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Cooking Job Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$23/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$23/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Cook

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME

$20 - $25/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Cook

Falmouth, ME

$20 - $25/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$23/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Cooking experience in a healthcare, institutional, or commercial kitchen preferred * Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices * Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Cook - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cooking experience in a healthcare, institutional, or commercial kitchen preferred * Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices * Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment.What You'll Do: Prepare and serve meals ...

Cook - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cooking experience in a healthcare, institutional, or commercial kitchen preferred * Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices * Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment.What You'll Do: Prepare and serve meals ...

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Prepare food items for cooking, such as chopping vegetables, preparing sauces, and marinating meats * Assemble dishes for cooking, such as measuring and mixing ingredients * Follow recipes and ...

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Prepare food items for cooking, such as chopping vegetables, preparing sauces, and marinating meats * Assemble dishes for cooking, such as measuring and mixing ingredients * Follow recipes and ...

Cook

Bath, ME · On-site

$19/hr

As a Cook on our team, you will prepare and serve appetizing meals while ensuring dietary needs and preferences are met. Your culinary skills will contribute to creating a positive dining experience ...

Weekend Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Experience in kitchen preparation and cooking, preferred. * Ability to secure appropriate food handler permits as required by local ordinances within two (2) weeks of first day of employment. Key ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Job information

See Portland, ME salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in Portland, ME is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in a cooking job, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What is the difference between Cooking Job vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCooking JobFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsNone required, culinary training preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood processing plants, kitchens, cafeterias
Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceUsed in food manufacturing and institutional settings
Job FocusPreparing and cooking mealsPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes

Cooking jobs primarily involve preparing and cooking meals in restaurants or catering settings, often requiring culinary skills and training. Food preparation workers focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, typically in food manufacturing or institutional environments. While both roles involve food handling, cooking jobs emphasize culinary techniques, whereas food prep roles concentrate on ingredient preparation.

What is a cooking job?

Cooking jobs involve preparing, cooking, and presenting food in various settings such as restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and private homes. People in these roles may work as chefs, cooks, line cooks, or kitchen assistants, and are responsible for following recipes, ensuring food safety, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Cooking jobs often require creativity, efficiency, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during busy meal times. Depending on the position, formal culinary training or on-the-job experience may be necessary.

What are some common challenges faced by cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Cooks in busy kitchens often face challenges such as managing time efficiently during rush periods, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling multiple orders simultaneously. Strong communication with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff is crucial for smooth service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common, requiring flexibility and a calm demeanor under pressure.

What are popular job titles related to Cooking Job jobs in Portland, ME?

For Cooking Job jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooking Job jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooking Job jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Cooking Job jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Cooking Job job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,416 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Healthcare Services Group rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 479 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 254 rated facilities management


Job description

Overview
Role: Cook
Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and enhancing customer and resident experiences, join us and make a difference!
Pay Rate
Starting from USD $23.00/Hr.
Available Benefits for All Employees
  • Free Telemedicine*
  • Free Prescription Discount Program
  • Free Employee Assistance Programs
  • Get paid when you need it with PNC EarnedIt
  • Financial Wellness Support from PNC Workplace Banking
  • Hands-on-Training & Support
  • Career Development

Benefits Link
Click here for more benefits information
or copy this link: https://go-internal.hcsgcorp.com/l/1036773/2025-07-02/5xbpsq/1036773/17514637576MrQym5A/Employee_Benefits_for_Job_Descriptions__7_.pdf
*Not available in AR.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus and recipes.
  • Ensure food quality, taste, and presentation meet HCSG standards.
  • Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen.
  • Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies.
  • Interact positively with residents, staff, and guests, providing excellent customer service.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred.
  • Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and effectively communicate with building occupants, administration, and HCSG leadership to perform daily tasks.
  • Compliance with COVID-19 vaccination policies
  • Must be able to lift/carry a maximum of 50 pounds, push/pull a maximum of 50 pounds, stand, sit, bend and walk for extended periods.
  • Must be able to perform routine, repetitive tasks continuously.
  • Must be able to work around food and cleaning products.
  • May be required to complete an approved sanitation and safety course.
  • Current ServSafe or Food Handler certification is required based on State / County law.
  • Residency within the service area required

Ready to Join Us?
If you're looking for a role where you can contribute to serving delicious meals and be part of a supportive and dedicated team, apply now and start making a difference at HCSG!
Additional Pay Information
Offered hourly rates for this position are determined based on applicant qualifications, experience, education, and the specific needs, aspects, operational considerations, and requirements of the facility serviced.
EEO Statement
HCSG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work for a culturally inclusive team. We offer equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, ethnicity, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, political opinions or affiliations, veteran status, or other legally protected classes. HCSG also complies with applicable state and local laws and federal law requirements that govern nondiscrimination in every location where we operate.

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