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Chef Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Chef 2

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$21/hr

Chef 2 is responsible for consistently providing the highest quality of service and hospitality to residents and their family members, co-workers, vendors, and all visitors. The Chef 2 is frequently ...

Chef de Cuisine

Cape Neddick, ME · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE JOB OVERVIEW The Chef de Cuisine is the Department Head responsible for all culinary operations within the Tiller resort signature restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as ...

Chef de Cuisine

Cape Neddick, ME · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE JOB OVERVIEW The Chef de Cuisine is the Department Head responsible for all culinary operations within the Tiller resort signature restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as ...

CHEF DE CUISINE JOB OVERVIEW The Chef de Cuisine is the Department Head responsible for all culinary operations within the Tiller resort signature restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as ...

CHEF DE CUISINE JOB OVERVIEW The Chef de Cuisine is the Department Head responsible for all culinary operations within the Tiller resort signature restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as ...

SOUS CHEF

Bangor, ME · On-site

$30/hr

Prior sous chef experience preferred. * Pay Range: $26.00 per hour to $30.00 per hour. Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass ...

Chef de Cuisine

Cape Neddick, ME · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE JOB OVERVIEW The Chef de Cuisine is the Department Head responsible for all culinary operations within the Tiller resort signature restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as ...

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$63K - $65K/hr

As Sous Chef, you will assist in overseeing daily kitchen operations, supporting and mentoring team members, maintaining food quality and consistency, and ensuring all health and safety standards are ...

Sous Chef

Bar Harbor, ME

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and ...

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$63K - $65K/hr

A Chef's wine pairing is available for an additional $60 per person for our three-course menu, $68 per person for our four-course menu, and $75 per person for our five-course menu. Ocean has been ...

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

A Chef's wine pairing is available for an additional $60 per person for our three-course menu, $68 per person for our four-course menu, and $75 per person for our five-course menu. Ocean has been ...

Sous Chef

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and ...

Sushi Chef II

Portland, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Description The Sushi Chef II position is a highly trained and experienced role in our organization. Identified as an expert in the art of sushi, you will be a master of knife skills, fundamentals of ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef information

See Maine salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Maine is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $30.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Maine are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Maine?

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

What cities in Maine are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in ME?

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

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,596 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

$21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

"We deliver genuine Warmth, with a foundation of Wisdom, and a commitment to Wellness, resulting in an experience of "Wow." Under the general supervision of the Food Services Director and Chef 1, the Chef 2 is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving foods, according to menu, recipes, and in accordance with Serv Safe standards and industry best practices. Chef 2 is responsible for consistently providing the highest quality of service and hospitality to residents and their family members, co-workers, vendors, and all visitors. The Chef 2 is frequently exposed to heat, steam, freezing temperatures, grease, oil, and common kitchen hazards. 


Job Type: Part-time prep cook with the possibility of moving to full-time hours. Must be available nights and weekends.

Salary: Starting pay of $21.00 per hour + shift differentials.


Duties include and are not limited to:

-Providing and contributing to a professional and productive environment by promoting a positive image and collaborative working style

-Observing surroundings and resident behaviors, and taking responsibility to report potentially unsafe resident situations to supervisor

-Attending staff and other mandatory trainings/meetings as expected

-Adhering to all safety rules and regulations including proper lifting and transfer techniques, use of cut gloves and personal protective equipment

-Monitoring, and contributing to the visual appeal and longevity of the physical plant (buildings) and surrounding grounds

-Adhering to all Company rules, policies, procedures and expectations

-Compliance with all the expectations of essential personnel including the ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, weekends, holidays and in severe weather

-Communicating effectively with all co-workers, OceanView staff, vendors, residents and visitors

Preparing, cooking, portioning and serving well prepared foods as directed

-Ensuring the implementation of daily pre-meal meetings

-Using standard cooking techniques such as broiling, frying, roasting, stewing, and baking according to accepted standards

-Interpreting recipes and modifying as required, mixing ingredients; quantity and batch cooking for main meals

-Keeping work area neat, clean and organized and performing daily cleaning 

-Completing daily paperwork thoroughly, accurately, and on time

-Adhering strictly to Serv Safe standards, HACCP standards, and industry best practices for sanitation and safe food handling 

-Using time, money and supplies efficiently and responsibly 

-Ensuring Dining Staff adheres to all safety rules and regulations

-Ensuring the efficient use of inventory and compliance with FIFO practices

-Ensuring the quality and presentation of all prepared foods

-Ensuring the accurate delivery of modified and special diets as ordered

-Driving and making deliveries

-Ability to taste, smell, distinguish colors in order to judge food quality

Requirements

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of one year of job-related cooking experience is required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and good command of the English language is required. Demonstrated ability to keep written records and knowledge of proper food preparation, storage, and handling is required. A minimum of one year of experience operating standard institutional cooking equipment such as meat slicer, mixer, steamer, and other institutional cooking equipment is required.

EDUCATION

There are no minimum education requirements. 

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

CPR Certified or willingness to become certified within six months of hire. Valid Maine driver's license is required. A valid Serv Safe Food Handlers Certificate or willingness and ability to become certified within 90 days of hire or as required. 


This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the company reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances dictate (such as emergencies, changes in personnel, work load, rush jobs, or technological developments).