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Cooking Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Hermantown ISD 700

3.5 Hour Cooks Helper

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.40/hr

Hermantown Community Schools ISD #700 is seeking a Cook's Helper for 3.5 hours per day, 5 days per week. Requirements include a Minnesota Criminal Background Check. Posted until filled. Pay Rate: $20 ...

Forest Lake Schools

Long Hour Cook Helper

Forest Lake, MN · On-site

$17.98 - $21.78/hr

Long-Hour Cook Helper LOCATION: Wyoming Elementary School Work Schedule: 4 hrs/day, 5 days/wk, 187 days/yr CLASSIFICATION: A12 STARTING RATE OF PAY/RANGE: $17.98 -21.78 LINK TO BENEFITS & OTHER ...

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Cooking Helper information

What are Cooking Helpers?

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 is a cook's helper called?

A cook's helper is often called a kitchen assistant or food prep worker. They assist chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and supporting cooking tasks, often working under supervision in a restaurant or food service environment.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, no formal education is usually required, but basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety are beneficial. Employers often look for reliability, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level positions can improve chances of employment.

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 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 does a kitchen helper do?

A kitchen helper assists with basic food preparation, cleaning, and organizing in a kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, chop ingredients, and support cooks to ensure smooth kitchen operations, often working under supervision and following safety standards.

How much is the salary of a kitchen helper?

The salary of a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and establishment. Some positions may offer additional benefits or opportunities for advancement based on skills and performance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota? For Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Cooking Helper jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Cooking Helper job openings:
Cooking Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Long Hour Cook Helper

Forest Lake Schools

Forest Lake, MN

$17.98 - $21.78/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

"Excellence for Every Student, Every Day", is the vision at Forest Lake Area School District, home of the Rangers. Located in the scenic northeastern suburbs of the Twin Cities, we are committed to providing an exceptional education that empowers students to learn, grow and chart their own path to a fulfilling future. With a strong focus on academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, the district provides an exceptional educational experience throughout our schools. As an employer, Forest Lake Area Schools values passionate, dedicated educators and support staff who are eager to make a positive impact on the lives of students. If you're looking for a rewarding career in a dynamic, collaborative environment, the Forest Lake Area School District offers opportunities for growth, professional development, and a chance to be part of a thriving educational community. Come and see why we are The Place to Be.

Forest Lake Area School District is currently seeking applicants for the position of Long Hour Cook Helper to start August 19, 2026.

POSITION: Long Hour Cook Helper LOCATION: Forest Lake Area Middle School WORK SCHEDULE: 5.5 hours/day, 5 days/week, and 178 days/year CLASSIFICATION: A12 STARTING RATE OF PAY/RANGE: $17.98 -21.78 LINK TO BENEFITS & OTHER COMPENSATION: Nutrition Service Agreement

Job Description:

Reports to:  Cook Manager

Responsible for assisting Cook Manager in preparing, serving, and clean-up duties.

  • Assists in the preparation of food items according to standardized recipes and preparation instructions for the regular and alternate menus.
  • Assists in setting up and maintaining the quantity and quality of the food on the serving line.  Assists in serving food to students and staff in appropriate portions and manner.
  • Assists in baking activities of food items for the lunch menu.
  • Assists in a variety of cashier activities:

Handles money/checks from students/staff.

Responds to routine questions and requests.

Assists in maintaining records.

Assists in balancing revenue reports.

Assists with accountability as needed.

As assigned, it operates concession stands.

  • Assists in food service cleanup activities:

Operates dishwasher, collects, loads, and washes dirty dishes, utensils and pans.

Puts away dishes, utensils, pans, napkins, supplies, and leftover food items.

Wipes off tables and counters and sanitizes service equipment.

  • Assists in miscellaneous duties such as filling in for other employees, maintaining records, putting away food and supplies, assisting with special events, etc.
  • Assists in the preparation of food items for special events.
  • Performs related work as apparent or assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

    Specific training or job experience

    Within one year of start date, Basic Fundamentals Certificate required

    Housekeeping and clean up skills

Physical Requirements:

    Must be in good physical health and condition.

    Must be able to lift a minimum of 25#.

    Must be able to be on your feet 4 6 hours at one time.

    Must be able to lift, reach, bend, stretch, and squat.

Work hours can range from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm

Application Deadline:  Until Filled

Contact:  Paige Albrecht  651-982-8395

*All job offers from Forest Lake Area School District are conditioned upon passing a pre-employment criminal background check and ISD 831 School Board approval.

APPLY ON-LINE: flaschools.org/employment


 



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