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Camp Cook Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

This is high-volume, athlete-focused cooking -- fueling a Division I program through camp, season, and offseason training. What you'll do * Run service on the line and lead the kitchen team through ...

Camp Cook information

See Kentucky salary details

$5

$16

$25

How much do camp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp cook in Kentucky is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a camp cook do?

A camp cook efficiently budgets, plans, and prepares large quantities of food for guests of a camp. In this career, you create a unique menu that takes special diets and dietary restrictions into consideration. Your responsibilities are also to monitor food inventory and prepare dishes that are within budget. As the camp cook, you hold a leadership role in the kitchen, meaning you manage kitchen staff, cooks, food preparation workers, and dishwashers. Additional duties include ensuring the kitchen and appliances are clean and organized, maintaining meal records, and following health department food-safety regulations.

What does a camp cook do?

A camp cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals at campsites or outdoor settings, often for groups of campers, staff, or outdoor enthusiasts. Their duties include meal planning, cooking over open fires or portable stoves, managing food supplies, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Camp cooks must be resourceful, able to work in challenging environments, and ensure food safety. They often accommodate dietary restrictions and help create a positive dining experience for campers.

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

To thrive as a Camp Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience planning menus, often gained through prior culinary or camp cooking experience. Familiarity with camp kitchen equipment, outdoor cooking methods, and safe food storage systems is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for managing unpredictable conditions and serving groups efficiently. These skills ensure safe, satisfying meals and a positive experience for campers in remote or resource-limited environments.

What are some typical challenges a camp cook faces, and how can they be managed effectively?

Camp Cooks often encounter challenges such as limited kitchen facilities, unpredictable weather, and accommodating diverse dietary needs among campers. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Planning menus in advance, prepping ingredients ahead of time, and maintaining clear communication with camp staff can help ensure smooth meal service, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Working closely with other team members is key to handling unexpected changes and delivering nutritious, satisfying meals for everyone.

What is the difference between Camp Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCamp CookKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood safety certification, cooking experienceBasic food handling, no specialized certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRemote, outdoor, seasonal settings like camps or outdoor resortsIndoor, restaurant or catering kitchens, more consistent environment
Employer & IndustryCampgrounds, outdoor adventure companies, seasonal resortsRestaurants, catering services, hospitality industry
Job DutiesPreparing meals for groups, managing outdoor kitchen setupsAssisting with food prep, cleaning, supporting chefs

While both roles involve food preparation, a Camp Cook typically works in outdoor, seasonal settings preparing meals for groups in remote locations, requiring specific food safety certifications. A Kitchen Assistant works indoors in restaurant kitchens, supporting chefs with prep and cleaning tasks. The roles differ mainly in environment and scope, but both are essential in food service operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Camp Cook jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Camp Cook jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Camp Cook jobs in Kentucky?

For Camp Cook jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Camp Cook jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Camp Cook jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Camp Cook jobs in KY?

For Camp Cook jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Camp Cook job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,061 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Sous Chef

UK Football

Lexington, KY

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Sous Chef — UK Football Dining
Lexington, KY | Full-Time | $19.00/hour

Athenian is hiring a Sous Chef to help run the kitchen at the Joe Craft Center, preparing daily meals for University of Kentucky football. This is high-volume, athlete-focused cooking — fueling a Division I program through camp, season, and offseason training.

What you'll do

  • Run service on the line and lead the kitchen team through prep, cook, and clean-down
  • Execute the daily menu to spec, with an eye on portioning, macros, and consistency
  • Step in for the Chef when he's out — ordering, prep lists, and shift direction
  • Hold the line on food safety, temp logs, labeling, and rotation
  • Train and coach cooks and prep staff; keep the pass moving during tight service windows

What we're looking for

  • 2+ years in a kitchen, with at least some time in a lead or sous role
  • Comfortable with volume — banquet, catering, campus dining, or athletics experience is a plus
  • Solid knife skills and scratch-cooking fundamentals
  • Reliable, early, and steady when the room gets loud
  • Able to lift 50 lbs and stay on your feet through a full shift
  • ServSafe certification a plus (or willingness to get it)

Schedule
Early mornings and some weekends around the football calendar. Hours flex with the team's schedule during camp and in-season.

Pay
$19.00/hour, with room to move based on experience.

Apply through the posting to be contacted by our hiring team. Athenian is an equal opportunity employer.


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