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Cooking Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ...

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ...

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ...

Dishwasher / Cook Helper

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

You will assist in the cooking preparation, dishwashing and cleaning in the restaurant. Responsibilities: * Dishwashing the cooking pots & pans and utensils * Help chefs with food preparation in ...

Dishwasher / Cook Helper

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

You will assist in the cooking preparation, dishwashing and cleaning in the restaurant. Responsibilities: * Dishwashing the cooking pots & pans and utensils * Help chefs with food preparation in ...

Cooking With Gabby is looking for passionate, energetic chefs to join our team and inspire the next ... You'll help children build confidence in the kitchen while teaching healthy eating habits, basic ...

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Cooking Helper information

What is a cooking helper?

Cooking Helpers are kitchen staff who assist chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often help with setting up workstations, measuring ingredients, and ensuring that all necessary items are available for meal preparation. Cooking Helpers play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations efficient and organized, supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooking helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and basic inventory systems are commonly required. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills. These skills are important to ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting kitchen operations and maintaining high standards of hygiene.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking helpers in a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Helpers often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are crucial. Common challenges include managing time efficiently, maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple prep tasks, and communicating clearly with chefs and other team members. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, ask for clarification when needed, and prioritize tasks based on kitchen needs. Building strong teamwork skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or kitchen workflow will help you succeed and grow in this role.

What is the difference between Cooking Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooking HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonNone typically required, on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesCommonly used in hospitality and food service industries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, cleaning, prep work

Both Cooking Helpers and Kitchen Assistants work in similar environments and perform supportive roles in food service. While their responsibilities often overlap, Cooking Helpers typically focus more on assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader support duties, including cleaning and equipment maintenance. Both roles are entry-level and require minimal formal credentials, making them accessible entry points into the culinary industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in California?

For Cooking Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cooking Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cooking Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Bizzell Group
Education • 11 - 50 employees

$17.65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position: Cook Helper

Reports To: Food Services Supervisor

Department: Food Services

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt


Primary Position Objectives

Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.


Position Responsibilities

Administration Procedures

• Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.

• Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized.

• Notify staff of items that need to be replenished and restocked.

• Responsible for helping to rotate perishable items at the end of the shift, to help ensure fresh product.

• Responsible for serving students, staff, and guests in a pleasant, efficient, courteous and professional manner.

• Responsible for assisting with dishes when necessary.

• Responsible for the changing and emptying of trash receptacles.

• Responsible for coming to work neat and clean and in proper attire.

• Be familiar with the communication system in the event of an emergency.

• Responsible for assisting with some programming and activity events when required.

• Assists workers engaged in preparing foods by performing any combination of duties to include washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding vegetables and fruits.

• Cleans, cuts, and grinds meats, poultry, and seafood.

• Dips food items in crumbs, flour, and batter to bread them.

• Stirs and strains soups and sauces. weighs or measures designated ingredients.

• Carry pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, stove, and refrigerator.

• Stores foods in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage.

• Clean and sanitize kitchen and commons area(s), equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers.

• Distributes supplies, utensils, and portable equipment, using hand truck.

• Assists in inventory of expendable and non-expendable supplies and materials.

• Operate kitchen equipment including dishwasher, slicer, mixer, etc.

• Know and follow all safety and sanitary rules and regulations related to food handling.

• Works towards meeting performance standard goals.

• Follows CDSS plan and Code of Conduct system daily.

• Adheres to required property control policies and procedures.

• Maintains good housekeeping/sanitation in all areas and complies with safety practices.

• Complies with all DOL guidelines, OFCCP regulation, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) Bizzell’s policies and procedures, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates and abides by The Bizzell Group’s core values and operating principles.

• Models, mentors, and monitors appropriate career success skills.

• Helps students become more employable through continuous reinforcement.

• Participation in PRH mandated staff training is mandatory. Failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Performance Standards/Results

Effective Communication

• Presents information both clearly and concisely and regularly confirms correct interpretation of information.

• Very high standard of communication skills both written and verbal for the presentation of facts and ideas.

• Shows professional non-verbal body language and actively listens to others.


Organization of Work

• Action oriented. Demonstrates the ability to handle several projects simultaneously with decision making, flexibility, and problem solving.

• Implements the key principles of time management, task allocation and priority assignment in addition to personal organization.

• Shows attention to detail and ability to complete work with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency.

• Continually seek ways to improve employment service provided via development of professional skills and personal growth.


Professionalism

• Demonstrates professional interpersonal skills when interacting with others. Abides by The Bizzell Group’s Healthy Workplace Environment policy.

• Acts as team player and builds professional relationships with coworkers to achieve goals.


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Knowledge of basic sanitation and cleaning procedures.

Ability to work under direction of senior personnel.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

High level of organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.


Experience

One to three months food service/preparation or related experience.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Serve Safe. Valid State Driver’s License.


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; to reach with hands, arms, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to sit; to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; to taste and to smell. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision capabilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Physical stamina required for a full shift of working in an industrial kitchen.


Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in this work environment is moderate to loud.