26,683 Experienced Cook jobs in the United States

Looking for a challenging role that involves food preparation and culinary skills? As a Culinary Specialist, you'll be responsible for planning and preparing menus, managing food inventory, and ensuring compliance with sanitation and safety standards.

You will work in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail is crucial. Your tasks will include cooking meals for Soldiers, working alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, and maintaining the kitchen safe and sanitary.

• Plan and prepare menus that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements
• Manage food inventory to ensure that all necessary ingredients are available
• Ensure compliance with sanitation and safety standards to prevent foodborne illnesses

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• 10 weeks of Basic Training to learn the fundamentals of military life and procedures
• 9 weeks of Advanced Individual Training to acquire specialized skills in culinary arts
• To be a U.S. Citizen
• To be between 17 to 34 years old
• To have a High School Diploma or GED
• To meet Tattoo Guidelines
• To have no Major Law Violations
• To have no Medical Concerns

The Army offers a complete package of benefits that not only supports you and your family but also helps you advance in your career. Some of the benefits include:

• Paid Training and credentialing to strengthen your skillsets
• A monthly salary based on pay grade and time in service
• Housing and meal allowance for full-time Soldier
• 30 days paid annual vacation
• A 401(K) type savings plan
• Full-coverage medical and dental insurance for Soldiers and immediate family members
• Paid tuition opportunities to continue your education

In addition to the above benefits, you can also look forward to career advancement opportunities. With experience and additional training, you can move up the ranks and take on more responsibility.

We are looking for a motivated Food Preparer to join our team. As a Food Preparer, you will be responsible for preparing and serving hot and cold foods to customers.

• Cut, prepare and serve a variety of hot and cold foods, including meats, cheeses, sandwiches, burritos, wraps, salad and pizza.
• Sample products to customers and ensure they have a positive experience.
• Stock hot and cold cases and displays with prepared foods from the kitchen, walk-in preparation and refrigerators.
• Check in-stock product dates to ensure freshness and rotate when necessary.
• Bail and consolidate recyclables and maintain a clean working environment.
• Assist Team Leader in organizing and displaying volume and seasonal items.
• Complete spoilage, sampling, temperature and sweep worksheets as required.
• Participate in periodic inventory checks and assist with stocking shelves.
• Arrive on time, appropriately groomed and dressed, ready to work all scheduled shifts and attend required trainings and meetings.
• Provide excellent customer service, address needs in a timely and effective manner and model suggestive selling techniques.
• Maximize sales potential through effective procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking and merchandising product.
• Follow established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation and safe work practices.

• Sell proactively and learn basic knowledge of all products carried in the department.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and effective communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Deliver information clearly and respectfully to fellow team members, customers and vendors.
• Meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions.
• Follow directions and procedures, manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Possess a passion for natural foods and the mission of the company.
• Display a strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Understand and comply with quality goals.

• Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing training and support to help you succeed in your role.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks and other heavy machinery.
• May require use of ladders.

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary

The Culinary Arts Instructor provides tailored career technical training instruction in area of specialty to facilitate student program completion and credential attainment.

Essential Functions

1. Develop lesson plans in accordance with Job Corps training achievement records (TARs) and uses a variety of instructional methods to support student learning and development of employability skills.
2. Maintain discipline and manage the learning environment to ensure quality and safety conducive to instruction and learning.
3. Maintain strict accountability of students during the training day, take attendance in real time in the Center Information System (CIS) each class period, and assist students to report to the appropriate class when needed.
4. Maintain strict compliance with data integrity standards in the completion of TARs and credentials and update TARs weekly as progress is made.
5. Collaborate with academic instructors to provide contextual learning and applied academic lesson plans.
6. Participate on the career management team (CMT) to evaluate student progress, provide regular feedback on goals, achievements, and career success skills, and project students for completion.
7. Support the Zero Tolerance policy and center Behavior Management Plan to promote a safe environment and cooperate with center leadership to record student incidents in the appropriate systems.
8. Proactively rewards students for achievements and positive behavior and enters positive incident reports in CIS.
9. Participates in ongoing professional development and maintains professional knowledge of area of specialty to enhance student learning and employability.
10. Monitor supplies, equipment and instructional materials and submits work orders, purchase orders and requests to management in a timely manner.
11. Participate on the center workforce council and network with employers to promote student placement opportunities.
12. Participate in the student scheduling process and recommend adjustments to best meet student needs.
13. May utilize GSA vehicles to transport students to off-site learning and employment opportunities, appointments, and as needed for retrievals and other center-related needs.
14. Participate in department meetings and all mandated PRH and Strategix training.
15. Maintain accountability of staff, students, and property and adhere to safety practices.
16. Promote a harassment-free environment.
17. Utilize information systems and handle student data in strict adherence to Job Corps and Strategix policies to protect student’s personally identifiable information (PII) and reduce network security threats.
18. Adhere to and model Strategix servant leadership culture values: Honor Others, Inspire Vision, Choose Integrity, People First, Balance Focus with Flexibility, Serve with Humility, and Innovate and Disrupt.

Qualifications and Experience Minimum

Certified, licensed, or accredited by the state in the career technical training specialty or accredited by a professional trade organization and two years of instructional experience. Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills. Information technology proficiency including MS Office. Unless waived by management, a valid driver's license in the state of employment with an acceptable driving record is required.

Preferred

Bachelor’s degree and three years of instructional experience.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may be requested to perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate with or without notice. It is mutually agreed that the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. It is also understood that the company reserves the right to change work schedules as required, including overtime.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning device and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision capabilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to outdoor weather conditions ranging from cool in Winter to extreme heat in the Summer and Fall months, and occasional poor air quality. The noise level can vary from moderate to loud.

We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

• Assist in the preparation and execution of all menu items with precision and consistency.
• Learn and implement advanced culinary techniques and cooking methods.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP, ServSafe).
• Contribute to menu planning and recipe development.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering and receiving supplies.
• Operate and maintain all kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Supervise and train junior kitchen staff as experience progresses.
• Ensure the highest quality of food presentation and taste.
• Assist with cost control and waste reduction measures.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to foster a positive and productive work environment.

• Culinary degree or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge of classical and contemporary culinary techniques.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and sanitation principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively in a fast-paced setting.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and accept feedback.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Job Description

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks , reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators , offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Overview

• We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Project Leader to guide a student project at Rochester Prep High School for the 2025–2026 school year. These projects are a vital part of our students' educational experience, offering hands-on opportunities to build skills, deepen passions, and explore career-aligned fields. The Project Leader will be responsible for designing and facilitating engaging learning experiences, supporting students in completing a culminating project or showcase, and exposing students to real-world applications through guest speakers, field trips, and/or relevant competitions.

• This is a part-time position that reports to the school’s Student Talent Manager.

Responsibilities:

Project Design & Facilitation:

• Lead a group of students in a specialized project area during “Projects,” held Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour each day (August through June).
• Design and implement engaging, hands-on lessons aligned to the project theme.
   
• Support students in developing a culminating presentation, product, or performance.
   
• Prepare approximately 2 hours per week outside of student-facing time for lesson planning and coordination.

Extension Opportunities & Logistics:

• Research and coordinate potential field trips, guest speakers, and relevant external opportunities such as competitions or community events
   
• Chaperone students for any off-site experiences related to the project
   
• Ensure logistics, student safety, and communication protocols are followed during off-campus activities

Family Communication:

• In partnership with the Student Talent Manager, establish clear communication with families about schedules, project updates, and any time commitments outside of the school day
   
• Secure signed family permission forms as needed for participation in off-site activities

Required:

• Experience in culinary arts, food preparation, or related field.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt curriculum to limited kitchen facilities.

Preferred:

• Prior teaching experience at the high school level.
• Experience teaching in non-traditional or resource- unique  environments.
• Food Handler’s Certification or ServSafe certification

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Project Leaders will be compensated at an hourly rate starting at $75/hour, with the final rate determined based on content area, relevant experience, required materials, and total weekly commitment.

If at any point during the year responsibilities are not completed in full, compensation will be adjusted accordingly.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email