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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Child-Parent Centers, Inc.

Cook Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15.45/hr

... * Assist cooks in calculating and ordering food from vendors to prepare planned meals using centralized ordering system. Limits shopping for approved items and errands to center workday and/or ...

Child-Parent Centers, Inc.

Cook Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15.45/hr

... * Assist cooks in calculating and ordering food from vendors to prepare planned meals using centralized ordering system. Limits shopping for approved items and errands to center workday and/or ...

Chicanos Por La Causa

Cook Assistant

Surprise, AZ

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

The Cook Assistant ensures the center is in compliance with all appropriate local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to the Food Services component, including USDA guidelines. Promotes school ...

Chicanos Por La Causa

Cook Assistant

Surprise, AZ · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

The Cook Assistant ensures the center is in compliance with all appropriate local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to the Food Services component, including USDA guidelines. Promotes school ...

Highgate at Prescott Lakes

Cook's Assistant

Prescott, AZ · On-site

$17/hr

COOK'S ASSISTANT Doyou enjoy spending time in the kitchen? Being around other people? If so ... We are looking for the right person to assistour Chef, Sous Chef and cooks with the preparation and ...

Highgate at Prescott Lakes

Cook's Assistant

Prescott, AZ · On-site

$17/hr

COOK'S ASSISTANT Doyou enjoy spending time in the kitchen? Being around other people? If so ... We are looking for the right person to assistour Chef, Sous Chef and cooks with the preparation and ...

Bannerhealth

Assistant Cook

Casa Grande, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

As an Cook Assistant you will be helping in the kitchen with various tasks including salad and dessert food prep, preparing and serving side dishes, helping with the dishes, and assisting the Cook.

Banner Health

Assistant Cook

Casa Grande, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

As an Cook Assistant you will be helping in the kitchen with various tasks including salad and dessert food prep, preparing and serving side dishes, helping with the dishes, and assisting the Cook.

B & B Eateries Inc

Cooks

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

B & B Eateries Inc

Cooks

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

Vi Living

Cook II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$19.89 - $23.86/hr

... Cook Assist in preparing all types of food while maintaining a safe, clean and sanitary work area ... You will also assist with receiving and stocking deliveries using proper rotational practices. May ...

The Party Staff

Tucson - Cooks & Prep Cooks

Tucson, AZ

$17 - $20/hr

Key Responsibilities • Prepare and cook menu items according to client recipes and service standards • Set up and maintain cook and prep stations efficiently • Assist with food prep, batch ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Arizona is $14.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook's assistant do?

A cook's assistant helps in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and cleaning work areas. They support chefs and cooks in maintaining kitchen efficiency and may handle basic tasks like measuring ingredients and washing utensils.

What is the difference between Cooks Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooks AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certificationMinimal; often no formal certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Job RoleAssists cooks with food prep, cleaning, basic tasksSupports kitchen staff with cleaning, prep, and general support
Employer UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in hospitality and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cooks Assistant typically performs more food preparation tasks under supervision, whereas a Kitchen Helper focuses on cleaning and general support. Both roles are entry-level and essential in maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What qualifications do you need to be a kitchen assistant?

To be a kitchen assistant, there are generally no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Basic skills such as good communication, ability to follow instructions, and familiarity with kitchen safety and hygiene practices are important. Some employers may also value previous experience or certifications in food safety or sanitation.

What do assistant cooks do?

Assistant cooks support chefs by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often handle tasks such as chopping, measuring, and organizing supplies, and may operate kitchen equipment under supervision. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of food safety are important for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cook's Assistant and how can they be overcome?

As a Cook's Assistant, you may face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks at once, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with the kitchen team, and be proactive in anticipating the needs of the cooks. Developing good time management skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or priorities will also help you thrive in this role.

What are the duties of a cook assistant?

A cook assistant helps in food preparation by washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, setting up cooking stations, and assisting with basic cooking tasks. They also maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen and may handle simple food prep tasks under supervision.

What are Cooks Assistants?

Cooks Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, support chefs and cooks in preparing food in commercial kitchens. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, organizing kitchen supplies, and sometimes assisting with basic cooking tasks. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that chefs have everything they need to prepare meals. This position is often an entry point into the culinary field and offers valuable hands-on experience.

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

To thrive as a Cooks Assistant, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that help you excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooks Assistant jobs in Arizona? For Cooks Assistant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:
Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,500 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Cook Assistant

Cook Assistant

Child-Parent Centers, Inc.

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$15.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Location:
  • Wright Head Start, 2080 North Columbus Blvd Tucson, AZ 85712
  • Santa Rosa Head Star, 1065 South 10th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701

Level: Entry
Position Type: 40 hours/week
Education Level: High School Diploma or GED
Salary Range: $15.45 Hourly
Travel %: In Town
Job Shift: Day (M-F), 7:00am-3:00pm, work is in-person and has limited eligibility for remote work, may require working some evenings and weekends.
Job Categories: Education
Classification: Hourly
Supervisor: Center Manager
Supervises: None
Job Summary:
Child-Parent Centers prides itself on serving delicious and nutritious meals that our Cook Assistant helps to prepare in our Head Start center kitchens, and we are looking for an experienced and passionate Cook Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate for this position has previous experience with food service. The Cook Assistant enjoys the convenience of a semi commercial kitchen environment, yet the feeling of home with "family style" meals served in the classrooms. The Cook Assistant will support the Cook with all aspects of food service at the center including food orders, food storage, sanitary practices, meal prep, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) compliance, dish washing, and kitchen clean up. The Cook Assistant is responsible for cleaning the kitchen. This position requires effective communication and organizational skills, the ability to work in a time sensitive environment, and strong math skills to keep costs within acceptable standards. Reporting to the Site Supervisor, the Cook Assistant position is an entry-level position funded to work 8 hours per day Monday through Friday and may work a split shift. If you have food service and/or food preparation experience and enjoy preparing healthy meals and introducing children to nutritional activities, please submit an application today!
Benefits:
  • Paid Leave - 25 paid holidays, 5 days paid vacation after one year and up to 10 days each year thereafter, and 5 days paid Personal leave first year, 8 days each year thereafter, up to 5 days paid Sick leave each year.
  • Insurance benefits - dental, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts, PPO medical (3 plans), Vision, and Supplemental Life coverage for self, spouse, and child ($25,000 basic life and Accidental death and disability provided by employer)
  • Retirement Plan - Agency contribution after years of services and hours eligibility criteria are met. Employee 401k deferral once eligibility is met.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Prior experience in one or more of the following food service activities: direct responsibility for preparing nutritious meals, scheduling meals, proper food handling and storage, food inventory, food ordering, and working with the Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Submit a current AZ Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card prior to start date.
  • Possess a valid Arizona driver's license and excellent driving record.

Competencies:
  • Accountability and Dependability
  • Accuracy
  • Safety Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Self-Management
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Technology

Other Requirements (post hire):
  • Must be able to travel to and from various sites as needed.
  • Provide proof of immunizations: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Tdap (adult Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), and a Tuberculosis Self-Assessment.
  • Able to pass a company paid physical exam prior to starting work.
  • Able to pass a criminal background check.
  • Must be able to prove the right to work in the USA by providing appropriate documents to complete the Federal I-9 form.
  • Must possess or have the ability to possess and keep current certification in First Aid Training/CPR training including Infants and Children.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the Food Safety Manager Certification and Food Handler's Certificate issued by the Arizona Health department within 30 days of employment.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand Spanish.
  • Three (3) years' experience working with the Child and Adult Care Food Program or School Lunch Program.
  • Three (3) years' experience working with Head Start.
  • Demonstrated proficiency using Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel. PowerPoint

Work Environment:
  • Indoor environment
  • Exposure to heat exceeding 85 degrees
  • Exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals
  • Exposure to sharp knives and slicers.
  • Exposure to very hot foods, equipment and metal objects used in cooking and baking

Physical Requirements:
Frequently
  • Stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling
  • Reaching, pulling, pushing
  • Climbing up step stool
  • Carrying/lifting heavy objects 0-25lbs
  • Operating appliances and small kitchen equipment
  • Works with commercial gas range

Occasionally
  • Picking up and dropping off supplies
  • Push, pull, move furniture or equipment {20 to 50lb}
  • Exposure to sharp knives and slicers
  • Clerical duties (computer, typing, copying, etc.)

Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Cook Assistant Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate sanitary practices in relation to preparation of food and personal hygiene.
  • Assist in meals preparation and afternoon snacks for children.
  • Assist in maintaining kitchen to meet sanitation requirements; cleans dishes, stoves, carts and work surfaces after meal preparation.
  • Maintain daily record of number of snacks served.
  • Prepare quantity of food to meet CACFP and Head Start Standards
  • Work independently and cooperatively with the cook.
  • Assist cooks in calculating and ordering food from vendors to prepare planned meals using centralized ordering system. Limits shopping for approved items and errands to center workday and/or before or after preparation and clean-up times.

Supervision:
  • Identify self-growth, development goals, and strategies for achievement with support and input from supervisor.
  • Commit and participate in consistent and planned meetings with supervisors to further professional growth by seeking feedback, reflecting on and assessing own practice, and taking advantage of opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.

Recordkeeping, Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Assist in maintaining daily Inventory of food and food service supplies.
  • Assist in completing/submitting kitchen/disposable and maintenance supplies order forms to Procurement when needed.
  • Assist cooks in maintaining inventory of kitchen appliances and equipment.
  • Assist in maintaining daily records of number of meals served by the Child and Adult Care Food Program menu production worksheets, cycle menus and recipes.
  • Receive food orders, sign bills and submit paperwork and bills to accounting on the established schedule when needed.

Leadership, Management and Teamwork:
  • Actively participate in the center team and contribute to the decision-making process for compliance, strategic initiatives, professional development, budget, governance, and agency self-assessment
  • Assume the lead role in food services with other staff that includes one substitute and volunteer when the cook is absent.
  • Participate in developing Accommodation /Special Care Plans for children requiring special diets whenever requested by the Registered Dietician.
  • Assist with recruitment of volunteers and substitutes for the kitchen.
  • Train and support volunteers, substitutes and center staff with kitchen procedures, routines, and the proper use of equipment.
  • Work cooperatively with the cook and center team and communicate need to know information on a daily basis.

Responsibilities for all Child-Parent Centers, Inc.:
  • Understand and model the agency's vision, mission, and philosophy within the agency and the community.
  • Demonstrate approachability, ownership, accountability, and life-long learning.
  • Use the agency's communication and problem-solving approach.
    • Seek perspective of others.
    • Identify emerging issues and contribute new knowledge.
    • Work to de-escalate when emotions and stakes are high.
  • Maintain professional behavior and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Use agency systems and technologies to accomplish work.
  • Maintain a high level of attendance to support ongoing service delivery.
  • Recognizes children's safety as the first responsibility of all staff and acts swiftly to ensure no child is unsupervised.
  • Implement agency policies and procedures for safeguarding confidential or sensitive information about employees and/or program participants. Restrict access to paper or electronic documents for those with a need to know.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Please Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job opening is intended to provide information about the position for employee recruitment purposes only and is not intended to be the basis of any employee contract.
Child-Parent Centers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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