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Prep Cook Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Hadley, MA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Food prep, cooking, crepe spinning, and cleaning * Follow sanitation procedures * Washing dishes * Organize food preparation priorities so items served together are finished simultaneously.

Cook

Hadley, MA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Food prep, cooking, crepe spinning, and cleaning * Follow sanitation procedures * Washing dishes * Organize food preparation priorities so items served together are finished simultaneously.

Cook

South Hadley, MA · On-site

$26.72/hr

Assists with food prep * Assists other cooks and other areas in the department as needed * Food labeling, food storage, inventory checks, auditing, quality checks Requirements of the 2nd shift Cook:

Cook II

Charlton, MA · On-site

$19 - $29/hr

Oversight of production staff with Cooks and Prep Cooks and the daily rotation of assignments * Supervision of service staff regarding storage, portioning, service standard and handling of menu items

Cook II

Charlton, MA · On-site

$19 - $29/hr

Oversight of production staff with Cooks and Prep Cooks and the daily rotation of assignments * Supervision of service staff regarding storage, portioning, service standard and handling of menu items

Line Cook

Hampden, MA · On-site

$18/hr

The Line Cook is also responsible for cooking and placing all food orders efficiently and ... Abide by prep lists set forth by chefs. * Check and maintain coolers and storage areas for ...

Line Cook

Hampden, MA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook GreatHorse Position Summary: The Line Cook is responsible for managing the daily ... Abide by prep lists set forth by chefs. * Check and maintain coolers and storage areas for ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Chicopee, MA

$17 - $19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Line Cook

Hampden, MA · On-site

$18/hr

The Line Cook is also responsible for cooking and placing all food orders efficiently and ... Abide by prep lists set forth by chefs.Check and maintain coolers and storage areas for cleanliness ...

Cook - HE (8682)

Greenfield, MA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Cook and prep food accurately based on recipes and specifications provided by the Chef/Genuine Foods. * Coordinate with team members to ensure all food is prepared on time for service. * Maintain a ...

Cook - HE (8682)

Greenfield, MA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Cook and prep food accurately based on recipes and specifications provided by the Chef/Genuine Foods. * Coordinate with team members to ensure all food is prepared on time for service. * Maintain a ...

Showing results 41-60

Prep Cook information

See Amherst, MA salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Amherst, MA is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep cook?

A prep cook works in a restaurant or private kitchen, preparing ingredients for other chefs to cook. As a prep cook, your responsibilities center on simplifying the cooking process for everyone in the kitchen. Your duties include cleaning, peeling, chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and other food. You are also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen, which is a responsibility of everyone on the staff. You need excellent knife skills to safely and quickly prepare food, and you need communication skills to follow instructions and collaborate with your coworkers. Experience working in a kitchen is helpful when you look for jobs as a prep cook, but a prep cook can sometimes be considered to be an entry-level position.

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

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment, usually gained through on-the-job training or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, mixers, and standardized recipes is common in this role. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, kitchen safety, and smooth operation during busy service periods.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Prep cooks often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate clearly with other kitchen staff. Building stamina and adaptability will also help handle peak hours, and being attentive to detail ensures quality and food safety standards are consistently met.

What is the difference between Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies cooks dishes during service, manages specific station
Skills & CertificationsBasic cooking skills, food safety, knife skillsAdvanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsHot line during service, fast-paced environment
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing supplies, while line cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but line cooks often need more advanced skills and work in a faster, high-pressure environment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right culinary role.

Is a prep cook a hard job?

A prep cook role involves preparing ingredients and assisting with kitchen tasks, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. The job often involves standing for long periods, working quickly during busy hours, and following safety and hygiene standards. Experience with kitchen tools and time management skills can help manage the workload effectively.

What does a prep cook do?

A prep cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and basic dishes in a kitchen, such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assembling components for chefs. They work in a fast-paced environment, often using knives, food processors, and other kitchen tools, and typically follow food safety and sanitation standards.

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Amherst, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, and 52% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,135 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Title Cook | Part-Time | Mass Mutual Center

Oak View Group

Springfield, MA

$18 - $24/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Oak View Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 37 rated event venues


Job description

Cook | Part-Time | Mass Mutual Center
Location US-MA-Springfield
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 2 weeks ago(8/10/2026 11:33 AM)
Job ID 2026-33961
Location Name Mass Mutual Center
Category Food & Beverage Management
Type Regular Part-Time
Location : Location US-MA-Springfield
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Oak View Group
Job Post Information* : External Company URL https://www.oakviewgroup.com/
Location : Postal Code 01103
Location : Address 1277 Main Street
Job Post Information* : Post End Date 11/6/2026
Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary

The Cook is responsible for preparing menu items utilizing cooking equipment in a fast-paced environment. The Cook must adhere to high food quality standards to ensure guest satisfaction. Portion control, food waste, and sanitation are additional areas that the Cook must be aware of while operating in the kitchen.

This role will pay an hourly rate of $18.00-$24.00 and is tip eligible.

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching.

This position will remain open until November 6, 2026.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for cooking and packaging food products, which are prepared to order or kept warm until sold.
  • Receives verbal orders from the front counter staff for food product requirements for guest orders.
  • Responsible for maintaining quality and production standards on all menu items. Food must be fresh and of high quality when served to the guests.
  • Responsible for portion control and serving temperatures of all products served in the concession stand.
  • Responsible for cleaning, stocking, and restocking of workstations and displays.
  • Responsible for operating large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers, and ovens.
  • Ensures that all work areas and equipment are clean, food products are properly stored, utensils are clean and put away, and the floor is swept and mopped at the end of the shift. The cook must be checked out before ending the shift by the floor supervisor to ensure the concession stand meets cleanliness standards.
  • Maintains sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
  • Show demonstrated ability to meet the company standard for excellent attendance.
Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a prep cook or line cook is preferred.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff, and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner that focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
  • Possess a valid food handling certificate if required by state and federal regulations.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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About Oak View Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oak View Group (OVG) is a Development and Investment Company based in Los Angeles, CA, USA. Founded in 2015, the company plays a significant role in the sports and live entertainment industry. Specializing in arena & stadium alliances, OVG is committed to establishing partnerships that facilitate the growth of the live entertainment industry. The company operates multiple subdivisions involved in different aspects like facilities, security, content & media, and investments. Oak View Group's core mission is to be an industry leader that can be trusted by partners, residents, and fans to create world-class experiences.

Industry

Management of companies and enterprises

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US