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1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Cook

Norwood, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Medway, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Easton, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Brockton, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15 - $24/hr

Cook for Established Highland's Bardstown Road restaurant. We are looking to hire a line cook with at least five years experience. You must be proficient in high volume grilling and sauting. This ...

Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist with the ...

First Cook

Malden, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Foxboro, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Weston, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook - Newton

Chestnut Hill, MA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

First Cook Basic Function and Responsibility Responsible for supervising, monitoring and preparing food in large quantities at assigned work areas for high volume dining room feeding and for ...

First Cook

Quincy, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Easton, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

North Attleboro, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Dedham, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Needham, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Weston, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Malden, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Braintree, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Brockton, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Brighton, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

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1st Cook information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do 1st cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st cook in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st Cook, and how can they be addressed?

A 1st Cook often faces challenges such as managing high-pressure situations during peak service times, coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation, and maintaining consistency in food quality. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and adaptability are key to overcoming these obstacles. Proactively preparing ingredients, delegating tasks efficiently, and staying calm under pressure can help ensure smooth kitchen operations and successful service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Cook, you need a solid background in culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu planning, often supported by a culinary diploma or certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and HACCP protocols is typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and leadership skills help a 1st Cook excel in a fast-paced kitchen environment. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a safe dining experience for guests.

What are 1st Cooks?

A 1st Cook is a senior kitchen staff member responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and quality standards. They often oversee other cooks, ensure food safety and cleanliness, and coordinate meal production during busy service times. 1st Cooks may also assist with menu planning, inventory management, and training new staff. Their experience and leadership are essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What is the difference between 1St Cook vs Sous Chef?

Aspect1St CookSous Chef
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certifications often preferredSimilar credentials, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, hotel kitchensSame as 1St Cook, often with supervisory duties
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesSame as 1St Cook, with added leadership role

The 1St Cook and Sous Chef roles are closely related, both requiring culinary skills and experience in professional kitchens. The main difference is that the Sous Chef typically holds a supervisory position, assisting the Executive Chef and overseeing kitchen operations, while the 1St Cook focuses on preparing dishes and maintaining quality standards. Both roles are essential in culinary establishments, with the Sous Chef often acting as the second-in-command.

What cities are hiring for 1St Cook jobs? Cities with the most 1St Cook job openings:
What states have the most 1St Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for 1St Cook jobs include:
Infographic showing various 1St Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
First Cook

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

I. Position Summary:

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the mission of Hebrew Senior Life and recognizes patient dignity and choice in aspects of daily life. Strives to make every encounter with a patient a positive and meaningful experience and opportunity, while providing safe and efficient quality of care.

I Core Competencies:

  • Possess and display all the hard skills that contribute to a successful cook
  • Promotes effective interpersonal and interdisciplinary relationships, maintaining professional conduct at all times.
  • Able to engage and train colleagues.
  • Knowledge of knife skills and safety.
  • Ability to read, speak, and understand English to execute food order slips well, while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Knowledge of proper temperatures of beef, chicken, fish, and the reheating of food.
  • Ability to accurately measure.
  • Demonstrate good judgment and initiative in preparing food.
  • Motivated to learn.
  • Flexible to change.
  • Exemplifies professionalism and exhibits values that contribute to the achievement of the mission of the Culinary and Nutrition Department and the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.

Position Responsibilities:

Kitchen Production:

  • Responsible for the preparation, cooking, and overall production of the meals during their assigned shift
  • Responsible for minimal food waste
  • Ensures that the proper amounts of entrees, vegetables, desserts, and salads are produced according to the menus and manages daily production sheets in accordance with standardized recipes and preparation methods, portion control, time schedules, and special diet needs.
  • Responsible for ensuring that all food in the walk-in refrigerators and freezers is covered, labeled, and dated to ensure all food is being properly rotated.
  • Properly uses, cleans, maintains, and stores equipment, identifying and taking appropriate action with any maintenance issues that exist.
  • Assists in establishing cooking procedures and methods for the Culinary Staff, including the development of recipes.
  • Tastes and smells food to determine quality and palatability.
  • Responsible for meals going out promptly. Works directly with Jr. Sous Chef and Exec Sous Chef to ensure proper execution of specials.

Sanitation:

  • cleaned, sanitized, and maintained in an orderly fashion according to the latest regulations: local, state, federal, and Kosher (if applicable)
  • Oversees proper food handling, sanitation techniques, food storage, and HACCP procedures
  • Follows and adheres to the sanitation action plan to address the company's EOC and Sanitation rounding, as well as local, state, and federal sanitation compliance surveys.
  • Logs temperatures of all food to be served and reports any temperatures that exceed industry standards to management.
  • Attends in-service training sessions to keep current with knowledge in the field of nutrition, sanitation, and dietetics, as well as general in-services.

Professionalism:

  • Promotes effective interpersonal and interdisciplinary relationships, maintaining professional conduct at all times. Identifies and resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
  • Demonstrates a positive,e supportive attitude towards all.
  • Displays patience and tact when dealing with all customers and staff.
  • Positively presents the department to visitors, patients, and staff.
  • Consistently maintains a courteous and pleasant attitude toward visitors, patients, and staff.
  • Communicates effectively in both written and verbal form.
  • Follows safety rules, uniform code, jewelry policy, personal hygiene policy, as well as state and federal regulations.
  • Contributes to the efficient and productive operation of the department. Completes assignments with minimal assistance and total follow-up.
  • Exercises initiative, seeking additional tasks and projects from the supervisor.
  • Accepts assignments readily. Recognizes problems independently and works toward improving systems and procedures.

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma preferred.
  • 5 years of cooking experience required.
  • ServSafe Certification required or obtained within 6 months of being in the role.

V Physical Requirements (ADA Requirements)

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to pull 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to push 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to walk short distances.
  • Frequent bending is involved.
  • Must be able to withstand temperature changes when going in and out of the walk-in refrigerator.

Schedule :

Sunday 8 am-4:30 pm

Monday 8 am -4:30 pm

Tuesday OFF

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm

Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday 9:30 am -6 PM

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Remote Type:

On-site

Salary Range:

$19.67 - $27.53