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Cooking Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Serrato Corp.

Cook Helper

Blue Ridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ... Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ...

Serrato Corporation

Cook Helper

Marion, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ... Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ...

Serrato Corporation

Cook Helper

Marion, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.Brief Description of Duties Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.Responsible to help ...

CAVA Table

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA

Cook

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA Table

Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA - Virginia

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA - Alexandria

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA - Virginia

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Palmetto Goodwill

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Maintain all work areas, equipment and cooking utensils in a clean and sanitary condition. Taste ... Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers. * Ensure bake products are served according to ...

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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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

Cooking Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Cook Helper

Serrato Corp.

Blue Ridge, VA • On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Primary Position Objectives

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

Brief Description of Duties
  • 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) Serrato policies and procedures, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrates and abides by Serrato Corporation'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.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Knowledge of basic sanitation and cleaning procedures.
  • Knowledge of general kitchen equipment and appliances.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work under direction of senior personnel.
  • High level of organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Experience

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

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Certificates/Licenses/Registration
  • NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Safe Serve.
  • Valid State Driver's License

Benefits Offered
  • Paid Short Term / Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance.
  • Health care insurance available (medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, HSA, and FSA)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Counseling Service Programs Available

Disclaimers
  • Serrato Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

  • Serrato Corporation conducts background checks and drug screens.

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