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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cook's Assistant

Vancouver, WA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Line Cooks

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$19/hr

Responsibilities * Assist in menu planning and food preparation to deliver delicious, visually appealing dishes that meet quality standards * Prepare ingredients and cook meals with precision ...

Line Cooks

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$19/hr

Responsibilities * Assist in menu planning and food preparation to deliver delicious, visually appealing dishes that meet quality standards * Prepare ingredients and cook meals with precision ...

Cook

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$16.66 - $23/hr

... fellow cooks. * Prepare food items for later use by weighing, measuring, portioning, and thawing to company/local health department standards. * Assist with food deliveries to include checking ...

Cook

Vancouver, WA

$17.13 - $23/hr

... fellow cooks. * Prepare food items for later use by weighing, measuring, portioning, and thawing to company/local health department standards. * Assist with food deliveries to include checking ...

Cook

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$19.50 - $24/hr

The Cook supports all activities of the Dining Services Department including the Kitchen and Dining ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment * Assist with inventory, stock ...

Cook

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

The Cook supports all activities of the Dining Services Department including the Kitchen and Dining ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment * Assist with inventory, stock ...

Cook

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

The Cook supports all activities of the Dining Services Department including the Kitchen and Dining ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ...

Cook

Lake Oswego, OR

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... * Assist the Dining Room Attendants in serving, cleaning up, dishwashing, and reseting after each ... This schedule enables our cooks to be home in good time every evening, hold a second job if desired ...

Cook

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$19.50 - $24/hr

The Cook supports all activities of the Dining Services Department including the Kitchen and Dining ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment * Assist with inventory, stock ...

Cook

Portland, OR

$14.75 - $20/hr

The Cook supports all activities of the Dining Services Department including the Kitchen and Dining ... Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. * Assist with inventory, stock ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

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$16

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Portland, OR is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $18.37 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Portland, OR are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Cook's Assistant

Highgate at Vancouver

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

LOVE YOUR WORK. JOIN OURTEAM.
A community, not a facility. As thought leaders in the industry, we take a positive,holistic approach to senior care and encourage independence, as people arehappiest when they can make their own choices. We provide opportunities forphysical activity, social engagement, intellectual stimulation, spiritualinvolvement, and fun. We treat our residents and our team members like family. This opportunity will allow you to positivelyimpact the quality of life for over 700 seniors and their families.
COOK'S ASSISTANT
Doyou enjoy spending time in the kitchen? Being around other people? If so, maybethis is an opportunity for you. We are looking for the right person to assistour Chef, Sous Chef and cooks with the preparation and presentation of theculinary program for our residents. Wespecialize in assisted living and memory care. Highgate Senior Living's missionis to devote ourselves to help each resident live a life of purpose and each ofus plays a crucial role in doing so. We operate communities in the western USand are seeking the right Cook's Assistant to join our team. Come help us create an environment thatpromotes a sense of well-being and the feeling of true community in a gracious,homelike setting. This position may be fulltime or parttime andincludes assisting in our kitchen with food prep, cooking, serving,sanitization tasks, kitchen laundry, and interacting with our residents.
The successful candidate will be motivated by service, an organized anddetail-oriented individual with a positive and self-motivated attitude. Youmust have good communication skills and be willing to work hard. This can be a great opportunity for thoseindividuals that have a passion for food and are looking for a new industrywith an exciting career path. If youwant to become a chef or want to grow your career in seniors housing, this is agreat option for you. Our industry needsheart driven, passionate professionals that enjoy working in service to otherswhile gaining the skills and knowledge necessary for a long term, deeplysatisfying profession. We supportinternal promotions for our team members. We also evaluate a person's unique skill sets and recognize differentlevels of professional experience when considering candidates for the role.
SKILLS NEEDED:
  • Confidence to engage with seniors, individuallyand in small groups
  • Basic culinary skills and comfortabilitybeing in the kitchen
  • Safety awareness in work habits
  • Ability to operate different types ofkitchen equipment
  • Calm demeanor in times of pressure
  • Comfortability to interact withresidents that have varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities
  • Able to take direction and coachingfrom others
  • Team player with ability to developstrong working relationships along with customer service focus
  • Ability to adapt/respond quickly tothe needs and preferences of our residents
  • An understanding or the willingness togain an understanding of the various forms of dementia and how to helpresidents with dementia still live with purpose

RELATABLE EXPERIENCE:
  • Experiences where you have worked in a culinary environment
  • Past roles in which you have been taskedwith providing excellent customer service
  • Jobs you've had that include workingwith seniors or other vulnerable populations
  • Previous service-based positions inhealthcare, hospitality, or hotels
  • Prior volunteer work or other work withvulnerable groups of people
  • Jobs that included completing tasklists
QUALIFICATIONS:

1- At least 18 years of age
2- Experience in the kitchen
3- Current negative TB test
4- Willingness to learn how to work in ahealthcare/assisted living environment
5- Ability to pass criminalrecord/background check
6- Good time management skills
7- Must be able to work wellindependently with little oversight
As an organization we offer our team members agood benefits package, the ability to be heard, have their opinions count andthe opportunity to innovate. Ourcompensation package will be flexible for this role based on the credentialing,tenure and skill sets each candidate brings for consideration. The starting hourly wage range for thisposition is $17.00 to 19.00 per hour. Prior experience in culinary ispreferred. A passion for your work and acommitment to serving others are essential job qualifications. This is an opportunity to work in a boomingindustry that is constantly evolving and is making a positive impact forseniors every day. We are a healthcare company and being vaccinated againstCOVID-19 is preferred. If you want tolearn more about this opportunity, please reach out to connect with us.