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Cooks Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Serrato Corp.

Cook Helper

Blue Ridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ... Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ...

Serrato Corporation

Cook Helper

Marion, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ... Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ...

Serrato Corporation

Cook Helper

Marion, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Primary Position ObjectivesAssists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ... Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized.Notify staff of items that ...

CAVA Table

Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA

Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA Table

Cook

Woodbridge, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA - Virginia

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA - Alexandria

Grill Cook

Alexandria, VA

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA - Vienna VA - 418 Maple

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA - Virginia

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

CAVA

Grill Cook

Vienna, VA

$19.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Palmetto Goodwill

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers. * Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours. * Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP ...

Palmetto Goodwill

Lead Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Train and supervise cooks and cook's helpers. * Ensure bake products are served according to prescribed meal hours. * Have ability to prepare recipe conversions to meet requirement of the MA VSUP ...

Cheeky's

Line Cooks

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

We are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help us set a new standard for ... Our line cooks and prep cooks are culinary professionals who combine technical excellence with ...

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All JobsCooks Helper JobsCooks Helper Jobs in Virginia

Cooks Helper information

What is a cooks helper?

Cooks Helpers assist chefs and cooks in the preparation and serving of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. They play a vital role in ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by supporting the culinary team with day-to-day tasks. Cooks Helpers may also be responsible for stocking supplies and disposing of kitchen waste. This position is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

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

To thrive as a Cooks Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, and supporting chefs in delivering quality meals.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks helper, and how can they be addressed?

As a Cook's Helper, one common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, especially during peak hours. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and fellow kitchen staff, and mastering time management are key to overcoming this. Additionally, adapting quickly to changing priorities and maintaining strict food safety standards are essential. Seeking feedback and being proactive in learning new tasks can also help you succeed and potentially advance to higher kitchen positions.

What is the difference between Cooks Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooks HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, hotels, hospitalsFood service establishments, catering, hospitality
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Cooks Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles typically require similar credentials and work in fast-paced kitchen environments. While their duties may overlap, Cooks Helpers often assist with food prep and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may focus more on cleaning, prep work, and supporting kitchen staff. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cooks Helper job openings:

Cooks Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Cook Helper

Blue Ridge, VA • On-site

Serrato Corp.
Education Programs Administration • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Serrato Corp.external

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Primary Position Objectives

Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.

Brief Description of Duties
  • Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.
  • Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized.
  • Notify staff of items that need to be replenished and restocked.
  • Responsible for helping to rotate perishable items at the end of the shift, to help ensure fresh product.
  • Responsible for serving students, staff, and guests in a pleasant, efficient, courteous and professional manner.
  • Responsible for assisting with dishes when necessary.
  • Responsible for the changing and emptying of trash receptacles.
  • Responsible for coming to work neat and clean and in proper attire.
  • Be familiar with the communication system in the event of an emergency.
  • Responsible for assisting with some programming and activity events when required.
  • Assists workers engaged in preparing foods by performing any combination of duties to include washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding vegetables and fruits.
  • Cleans, cuts, and grinds meats, poultry, and seafood.
  • Dips food items in crumbs, flour, and batter to bread them.
  • Stirs and strains soups and sauces. weighs or measures designated ingredients.
  • Carry pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, stove, and refrigerator.
  • Stores foods in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage.
  • Clean and sanitize kitchen and commons area(s), equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils, and portable equipment, using hand truck.
  • Assists in inventory of expendable and non-expendable supplies and materials.
  • Operate kitchen equipment including dishwasher, slicer, mixer, etc.
  • Know and follow all safety and sanitary rules and regulations related to food handling.
  • Works towards meeting performance standard goals.
  • Follows CDSS plan and Code of Conduct system daily.
  • Adheres to required property control policies and procedures.
  • Maintains good housekeeping/sanitation in all areas and complies with safety practices.
  • Complies with all DOL guidelines, OFCCP regulation, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) Serrato policies and procedures, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrates and abides by Serrato Corporation's core values and operating principles.
  • Models, mentors, and monitors appropriate career success skills.
  • Helps students become more employable through continuous reinforcement.
  • Participation in PRH mandated staff training is mandatory. Failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Knowledge of basic sanitation and cleaning procedures.
  • Knowledge of general kitchen equipment and appliances.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work under direction of senior personnel.
  • High level of organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Experience

One to three months food service/preparation experience or related experience.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Certificates/Licenses/Registration
  • NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Safe Serve.
  • Valid State Driver's License

Benefits Offered
  • Paid Short Term / Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance.
  • Health care insurance available (medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, HSA, and FSA)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Counseling Service Programs Available

Disclaimers
  • Serrato Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

  • Serrato Corporation conducts background checks and drug screens.

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