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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Northampton, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Cook, Anticipated Openings

Northampton, MA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Types of cooks' positions vary and the associated compensation may vary. The Step 1 rate provided ... * Assist in the preparation and service of any other meal when on duty. Contribute to the food ...

Cook, Anticipated Openings

Northampton, MA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Types of cooks' positions vary and the associated compensation may vary. The Step 1 rate provided ... * Assist in the preparation and service of any other meal when on duty. Contribute to the food ...

Cook

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/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

West Springfield, MA · On-site

$25 - $30/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 ...

Line Cook

Springfield, MA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cook at Unos Restaurant near Baseball Hall of Fame Join the culinary team at Unos Restaurant ... - Assist in plating and presentation of dishes - Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Part time Breakfast Cook

Springfield, MA · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

... - Assist with inventory management and restocking supplies as needed - Collaborate with team ... or line cooking preferred but not required - Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced ...

Second Cook

Amherst, MA · On-site

$22.10 - $23.75/hr

... Cooks and Culinary Leadership Menu Development -Help create, manage, and serve seasonal, fresh menus from exceptional ingredients -Assist with product and process refinement -Assist with new product ...

Cook

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

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

Cook I

Amherst, MA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Onsite Job Summary Prepares and cooks food such as meat, fish, poultry, sauces, gravies, soup, and ... May also be required to prepare more complex dishes to assist the Cook III. Essential Functions ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Northampton, MA salary details

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Northampton, MA is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $17.26 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 cities near Northampton, MA are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities near Northampton, MA with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Northampton, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,129 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook's Assistant

Smith College

Northampton, MA • On-site

$25.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Smith College rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

DepartmentDining ServicesJob Description

Position Summary:


Assist with all food preparation and service during assigned shifts. Work cooperatively in a safe and sanitary manner with other staff members to ensure the efficient and professional operation of the unit in according with work rules and departmental policies. Strive for a dining atmosphere which is cordial and accommodating for all students and guests under the guidance of the chef or cook on duty
and direction of the area manager. Clean all dining service areas and equipment as delegated or in concert with team members. Assume dining room coordinator's duties during key periods of service. Respond with flexibility to change in work location when the operational needs of the department so required.


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 with dining service standards and recipes. These include, but are not limited to breakfast items, soups, entrees including meats, sauces, vegetables, salads, dressings, breads, desserts, and meal alternatives as well as dietary accommodations and display cooking.


Clean and sanitize all dining service areas and equipment including routine floor maintenance on each shift. Support and maintain proper sanitation and recycling procedure. Perform duties of dining room coordinator as needed, including use of the dining access system and all other related tasks. Assist in receiving: check in product, inspect, weigh/count and properly store all food and supplies. Assist chef in accurately inventorying storage areas. Work with other members of kitchen staff to orderly assemble production records, transfers, and meal counts for data entry. Communicate with all people accurately, professionally and in a timely manner, including proper labeling and dating all prepared foods. Work cooperatively with the area manager, staff, and students to ensure an orderly and efficient operation. Responsible for reviewing all department notices. Utilize email and all college
computer access responsibly.


Attend departmental meetings and training workshops as requested. Participate in the preparation for and service of special events. Complete required payroll forms and scheduling forms within deadlines. Perform all other related or relevant tasks. Initiate teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation between co-workers.


Qualifications:


Education/Experience:
Completion of high school education or vocational school education and a minimum 1 year of combined educational and/or commercial experience in quantity cookery which includes baking.


Requirements of the position are consistent with the responsibilities and duties of persons within the food service profession in adherence with all state and federal guidelines. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions.

Current state approved sanitation certificate is required. Culinary arts degree or equivalent training preferred.

Skills:

  • Ability to tolerate exposure to water and cleaning chemicals, higher than normal noise levels, and heat and humidity consistent with that produced by commercial kitchen equipment.

  • Must demonstrate adequate physical strength and coordination to effectively prepare, clean and receive supplies while properly utilizing standard food service utensils and equipment.

  • Must be able to safely lift and move 50 pounds, work from a step stool, walk and stand for prolonged periods of time, bend, reach, pull and push.

  • Must be able to manipulate utensils and equipment repetitively for variable periods of time - up to 65% of an assigned shift.

  • Must be mobile between work stations and other campus food service areas.

  • Must possess good vision with or without correction. Must possess the sensory ability to taste/smell.

  • Must practice good personal hygiene and wear clean uniforms in compliance with public health standards and consistent with college policy. Must adhere to the sustainability initiatives set by

  • the department.

  • Must possess basic computer skills including receiving and sending emails.

CompensationThis position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $25.29. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Position Type

Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

September 3, 2026About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.


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