ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Cooking Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Coda Staffing

Be Seen First

Temporary Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor food temperatures throughout preparation, cooking, cooling, and storage. * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout each shift. * Operate commercial kitchen equipment ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK (TEMPORARY)

Queens, NY

$23.50/hr

Temporary schedule. Days and hours may vary, based on business needs. Further details upon ... Previous cooking and food service experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

Compass Group

PREP COOK (TEMPORARY)

Queens, NY · On-site

$23.50/hr

Temporary schedule. Days and hours may vary, based on business needs. Further details upon ... Previous cooking and food service experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

Hearst

Temporary Editor

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Be Part of What's Next Help shape a cookbook that will inspire home cooks with practical, approachable recipes and trusted guidance. As a Temporary Editor, you'll play a key role in transforming ...

Hearst

Temporary Editor

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Be Part of What's Next Help shape a cookbook that will inspire home cooks with practical, approachable recipes and trusted guidance. As a Temporary Editor, you'll play a key role in transforming ...

Hearst

Temporary Editor

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Be Part of What's Next Help shape a cookbook that will inspire home cooks with practical, approachable recipes and trusted guidance. As a Temporary Editor, you'll play a key role in transforming ...

Hearst Newspapers

Temporary Editor

New York, NY · Remote

$50 - $100/hr

Be Part of What's Next Help shape a cookbook that will inspire home cooks with practical, approachable recipes and trusted guidance. As a Temporary Editor, you'll play a key role in transforming ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooking JobsTemporary Cooking JobsTemporary Cooking Jobs in New York

Temporary Cooking information

What are some common challenges faced by temporary cooks, and how can they adapt quickly to new kitchen environments?

Temporary cooks often face the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar kitchens, equipment, and team dynamics with little onboarding time. To succeed, it’s important to ask clear questions about kitchen protocols, observe how regular staff operate, and stay organized with prep and cleanup. Flexibility, strong communication, and a positive attitude can help temporary cooks integrate smoothly and contribute effectively, even in fast-paced or high-pressure settings.

What companies will pay you to cook?

Many companies in the food service industry, such as restaurants, catering firms, hotels, and cafeterias, hire temporary cooks and pay them for their cooking skills. These positions often require food safety certifications and may involve flexible or seasonal schedules. Temporary cooking jobs can be found through staffing agencies, job boards, or directly applying to hospitality businesses.

What is the difference between Temporary Cooking vs Line Cook?

AspectTemporary CookingLine Cook
CredentialsMay require basic food safety certificationTypically requires culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary kitchens, events, or short-term assignmentsConsistent kitchen environment, restaurant or food service
Employer & IndustryEvent companies, catering, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, food establishments
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for short-term cooking jobsSeeking ongoing kitchen roles

Temporary Cooking involves short-term, often event-based or contract-based cooking roles, while a Line Cook is a permanent or long-term position within a restaurant kitchen. Both roles require basic food safety knowledge, but Line Cooks typically need more culinary experience. Temporary Cooking offers flexibility and variety, whereas Line Cooks focus on consistent kitchen operations.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

There is no age limit to becoming a chef, and many successful chefs start their careers later in life. Gaining culinary skills through training or apprenticeships can be done at any age, and experience can be an asset in the kitchen.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment, often supported by a food handler’s certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and point-of-sale systems is typically necessary. Strong time management, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in ever-changing settings. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient service, and smooth integration into diverse kitchen teams.

Can I get a cooking job with no experience?

Temporary cooking jobs often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as understanding food safety, teamwork, and a willingness to learn can help you secure entry-level positions in kitchens or food service environments.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue jobs such as line cook, prep cook, chef, or catering assistant. These roles typically require food safety certifications and involve working in kitchens, restaurants, or catering services to prepare and cook food. Opportunities may also include bakery work or food production roles in manufacturing settings.

What is a temporary cooking job?

A temporary cooking job involves working as a cook or chef for a limited period, often to fill short-term staffing needs at restaurants, catering companies, events, or seasonal venues. These positions can range from a few days to several months and may involve tasks such as food preparation, cooking, serving, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Temporary cooks are often hired during busy periods, staff absences, or for special events, providing flexibility for both employers and employees.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in New York? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in New York are:
Temporary Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cooking job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Temporary Cook

Coda Staffing

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$20/hr

Temporary

Medical

Posted 12 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and dependable Cook to join our culinary team in preparing nutritious, medically tailored meals for individuals living with severe and chronic illnesses. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a high-volume production kitchen, takes pride in food quality and safety, and is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Cook will prepare meals according to standardized recipes, maintain the highest food safety standards, and work collaboratively with chefs, kitchen assistants, and volunteers to ensure meals are prepared efficiently and consistently.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare large batches of meals following standardized recipes and production schedules.
  • Cook proteins, vegetables, grains, soups, sauces, and other menu items while maintaining quality and consistency.
  • Accurately portion ingredients and finished meals according to production specifications.
  • Ensure all food is prepared in accordance with HACCP, FDA, and NYC Department of Health food safety guidelines.
  • Monitor food temperatures throughout preparation, cooking, cooling, and storage.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout each shift.
  • Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely, including kettles, ovens, tilt skillets, mixers, steamers, slicers, and food processors.
  • Assist with receiving, labeling, rotating, and storing food products using FIFO inventory practices.
  • Work closely with chefs and production staff to meet daily production goals.
  • Assist with inventory counts and notify supervisors of product shortages.
  • Support kitchen cleanup, equipment sanitation, and end-of-shift closing procedures.
  • Collaborate respectfully with coworkers and volunteers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
  • Follow all company safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience as a Cook in a commercial, institutional, healthcare, catering, or high-volume production kitchen.
  • Ability to prepare meals efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality.
  • Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
  • Experience using commercial kitchen equipment.
  • Ability to accurately follow recipes and production instructions.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Certification.
  • Experience in a nonprofit, hospital, healthcare, school, or commissary kitchen.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
  • Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
  • Comfortable working in hot and cold kitchen environments.
  • Ability to work around commercial cooking equipment and refrigerated storage areas.