ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cooks Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Smokehouse BBQ LLC

Cook/assistant manager

Norwood, MA · On-site

$23/hr

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Smokehouse BBQ LLC

Cook/assistant manager

Norwood, MA · On-site

$23/hr

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Smokehouse BBQ LLC

Cook/assistant manager

Norwood, MA · On-site

$23/hr

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Smith College

Cook's Assistant

Northampton, MA · On-site

$25.29/hr

Duties and Responsibilities: Assist the cooks, and assume the duties of the Kitchen Assistant in their absences. Prepare, cook, garnish, and present all menu items in a superior manner in accordance ...

Smith College

Cook's Assistant

Northampton, MA · On-site

$25.29/hr

Duties and Responsibilities: Assist the cooks, and assume the duties of the Kitchen Assistant in their absences. Prepare, cook, garnish, and present all menu items in a superior manner in accordance ...

RegalCare at Worcester

Cook

Worcester, MA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of cook * Assist in establishing food service production line to ensure meals are prepared on time * Process diet changes and new diets as ...

Chef Louie's

Line Cook Cafe

Lexington, MA · On-site

$21/hr

Responsibilities of a Line Cook: Assist Head Chef in all phases of the operation. Develop skills necessary to prepare themselves for growth within our organization or any future organization through ...

South Shore Health

Per Diem Cook's Assistant

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$19.10 - $27.30/hr

Summary Under direct supervision of Chef, assists Chef in performing basic cooking tasks. Responsible for sanitation of kitchen area and equipment. Ensures that food is attractively served and ...

Foremost at Sharon

Dietary Cooks

Sharon, MA · On-site

$22 - $24.97/hr

Dietary Cooks - AM & PM Shifts Full Time & Part Time Job Summary: Foremost at Sharon is seeking ... experiences * Assist with inventory management, ordering, and receiving food and supplies

South Shore Health

Per Diem Cook's Assistant

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$19.10 - $27.30/hr

Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America) Under direct supervision of Chef, assists Chef in performing basic cooking tasks. Responsible for sanitation of kitchen area and equipment. Ensures that ...

South Shore Health

Per Diem Cook's Assistant

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$19.10 - $27.30/hr

Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America) Under direct supervision of Chef, assists Chef in performing basic cooking tasks. Responsible for sanitation of kitchen area and equipment. Ensures that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooks JobsCooks Assistant JobsCooks Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts

Cooks Assistant information

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 Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Massachusetts are:

What job categories do people searching Cooks Assistant jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Assistant jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Cook, GWHC

Worcester, MA • On-site

South Middlesex Opportunity Council
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about South Middlesex Opportunity Councilexternal

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Summary: The Cook Assistant supports the meals program in accordance with GWHC policies and procedures to conform to federal/state/city requirements. The Cook Assistant needs to ensure that food quality standards, inventory levels, food safety guidelines, and customer service expectations are met under the supervision of the Lead Cook or Kitchen Manager. The cook assistant will be responsible for reporting any food/kitchen/donation issues to the GWHC Manager on Duty.

Why Work for SMOC?

  • Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
  • Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
  • 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
  • Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities: 

  • Supports a cost-effective program through careful planning and optimum utilization of all food product and equipment.
  • In the absence of the Kitchen manager or the Staff Cook, the Assistant will be responsible for preparation and distribution of food as directed by Kitchen Manager policy and procedures.
  • Ensures that established sanitation and safety standards are practiced while serving in the capacity of Food Services Assistant.
  • Assure a clean and presentable Dining Room for Guests, Volunteers and Staff.
  • Collaborates with community involvement with the GWHC with other public agencies, provider partners, faith communities and business organizations practicing a positive working environment and positive customer service standards as set out by the Kitchen Manager
  • Duties include providing tabulation of in-kind contributions as required by our DCHD grant.
  • Works collaboratively with volunteers, stipend workers and staff to assure a positive working environment.
  • Responsible for reporting issues of security and safety to the Manager in charge.
  • Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
  • Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
  • Maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with program/department, agency, and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED or demonstrated kitchen experience.
  • Serv-Safe training is preferred or trained in food safety guidelines by Kitchen Manager.
  • Commitment to the mission of the GWHC and its target population.

Organizational Relationship: 

  • Directly reports to Kitchen Manager
  • Direct reports to this position are none

Physical Requirement: 

  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Cook Assistant will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.


Monday through Friday: 10:30AM - 6:30PM. Includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.
35 Hours per week.

Apply