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Volunteer Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Volunteers of America National Services

Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20.40 - $23.40/hr

Mary Marshall is a community of Volunteers of America National Services, a subsidiary of the ... Education in quantity cooking and therapeutic diets preferred. * Minimum of one year food service ...

THE SHEPHERDS TABLE, INC

Cook

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

In addition, the Cooks are responsible for assigning tasks to volunteers and maintaining a clean, organized, healthy food service area always. They must follow all food service regulations and County ...

Christ House

Full-Time Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Creates and fosters an atmosphere of hospitality for patients, residents, volunteers, and staff ... Ensures dishes, silverware, and cooking utensils are cleaned properly using the commercial ...

Christ House

Full-Time Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Creates and fosters an atmosphere of hospitality for patients, residents, volunteers, and staff ... Ensures dishes, silverware, and cooking utensils are cleaned properly using the commercial ...

Christ House

Full-Time Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Volunteers * Provides leadership and supervision to volunteers, ensuring they follow proper food handling practices in the preparation, service, and clean-up of meals. * Provides constructive ...

Arlington VOA ALR Operating, Inc.

Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20.40 - $23.40/hr

Mary Marshall is a community of Volunteers of America National Services, a subsidiary of the ... Education in quantity cooking and therapeutic diets preferred. * Minimum of one year food service ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Potomac, MD · On-site

$19.38 - $29.07/hr

Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance Full Time Only Benefits ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

McCormick & Schmicks

Line Cook

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

LINE COOK This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that ... Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability * Paid sick leave * Opportunities for ...

Cadillac Ranch

Line Cook

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

LINE COOK This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that ... Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability * Paid sick leave * Opportunities for ...

McCormick & Schmicks

Line Cook

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

LINE COOK This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that ... Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability * Paid sick leave * Opportunities for ...

Cadillac Ranch

Line Cook

Oxon Hill, MD

$15 - $18/hr

LINE COOK This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that ... Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability * Paid sick leave * Opportunities for ...

Chart House

Prep Cook

Annapolis, MD

$18 - $25/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that ... Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability * Paid sick leave * Opportunities for ...

Chart House

Prep Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that ... Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability * Paid sick leave * Opportunities for ...

Air Force District of Washington

Cook

Andrews, MD · On-site +1

$20.90/hr

Some cooks at this level prepare and bake pizza. Prepares food by peeling, chopping, grinding ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

Benihana - Bethesda II

Line Cook

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Voluntary accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance - Employee paid ... Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for ...

Benihana

Line Cook

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Voluntary accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance - Employee paid ... Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Cook is responsible for quality of food ingredients used and preparation methods. The Cook ... Company paid basic life insurance, with the option to elect additional voluntary term life.

US Department of the Navy

Cook A04

Quantico, VA · On-site

$19.69/hr

... and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.Qualifications ... Work is evaluated in terms of quality of food cooked and adherence to instructions and time ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Cook A04

Quantico, VA · On-site

$19.69/hr

... and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.Qualifications ... Work is evaluated in terms of quality of food cooked and adherence to instructions and time ...

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Volunteer Cook information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in Washington is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety practices, and often a food handler’s permit. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, meal planning software, and inventory management systems can be beneficial. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help create a positive kitchen environment and ensure efficient service. These skills are crucial for preparing nutritious meals safely and efficiently while supporting the mission of community kitchens or nonprofit organizations.

What is the difference between Volunteer Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectVolunteer CookKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required; culinary skills preferredNone required; basic food handling knowledge beneficial
Work EnvironmentCommunity kitchens, shelters, food banksCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, charities, community organizationsRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in food serviceLearning about support roles in kitchens

Volunteer Cooks typically operate in community or nonprofit settings without formal credentials, focusing on preparing food for those in need. Kitchen Assistants work in commercial environments, assisting with food prep and cleaning. Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in setting and scope of responsibilities.

What is a volunteer cook?

Volunteer Cooks are individuals who offer their time and culinary skills to prepare meals for organizations or community groups without receiving financial compensation. They typically work in places like shelters, soup kitchens, community centers, or at charitable events. Their main responsibilities include planning menus, preparing and cooking food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and sometimes serving meals. Volunteer Cooks play a vital role in supporting community nutrition and providing meals to those in need.

What are some common challenges volunteer cooks face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Volunteer Cooks often work in environments with limited resources and time constraints, such as community kitchens or shelters. They may need to adapt recipes based on available ingredients and dietary restrictions. Effective communication with team members and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges. Staying organized and preparing in advance can also help ensure smooth meal service and a positive experience for both cooks and those they serve.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:
Volunteer Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,761 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Cook

Volunteers of America National Services

Arlington, VA

$20.40 - $23.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Volunteers Of America rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

387th of 771 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Care with Heart. Work with Purpose.

Join Mary Marshall Assisted Living as a Cook in Arlington, VA.  This is more than a job! It’s a paid opportunity to serve others, live our mission, and make a meaningful impact in a healthcare setting. As a compassionate organization, we’re dedicated to serving others and fostering an environment where both our residents and team members thrive.  If you’re ready to grow your career while making a difference, we’d love to connect with you.

Mary Marshall is a community of Volunteers of America National Services, a subsidiary of the Volunteers of America parent organization.  Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified for 8 consecutive years.

Pay Range: $20.40 - $23.40 per hour based on experience.
Schedule: Monday - Thursday 6:00am - 9:00am, and Saturday 6:30am - 6:30pm.

Why You’ll Love It Here

  • Supportive, caring leadership that truly values your voice
  • A positive, team-oriented environment where you can rely on one another
  • A beautiful, welcoming campus you’ll enjoy coming to each day
  • Opportunities for career growth and ongoing development
  • Purpose-driven work that makes a meaningful difference every day

What We Offer

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 403(b) with discretionary contribution
  • Paid Time Off + Personal Days
  • Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness incentives (earn up to $350)
  • Get paid early (access up to 50% of earnings)
  • Referral bonuses & scholarship opportunities

What You Bring (Requirements)

  • High School diploma/GED required preferred. Education in quantity cooking and therapeutic diets preferred.

  • Minimum of one year food service experience in a healthcare dietary setting preferred.

  • Must be eighteen (18) years of age.

  • General knowledge of quantity food preparation and portioned serving required.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

The Cook provides quality food service in accordance with all State and Federal regulations and to meet the nutritional and individual needs of the residents.

  • Completes defined food preparation, serving of meals and cleaning duties according to proper procedures, using various dietary equipment and supplies, as assigned by the Director of Food and Nutrition Services and Management Team.
  • Plans and initiates cooking schedule for food preparation to meet meal schedule.
  • Prepares, seasons, cooks and serves meat, main dish, soup and vegetable for assigned meal; ensures appropriate portioned servings according to portion control standards.
  • Prepares nutritional snacks for residents as assigned.
  • Performs other duties or special assignments as directed by the Dietary Director.

About Us
The Mary Marshall Assisted Living Community is a specialized assisted living residence serving adults age 55 and older with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. In partnership with the Arlington County Department of Health and Human Services, we provide essential personal care and supportive services to low-income individuals. Located in beautiful Arlington, just minutes from Washington, D.C., the community also offers convenient access to local parks, cultural landmarks, and a wide range of dining and neighborhood amenities.

At VOANS, we celebrate sharing, encouraging and embracing diversity. Equal employment opportunities are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that blending individual strengths and unique personal differences nurtures and supports our organizations’ shared commitment to our mission and creates an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to do their personal best.

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