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Chef Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Newport News, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

Hospitality Group Chef Are you passionate about working in a fun, dynamic kitchen where your ... Join our dedicated culinary team and help lead operations while enjoying excellent benefits ...

Chef

Williamsburg, VA

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

We look forward to meeting chefs who are ready to make a lasting impact and help shape the next chapter of our restaurant's success. Location: Williamsburg, VA We fully embrace the fine dining ...

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Sous Chef

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$4.5K - $5.5K/mo

We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and hands-on Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team and maintain the consistency and quality our restaurant has been known for across generations. Position ...

New

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

We are seeking an innovative, skilled, and inspiring Executive Chef to lead our culinary program and help shape the future of our brand.Position SummaryThe Executive Chef will oversee all back-of ...

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking an innovative, skilled, and inspiring Executive Chef to lead our culinary program and help shape the future of our brand. Position Summary The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of ...

Chef

Mclean, VA

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're seeking a Chef who can support daily kitchen operations, ensure consistency and quality, and help develop a high-performing culinary team. If you thrive in a fast-paced, polished environment ...

Sous Chef

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Sous Chef

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily Back-of-House (BOH) operations and acting as Manager ... Track and help control food and labor costs. * Ensure compliance with opening/closing checklists.

Description The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily Back-of-House (BOH) operations and acting ... Track and help control food and labor costs. * Ensure compliance with opening/closing checklists.

Sous Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, management of ... Help with unloading, inspecting, and storage of raw ingredients and supplies. * Enforce sanitation ...

Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily Back-of-House (BOH) operations and acting as Manager ... Track and help control food and labor costs. * Ensure compliance with opening/closing checklists.

Executive Sous Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The position of Executive Sous Chef at CCV is a key leadership role within one of the nation ... Develop and maintain recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation which help to ...

Chef Sous - Exempt

Mineral, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef will also support menu planning and inventory management, helping to deliver an exceptional culinary experience for guests. Responsibilities • Lead and supervise kitchen staff during ...

Sous Chef

Mascot, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Executive Chef will exercise knowledge of restaurant operations, manage staff resources, provide counsel, develop and coach team members and help to build sales and profits while maintaining ...

Executive Sous Chef

Richmond, VA

$61K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The position of Executive Sous Chef at CCV is a key leadership role within one of the nation ... Develop and maintain recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation which help to ...

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chef Helper information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$16

$30

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef helper in Virginia is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.86 and $17.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily tasks and challenges of a chef helper?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food preparation or kitchen work. On-the-job training is common, and strong organizational skills, ability to follow instructions, and teamwork are important. Some positions may require basic food safety certifications or knowledge of kitchen equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef helper?

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, and supports the chef or kitchen staff with various tasks. They often work in fast-paced environments, follow safety and hygiene standards, and may need basic cooking skills or certifications. Their duties help ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chef Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Chef Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,444 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Chef

Schlesinger's Steakhouse

Newport News, VA • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Hospitality Group

Chef

Are you passionate about working in a fun, dynamic kitchen where your culinary creativity can truly shine? Do you enjoy leading a motivated team to deliver exceptional dining experiences? If so, this Chef opportunity with Schlesinger's Steakhouse & Hospitality Group may be the perfect fit.

As Newport News' premier chophouse, Schlesinger's is renowned for its hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and outstanding hospitality. Join our dedicated culinary team and help lead operations while enjoying excellent benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to support multiple restaurant locations as business needs require.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare and execute high-quality menu items following established recipes and standards
  • Develop creative daily, seasonal, and holiday specials
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and health standards
  • Lead, mentor, and develop kitchen staff to foster a positive, high-performing team culture
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and food and labor costs
  • Create and maintain weekly staff schedules
  • Coordinate with front-of-house leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences
  • Uphold Schlesinger's standards for quality, consistency, and operational excellence
  • Provide leadership and operational support at multiple company restaurant locations as needed, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability

Qualifications
  • Previous experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant
  • Strong leadership and team-development skills
  • Excellent organizational and communication abilities
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
  • Proven experience managing food costs, labor budgets, and inventory
  • Willingness and ability to work at more than one company restaurant location based on business needs
  • Reliable transportation to travel between restaurant locations
  • Passion for culinary excellence and continuous improvement

Benefits & Perks
  • Competitive compensation with bonus opportunities
  • Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
  • Paid time off
  • Health and dental insurance
  • Paid training and professional development
  • Employee dining discounts
  • Supportive, team-oriented culture with opportunities for advancement

Location:

Newport News, VA & Williamsburg, VA

If you're a motivated, talented chef ready to lead an exceptional culinary team while supporting multiple restaurant locations, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Schlesinger's Steakhouse family!

Schlesinger's is the ultimate destination for a great steak. As Newport News' Premier Chophouse, Schlesinger's features a variety of cuts, with choices like Cowboy Cut Ribeye, New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Porterhouse.
Schlesinger's also has succulent seafood such as twin South African Lobster Tails, Rockfish with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, and Jumbo Chesapeake Lump Crab Cakes.