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Chef Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Merced, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Merced, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Cross-Functional Collaboration: • Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective customer needs. Co-create compelling ...

Applebee's Grill & Bar

Kitchen

Atwater, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Prior experience as cook, line cook, chef, prep cook, grill cook, fry cook, or other back of the house is preferred but not required. Additional Info: We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer.

Applebee's Grill & Bar

Kitchen

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Prior experience as cook, line cook, chef, prep cook, grill cook, fry cook, or other back of the house is preferred but not required. Additional Info: We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer.

Applebee's Grill & Bar

Kitchen

Merced, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Prior experience as cook, line cook, chef, prep cook, grill cook, fry cook, or other back of the house is preferred but not required. Additional Info: We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer.

Covenant Living of Colorado

Dietary Aide

Turlock, CA · On-site

$19.60 - $22.60/hr

Guided by a lead dietitian or chef who oversees the distribution of food and drinks to patients throughout the shift. Essential Responsibilities: * Assist in food preparation, hospitality duties, and ...

Covenant Living

Dietary Aide

Turlock, CA · On-site

$19.60 - $22.60/hr

Guided by a lead Dietitian or Chef who oversees the distribution of food and drinks to patients throughout the shift. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Assist in food preparation, hospitality duties ...

The Holmstad

Dietary Aide

Turlock, CA · On-site

$19.60 - $22.60/hr

Guided by a lead Dietitian or Chef who oversees the distribution of food and drinks to patients throughout the shift. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Assist in food preparation, hospitality duties ...

U.S. Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist

Planada, CA · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

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Chef information

See Merced, CA salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Merced, CA is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $32.74 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.
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Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,095 per year, or $26 per hour.

Culinary Field Chef

Vallarta Supermarkets

Merced, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Vallarta Supermarkets rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 124 rated grocery stores

Job description

Job Title: Culinary Field Chef
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Culinary
Job Summary:
The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs, ensuring consistent execution of Vallarta standards. This role provides hands-on operational support, coaching, and culinary expertise to Kitchen Managers and foodservice teams, while driving sales growth, product consistency, and an exceptional guest experience across all locations.
This position serves as a key field resource, supporting menu execution, recipe adherence, training, and operational improvements. The Culinary Field Chef collaborates closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams to support menu development, product rollouts, and company-wide culinary initiatives.
The role plays a critical part in new store openings, training execution, and ongoing operational support, with approximately 80% of time spent in field locations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide culinary and operational support across all foodservice concepts (Taqueria, Tortilleria, Restaurants, etc.)
  • Coach and support Kitchen Managers on execution, standards, and guest service
  • Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, presentation, and flavor profiles
  • Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs
  • Support product development and assist with implementation in the field
  • Identify operational improvements to improve cost, efficiency, and quality
  • Reinforce company standards, culture, and guest experience expectations
  • Monitor performance and support business initiatives aligned with company goals

Operational Responsibilities:
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
  • Support food cost control, inventory, and operational reporting
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and efficiency
  • Assist with new store openings, remodels, and training execution
  • Ensure consistency of recipes, procedures, and training materials
  • Assist with staffing, onboarding, and team development as needed

Food Quality & Compliance:
  • Enforce recipe adherence, portion control, and food quality standards
  • Maintain HACCP compliance and food safety procedures
  • Monitor temperature control, storage, and handling practices
  • Conduct quality checks for taste, appearance, and consistency

Customer Service & Experience:
  • Deliver and model Vallarta's Nuestra CASA service standards
  • Support strong guest satisfaction and service execution
  • Address customer feedback professionally and promptly

Team Leadership & Development:
  • Provide coaching, training, and development to culinary teams
  • Promote accountability, teamwork, and performance standards
  • Partner with leadership on performance and operational needs

Collaboration & Communication:
  • Support operations across Taqueria, Prepared Foods, Juice Bar, Grab & Go, and Catering as assigned.
  • Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding production needs, shortages, or operational challenges.
  • Ensure timely escalation of issues that may impact food safety, quality, or service.

Safety:
  • Enforce all safety procedures and proper equipment use
  • Report incidents and maintain safe working conditions
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and standards

Other Duties:
  • Support all current and future culinary programs
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:
  • Minimum 5+ years in culinary, restaurant, or multi-unit operations leadership
  • Strong experience in foodservice operations and team development
  • Experience in recipe development or multi-unit support preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory controls
  • Ability to train and lead in a fast-paced environment
  • High School Diploma required; Culinary Degree preferred
  • Equivalent experience may be considered

Working Conditions:
  • Fast-paced kitchen and retail environment
  • Frequent standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
  • Exposure to hot/cold environments and kitchen equipment
  • Moderate to loud noise levels

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is an exempt position. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, requiring flexibility in hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Approximately 80% of travel is required within the company's operating regions, including overnight stays. Mileage reimbursement is provided for approved business travel.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives.

What Vallarta Supermarkets employees say

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About Vallarta Supermarkets

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For more than 35 years, Vallarta Supermarkets has been bringing families together over fresh and authentic food. When you enter Vallarta, you know right away that it’s about more than food shopping — it’s about celebrating. Celebrating the food, culture, colors, and vibrant energy of Mexico and Latin America. Vallarta offers a feast for ALL your senses. You can smell the sweet aromas from the bakery, hear the rhythms of the music playing, and different languages spoken all around you.

Industry

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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