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Cooking Job Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Cape Elizabeth, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking experience is preferred * Must provide proof of immunization/immunity to MMR, Varicella and Influenza. * Strong command of the English language with the ability to follow oral and written ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$22 - $26.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join the kitchen staff in preparing and cooking food for our residents. * Build positive relationships with residents, employees and coworkers. * Understand that dining in the restaurant-style ...

Cook/Chef No late nights!

Saco, ME · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Know how to plan menus, prepare food, and use different cooking methods. * Organize time well and pay attention to details. * Commit to maintaining high-quality standards. * Know food safety rules ...

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Preparation, cooking, and service of a variety of foods * General cleaning up of kitchen * Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies * Coordinate dietary service with other ...

As a Cook you are responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for our residents; dining services are available seven days a week, featuring themed dinners, carving stations, and dessert ...

Cook

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

As a Cook you are responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for our residents; dining services are available seven days a week, featuring themed dinners, carving stations, and dessert ...

Line Cook (Cook I)

Auburn, ME · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Line Cook (Cook I) Location: Auburn, ME Job Category: Back of House / Culinary Operations Position Overview Lost Valley Brew Pub is seeking a reliable and experienced Line Cook to join our kitchen ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Join the kitchen staff in preparing and cooking food for our residents. * Build positive relationships with residents, employees and coworkers. * Understand that dining in the restaurant-style ...

Cook

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook you are responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for our residents; dining services are available seven days a week, featuring themed dinners, carving stations, and dessert ...

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Preparation, cooking, and service of a variety of foods * General cleaning up of kitchen * Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies * Coordinate dietary service with other ...

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Preparation, cooking, and service of a variety of foods * General cleaning up of kitchen * Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies * Coordinate dietary service with other ...

Cook

Cape Elizabeth, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking experience is preferred * Must provide proof of immunization/immunity to MMR, Varicella and Influenza. * Strong command of the English language with the ability to follow oral and written ...

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare food according to Parkhurst recipes and also enforce the "batch" cooking method. * Ensure the quality of the food produced and maintain the quality and quantity of food throughout the service ...

Line Cook

Scarborough, ME

$19.20 - $23.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be preparing food the Red Robin way, which includes cutting, sautéing, broiling, frying, and cooking various meals including meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, soups, salads, and other ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Resort Lifestyle Communities rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join Our Mission
At Resort Lifestyle Communities (RLC), serving seniors isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. When you join our team, you become part of a close-knit, servant-hearted community guided by our Core Values: Respect, Honesty, Kindness amp; Compassion, and Service Excellence.
Together, we work toward four essential goals that guide our success:
  • Happy Employees
  • Happy Residents
  • Full Occupancy
  • On-Budget Operations
About the Role
As our Weekend Cook, you’ll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week. Working in our scratch-based kitchen, you’ll prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner as scheduled, creating meals that are safely cooked, visually appealing, and portioned to resident preferences. Just as importantly, you’ll build positive relationships with residents, guests, and team members to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere every weekend.
What We’re Looking For
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Ability to work every Saturday and Sunday, at least 8 hours per day.
  • Ability to read, speak and understand basic English.
  • 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 Responsibilities
  • Prepare and present high‑quality dishes by cooking a wide variety of proteins and vegetables using methods such as broiling, grilling, frying, and sautéing, and ensuring every plate looks appealing.
  • Engage in continuous improvement by contributing ideas during meetings, staying open to feedback, and maintaining attentive coverage of the service line during meal hours.
  • Complete all assigned opening and closing tasks for each shift, including morning setup or end‑of‑day shutdown, while supporting teammates with shared duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen.
  • Keep stations fully stocked and well organized by maintaining adequate food supplies, refreshing pantry items for freshness and appearance, and monitoring refrigeration as needed.
  • Ensure a sanitary kitchen environment by thoroughly cleaning work areas and equipment and regularly checking and recording food, refrigeration, and dish‑machine temperatures to support safety and satisfaction.
Why RLC?
  • Awesome Perks: Enjoy your pay on demand, employee discounts, and more.
  • Fast-growing, family-owned company with 60+ communities nationwide
  • Supportive leadership in a beautiful, resort-style environment
  • A purpose-driven role where you make a difference every day
Ready to Cook with Heart?
Bring your servant heart to a place that feels like family. Apply today, and our Team will follow up soon!
EOE/ADA
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