, and ingredient preparation. • ... Qualifications: • Prior kitchen or line cook experience required. • Ability to work efficiently ...

Line Cook

West Greenwich, RI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... cooking stations with necessary ingredients and equipment Ensure food is cooked and presented ... Assist with food prep such as chopping vegetables, portioning meats, and preparing sauces ...

Cook

Windsor, CT

$14 - $18.75/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 ...

Line Cook

Mansfield Center, CT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, strong attention to detail, and the ability to ... Adapt to changing menus, food requests, and special dietary needs. * Assist in training new kitchen ...

Line Cook

Mansfield, CT · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, strong attention to detail, and the ability to ... Adapt to changing menus, food requests, and special dietary needs. * Assist in training new kitchen ...

Cook

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... • Assist with prep work, including chopping, portioning, and ingredient preparation. • ... Qualifications: • Prior kitchen or line cook experience required. • Ability to work efficiently ...

Cook

Woodstock Valley, CT · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Recognize and respond effectively to any hazardous situation. * Assist in maintaining premier ... Three years experience cooking in an institutional setting. * Knowledge of all areas of Health ...

Cook Healthcare Dining

Manchester, CT

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

We are especially interested in candidates with cooking experience in nursing homes, hospitals ... Maintain proper food temperatures and sanitation standards * Assist with special events and catered ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT

$17 - $17.19/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$17 - $17.19/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Prep Cook

Manchester, CT

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Responsibilities Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of ... Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service.

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Grill Cook

Storrs, CT · On-site

$16.94 - $19/hr

Monitor food temperatures and cooking times to ensure food safety and quality. * Prepare ... General Manager / Assistant Manager

New

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$17 - $17.19/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

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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 Willimantic, CT are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs? Cities near Willimantic, CT with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Willimantic, CT 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Cook
Location: Elmbrook village
What Makes This Location Special- Full time and Part time
Daily Pay Available!
We are seeking a cook to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work on their feet for extended periods of time. Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position.
Why Join New Horizon Foods?
When you join our team, you're not just cooking-you're caring. You'll be part of a supportive, mission-driven company that values teamwork, integrity, and a passion for service. We take pride in serving communities across the country, and we're looking for cooks who care as much as we do.
New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to the location and client. We have been in operation for over 30 years and are currently in more than 10 states.
Our employees are our greatest asset and reason for our success. Great employees make great experiences.
Benefits:
  • Flexible hours
  • NO Late Nights!
  • Ability to advance in the company
  • Health benefits for Full Time employees
  • PTO for Full Time employees
Responsibilities:
  • Meal preparation
  • Food preparation and proper storage
  • Assist maintaining all health code regulations in kitchen
  • Ensure that all food is presented in an attractive and appetizing manner
  • Provide excellent customer service to residents and guests
  • Assist with cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen and dining areas
  • Follow all safety and sanitation procedures
Requirements:
  • Positive attitude and excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work on feet for extended periods of time
  • Ability to follow recipes
  • Understanding of basic cooking techniques
  • Reliable means of transportation to and from work
  • No experience required

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.