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Cooking Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Iroquois Job Corps

Cook Asst. On Call

Medina, NY · On-site

$19/hr

... cooking, preparing meals, and working in a fast-paced kitchen? Iroquois Job Corps is seeking an On-Call Cook Assistant to help provide nutritious, high-quality meals to our students while gaining ...

CENTRO DE LA FAMILIA DE UTAH

Cook Assistant

Centerfield, UT · On-site

$13.34 - $17.53/hr

Cook Assistant Are you ready to spice up your career? We're on the lookout for a dynamic individual to join our Centro de la Familia Food Services team. Overview: Assist the Head Start Center's Food ...

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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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs?

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What states have the most Cooking Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cooking Assistant jobs include:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Cook Assistant - Hutchinson, MN

Hutchinson Public Schools

Hutchinson, MN • On-site

$18.93/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Hutchinson Public Schools is seeking a Cook Assistant at West Elementary to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. 

The Cook Assistant will assist  in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of planned nutritional meals in a team environment and efficient manner. The Cook Assistant is responsible for providing each student and staff member the opportunity to receive a nutritious meal in an atmosphere of cleanliness, cheerfulness, and personal caring. In accordance with the District Mission statement in an effort to continually improve Child Nutrition Department services.Enjoy a purposeful, active and rewarding career. Inspire and educate students on healthier food choices to improve their  lifestyle habits for a better future. 
This position will work 179 days per year, 6 hours per day. The salary range for this position is $18.93 per hour - $21.43 per hour. Salary is dependent upon education and experience.
Qualifications: 



  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Required, hold or acquire Food Protection Manager's Certification
  • Earn School Nutrition Association Level 1 and maintain.

Benefits:

  • Paid Holidays
  • Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan with employer contribution
  • Training reimbursement:   
    • Up to $100 per year to obtain and maintain Level I, II, or III food service certification.
    • Must be able to complete ServSafe, attain Food Protection Manager's certificate and SNA level training. Ample time is provided to attain certifications.
  • $350 uniform allowance each school year
  • Receive a free lunch each day

Please submit your online application atwww.isd423.org/employment, job #2439. Questions? Contact Lesli Mueller, Director of Child Nutrition atlesli.mueller@isd423.org
Employment with Hutchinson Public Schools is contingent upon a satisfactory pre-employment background check, approval of the school board, and verification of meeting the qualifications above.



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