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Cal Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Sous Chef

Vista, CA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is seeking a qualified, experienced Sous Chef with a passion for culinary excellence to support the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals. Our kitchen is ...

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

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Sous Chef

Vista, CA · On-site

$33.65 - $38.46/hr

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is seeking a qualified, experienced Sous Chef with a passion for culinary excellence to support the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals. Our kitchen is ...

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Be Seen First

Shift Lead Server

Vista, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

... Chef in the overall Dining Room/Kitchen operation. Supervise the shift(s) ensuring that all ... Maintain high standards of personal appearance and cleanliness in accordance with the Cal-a-Vie ...

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

AM/PM Line Cook

Vista, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is seeking a full-time AM/PM Line Cooks to assist the Executive Chef in the preparation of healthy meals for our exclusive clientele using freshly picked ingredients from our ...

Urgent

La Bahia Resort and Spa

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Ensure full compliance with Cal-OSHA, health department, and food safety regulations (HACCP ...

La Bahia Resort and Spa

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Ensure full compliance with Cal-OSHA, health department, and food safety regulations (HACCP ...

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.0K/wk

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Ensure full compliance with Cal-OSHA, health department, and food safety regulations (HACCP ...

La Bahia Resort and Spa

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Ensure full compliance with Cal-OSHA, health department, and food safety regulations (HACCP ...

Schulte Companies

Executive Chef | Tratto

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

... service-oriented Executive Chef to join our team at The Marker San Francisco! SHG is an ... Strong working knowledge of Cal/OSHA and California/San Francisco food safety regulations * Fluent ...

Schulte Companies

Executive Chef | Tratto

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

... service-oriented Executive Chef to join our team at The Marker San Francisco! SHG is an ... Strong working knowledge of Cal/OSHA and California/San Francisco food safety regulations * Fluent ...

Schulte

Executive Chef | Tratto

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

... service-oriented Executive Chef to join our team at The Marker San Francisco! SHG is an ... Strong working knowledge of Cal/OSHA and California/San Francisco food safety regulations * Fluent ...

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Cal Chef information

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How much do cal chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal chef?

Cal Chefs are culinary professionals who work within the University of California system, especially at UC Berkeley, preparing and serving food in campus dining facilities. They are responsible for creating menus, cooking meals, ensuring food safety, and accommodating the dietary needs of students, staff, and faculty. Cal Chefs often emphasize sustainable practices, local sourcing, and diverse cuisines to provide nutritious and culturally inclusive meals. Their work supports the overall campus dining experience and promotes healthy eating habits among the university community.

What are some common challenges Cal chefs face when balancing creativity with dietary restrictions and sustainability goals?

Cal Chefs often need to balance their creative culinary vision with strict dietary requirements and sustainability initiatives, such as sourcing local or organic ingredients. This can be challenging when trying to design innovative menus that appeal to a diverse clientele while maintaining cost-effectiveness and aligning with health and environmental standards. Collaboration with nutritionists, suppliers, and kitchen staff is essential to ensure dishes are both exciting and compliant with guidelines. Successful Cal Chefs stay adaptable, frequently updating their knowledge about food trends, regulations, and sustainable practices.

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

To thrive as a Cal Chef, you need culinary expertise, menu planning abilities, and a solid understanding of nutrition and food safety, usually supported by a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and health code compliance is standard. Creativity, leadership, and strong communication skills help chefs inspire their teams and deliver exceptional dining experiences. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality meals, and customer satisfaction in a competitive culinary environment.

What is the difference between Cal Chef vs Line Cook?

Cal ChefLine Cook
Typically requires culinary certification or relevant experience, may have supervisory duties, and often works in larger kitchens or catering settings.Usually requires basic culinary skills or training, works under chef supervision, and is common in restaurants and food service establishments.

Cal Chef and Line Cook both work in culinary environments, but Cal Chef often has more responsibilities and may hold certifications, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes under supervision. The roles overlap in work environment and industry usage, but Cal Chef generally has a broader scope of duties.

What cities are hiring for Cal Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Cal Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cal Chef jobs?

For Cal Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cal Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Sous Chef

Vista, CA • On-site

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Fitness and Sports Centers • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Cal-a-Vie Health Spaexternal

$51K - $69K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is seeking a qualified, experienced Sous Chef with a passion for culinary excellence to support the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals. Our kitchen is committed to serving only the freshest ingredients, sourced from local farms and our own farm.


Essential Job Functions

  • Leads the kitchen staff in accordance with the management style of the Executive Chef
  • Prepares and cooks dishes in accordance with the Executive Chef's menu plans and recipes
  • Completes prep lists for lunch and dinner menus
  • Conducts weekly inventory and ordering of meat, fish, produce and dry goods for the kitchen
  • Ensures that kitchen staff follow menu plans and recipes
  • Conducts cooking classes and cooking demonstrations
  • Works safely and within sanitation standards
  • Trains employees in proper food safety and sanitation and ensures compliance
  • Takes over Executive Chef responsibilities in his absence
  • Complete any additional tasks as assigned by the Executive Chef
  • Effectively communicate and motivate staff through positive reinforcement
  • Work efficiently to resolve any problems that arise in the kitchen
  • Collaborate with Executive Chef to create and enhance menu items
  • Order Kitchen food and non-food items within budget to maintain operational success
  • Lead Guest-facing demonstrations, as needed, following established guidelines and procedures
  • Provide nutritionally significant Vegan and Vegetarian entree options on the fly, as requested by Cal-a-Vie Guests

The person we seek must be able to show a pleasant demeanor, show patience under pressure, and support the Executive Chef's vision and values for the kitchen.


Qualifications

  • Bachelors/ Associates Degree in Hospitality, Restaurant Management, Culinary
  • Three years of experience at a Sous Chef level
  • Demonstrate strong leadership and teamwork skills and abilities
  • Knowledge of systems and methods that contribute to great execution
  • Stable job history that shows growth
  • Food Handler's Card
  • Availability to work a flexible schedule
Company Description

About Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is a world-renowned, award-winning all-inclusive luxury wellness resort located in the scenic hills of North County San Diego. Inspired by the charm and elegance of the French countryside, Cal-a-Vie offers an immersive, transformational retreat that blends personalized wellness, world-class fitness, holistic spa therapies, and Michelin-inspired cuisine.

Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler 5 years in a row, Travel + Leisure, Forbes, U.S.A Today & Newsweek, Cal-a-Vie has been named among the Top Destination Spas in the world for multiple years running. From our intimate 32-guest setting to our exceptional 5 to 1 guest-to-staff ratio, we create an unparalleled level of care and service rooted in luxury hospitality.

Our mission is to empower every guest to experience profound well-being however that may be for them, and to create a supportive and inspiring workplace where passionate professionals can thrive in their careers.

Company Description
About Cal-a-Vie Health Spa Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is a world-renowned, award-winning all-inclusive luxury wellness resort located in the scenic hills of North County San Diego. Inspired by the charm and elegance of the French countryside, Cal-a-Vie offers an immersive, transformational retreat that blends personalized wellness, world-class fitness, holistic spa therapies, and Michelin-inspired cuisine. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler 5 years in a row, Travel + Leisure, Forbes, U.S.A Today & Newsweek, Cal-a-Vie has been named among the Top Destination Spas in the world for multiple years running. From our intimate 32-guest setting to our exceptional 5 to 1 guest-to-staff ratio, we create an unparalleled level of care and service rooted in luxury hospitality. Our mission is to empower every guest to experience profound well-being however that may be for them, and to create a supportive and inspiring workplace where passionate professionals can thrive in their careers.

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