1

Cooks Assistant Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Cook

Windsor, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Food Service/Assistant Cook / Baker Date Posted: 8/4/2026 Location: Windsor Elementary School Date Available: August 2026 Closing Date: When filled DESCRIPTION: RSU 12 seeks a Food Service Cook to ...

Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

The Cook is responsible for the planning, preparation, recording and service of nutritious ... * Assist in reviewing and revise quarterly menu cycles as requested. * Prepare lunch, breakfast ...

Cook

Augusta, ME

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

The Cook is responsible for the planning, preparation, recording and service of nutritious ... * Assist in reviewing and revise quarterly menu cycles as requested. * Prepare lunch, breakfast ...

Assistant Cook

East Winthrop, ME

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

DESCRIPTION: RSU 12 seeks a Food Service Cook to provide breakfast and lunch as part of the RSU 12 food service program. Eight hours per day. RESPONSIBILITIES: Preparing breakfast and lunch in ...

Level 3 Cook

Newry, ME · On-site

$22 - $31/hr

Level 3 Cooks require little to no supervision and can prep, cook, and lead for any and all meal ... Roast, braise, poach, and sauté foods to exact specifications. * Assist the Chef in assembling ...

Level 3 Cooks require little to no supervision and can prep, cook, and lead for any and all meal ... Roast, braise, poach, and sauté foods to exact specifications. * Assist the Chef in assembling ...

Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Work efficiently under pressure during high-volume service periods. Assist with prep work, cleaning ... Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. Strong attention to detail ...

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... • Assist with receiving deliveries and storing food and supplies properly. • Follow all ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. • Understanding of basic ...

Cook Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$17 - $22/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 ...

Cook Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$17 - $22/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 ...

Cook

South Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... · Assist with receiving deliveries and storing food and supplies properly. · Follow all ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic ...

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... · Assist with receiving deliveries and storing food and supplies properly. · Follow all ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic ...

Cook

Skowhegan, ME · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cooks Assistant information

See Maine salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Maine is $14.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $15.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooks assistant?

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?

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 some common challenges faced by a cooks 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Maine?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Maine are:

What cities in Maine are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,184 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Substitute Food Service Workers

Regional School Unit 24

Blue Hill, ME • On-site

$19.13/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
School Nutrition/Substitute Cook
Date Posted:
7/1/2025
Location:
District Services Facility
(High-Needs School)
Title
Substitute Food Service Workers
Location
RSU Wide
Description
Sub Cooks and Cooks' Assistants needed for all RSU 24 locations!
Requirements
MDOE Criminal Records History Check
Salary
$19.13 per hour