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Volunteer Cook Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook

Woodburn, OR

$18 - $20/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

McLoughlin Place Senior Living

Cook

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Voluntary benefits options About the Role Under the direction of the Director of Culinary Services, the Cook prepares and serves meals that meet nutritional and safety standards while ensuring ...

McLoughlin Place Senior Living

Cook

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Voluntary benefits options About the Role Under the direction of the Director of Culinary Services, the Cook prepares and serves meals that meet nutritional and safety standards while ensuring ...

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

McLoughlin Place Senior Living

Cook

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Voluntary benefits options About the Role Under the direction of the Director of Culinary Services, the Cook prepares and serves meals that meet nutritional and safety standards while ensuring ...

McLoughlin Place Senior Living

Cook

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$22/hr

Voluntary benefits options About the Role Under the direction of the Director of Culinary Services, the Cook prepares and serves meals that meet nutritional and safety standards while ensuring ...

McLoughlin Place Senior Living

Cook

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$21/hr

Voluntary benefits options About the Role Under the direction of the Director of Culinary Services, the Cook prepares and serves meals that meet nutritional and safety standards while ensuring ...

McLoughlin Place Senior Living

Cook

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$22/hr

Voluntary benefits options About the Role Under the direction of the Director of Culinary Services, the Cook prepares and serves meals that meet nutritional and safety standards while ensuring ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/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.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/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.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$18.44 - $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.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Newberg, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/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.

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook - FT and PT

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

Elmer's Restaurants

Line Cook - FT and PT

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

Vision Coverage (voluntary) * Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

Shrinerschildrens

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.97 - $29.95/hr

Prepares and cooks food for patients, employees, visitors, volunteers and for special catered functions. Washes and sanitizes all pots and pans used in the preparation, service and storage of food ...

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All JobsVolunteer Cook JobsVolunteer Cook Jobs in Portland, OR

Volunteer Cook information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in Portland, OR is $17.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:

Volunteer Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,357 per year, or $17 per hour.

Line Cook

Elmer's Restaurants

Tualatin, OR • On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

We are looking for a line cook who can help us with our mission of Delighting our Guests. Our Line Cooks are responsible for preparing our delicious menu entrees and doing it in a way that meets recipe, presentation, and ticket time standards. Doing this every time is what keeps our Guests coming back, time and time again!

Benefits:

  • Tip pooling with front and back of house (starting wage is $18/hr and tips average between $3.00 to $3.50 per hour)
  • 50% meals and 30% discount when dining as a Guest (and our food is delicious!)
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee referral bonuses
  • $10,000 company paid life insurance
  • Preventative Care Plan (voluntary)
  • Dental Insurance (voluntary)
  • Vision Coverage (voluntary)
  • Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans (voluntary)
  • Flexible medical & dependent care accounts (voluntary)
  • 401 (K) with a company match (voluntary)
  • Paid Time Off hours earned (able to use after 90-days)

Job Duties:

  • Prepare and stock assigned work stations with all necessary supplies
  • Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff.
  • Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and proper presentation, within ticket time standards.
  • Cleans and maintains all prep counters, prep sinks, chopping, mixing, and slicing equipment
  • Cleans and maintains all grills, fryers, ovens, and serving line.
  • Tests and monitors cooled, heated, and holding equipment for proper temperatures.
  • Stocks inventory for station appropriately.
  • Properly dates, rotates, and stores all food items.

Qualifications:

  • Must have a valid Food Handler’s Card
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be able to speak, read, and understand the primary language of the work location.
  • Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
  • Previous breakfast line cooking experience is a plus!
  • Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks.
  • Able to meet the shift’s needs of fluctuating business demands
  • Able to work independently as well as in a team environment

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In 1960, Walt and Dorothy Elmer opened breakfast focused Elmer’s Colonial Pancake House in Portland, OR. Truly a family owned and operated labor of love, Walt, Dorothy, and their three sons poured their hearts into serving the local community. It was an immediate success thanks to their commitment to bringing people together for home-style cooking, using only the finest ingredients.
Built on the foundation of Walt Elmer’s famous buttermilk pancakes, the original recipe for pancake batter was purchased for $1,000 and rumor has it that Walt kept it locked in his safe. We still use Walt’s original recipe today!
Over the years, the menu was expanded with lunch and dinner items and the restaurant became Elmer’s Pancake & Steakhouse. In 1966, Elmer’s began franchising and continues to grow to this day.
Today, we continue to honor the values of the Elmer’s family by delivering seasonally fresh entrees and premium, made-from-scratch favorites served with care in a warm, inviting family atmosphere.
With 18 company-operated locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Arizona, there are many opportunities for advancement.
We invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our team. It is our team that has made Elmer's a Northwest favorite from 1960 to today!