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Trainee Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Conducts initial and ongoing training of Client Trainees in food preparation, cooking meals according to standard recipe, portioning meals and wrapping for delivery, proper food storage and safe food ...

Cook ASC20260804

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$19.31/hr

Conducts initial and ongoing training of Client Trainees in food preparation, cooking meals according to standard recipe, portioning meals and wrapping for delivery, proper food storage and safe food ...

Cook ASC20260804

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$19.31/hr

Conducts initial and ongoing training of Client Trainees in food preparation, cooking meals according to standard recipe, portioning meals and wrapping for delivery, proper food storage and safe food ...

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Irvine, CA

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Walnut, CA · On-site

$17.96 - $18.96/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Walnut, CA

$17.96 - $18.96/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Gardena, CA

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

San Jose, CA

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Gardena, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Pasadena, CA

$19.04 - $20.04/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Chino Hills, CA

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Artesia, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Artesia, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

Cook Trainee

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils * Verify that prepared food meets BP requirements for quality * Maintain personal health and sanitation standards * Must be knowledgeable ...

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Showing results 1-20

Trainee Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do trainee cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee cook in California is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.18 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trainee Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trainee Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,327 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Cook ASC20260804

Santa Maria, CA

$19.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

DETAILS OF POSITION

Location: Santa Maria / Full-time Monday - Friday / Weekends a must / Hours: AM Shift / Starting Rate: $19.31 + DOE per hour


PURPOSE OF POSITION


Beacon, formerly VTC Enterprises/LOVARC has been supporting adults with developmental disabilities since opening our doors in 1962.


The Cook performs a variety of duties to include preparing and cooking to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time.


For more information visit our website:www.beaconthrives.org

Essential Functions andResponsibilities

  • Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers
    and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
  • Assume 100% responsibility for quality of products served.
  • Know and comply consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, and quality standards.
  • Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations to assure a smooth service period.
  • Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary workstation area including tables, shelves, broilers, fryers, saute burners, convection
    oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.
  • Prepares item for broiling, grilling, frying, sauteing or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, breading,
    seasoning and/or marinating.
  • Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes according to build sheets.
  • Be available to fill in as needed to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the restaurant as directed by the Cafe
    Manager.
  • Handles, stores and rotates all products properly marking the date and item on the container.
  • Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed.
  • Observes proper food preparation and handling techniques.
  • Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to supervisor.
  • Minimize food waste.

Backup Crew Supervisor Duties: In the absence of the Beacon Cafe Contract Manager or Cafe Trainee Supervisor, the following tasks are essential:

  • Conducts initial and ongoing training of Client Trainees in food preparation, cooking meals according to standard recipe,
    portioning meals and wrapping for delivery, proper food storage and safe food handling practices.
  • Maintains daily/weekly/monthly data on the progress of client trainees.
  • Adapts job tasks as needed for the client trainee to perform the assigned duties.
  • Complete monthly progress reports, time keeping and attendance records.
  • Delivers meals for Juvenile Hall Contract according to contract specifications.


Qualifications


Education and/or experience: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Culinary arts training or vocational training preferred. Prior commercial kitchen experience or cooking for large groups desired. Previous experience cooking breakfast in a cafe/restaurant is required.


Communicationskills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in English. Ability to write simple correspondence in English. Ability to remember oral or written instructions provided by others. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to Individuals served and other employees. Ability to read and interpret a recipe.


Interpersonal skills: Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and management. Interact diplomatically with the public. Foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment.


Self-managementskills:Perform effectively in environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands. Set priorities which accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities.


Reasoning ability:Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out basic written or oral instructions. Ability to think through the consequences of a decision prior to making it. Ability to recognize an emergency situation and take appropriate action.


Computer skills:Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software.


Certificates,licenses, registrations:Maintain First Aid, CPR and CPI Certifications. Must obtain and maintain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification. Must have a valid driver's license with an insurable record.


Other skills and abilities:Must be able to multi-task and perform in a fast-pacedwork environment. Must meet and maintain Community Care Licensing criminal history criteria.


Benefits

  • Paid holiday, vacation, and family leave
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • 401-K
  • Employment Assistance Program (EAP)


Beacon is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status