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Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Sushi Cook

Webster, NY

$17.50 - $18/hr

You will work alongside experienced sushi chefs, learning traditional techniques and perfecting your craft in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients ...

Sushi Cook

Webster, NY

$17.50 - $18/hr

You will work alongside experienced sushi chefs, learning traditional techniques and perfecting your craft in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients ...

Sushi Cook

Webster, NY

$17.50 - $18/hr

You will work alongside experienced sushi chefs, learning traditional techniques and perfecting your craft in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients ...

Line Cook

Victor, NY · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Line cook duties will consist of assisting the sous chefs with their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Sushi Cook

Webster, NY

$17.50 - $18/hr

You will work alongside experienced sushi chefs, learning traditional techniques and perfecting your craft in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients ...

Line cook duties will consist of assisting the sous chefs with their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.75/hr

The Cook reports to the Chef or Chef Manager. The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving breakfast, lunch and/or catered events. The Cook may be required to operate equipment, including but ...

Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.75/hr

The Cookreports to the Chef or Chef Manager. The Cookis responsible for preparing and serving breakfast, lunch and/or catered events. TheCook may be required to operate equipment, including but not ...

Communicates equipment repair needs with chef. * Actively participates in training efforts. * Incorporates safe work practices in job performance. * Attends staff meetings. * Checks and dates all ...

Line Cook

Victor, NY · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Communicates equipment repair needs with chef. * Actively participates in training efforts. * Incorporates safe work practices in job performance. * Attends staff meetings. * Checks and dates all ...

Assists in basic food preparation as assigned by the Chef or Food & Beverage Manager. * Empties the kitchen trash receptacles and properly disposes of garbage. * Stores all dishes and other wares in ...

Cook Supervisor

Penfield, NY · On-site

$21.75/hr

As a culinary professional at Wegmans, you'll have the opportunity to join an energizing, collaborative team led by some of the best chefs in the industry. Our store is your pantry-with access to the ...

As a culinary professional at Wegmans, you'll have the opportunity to join an energizing, collaborative team led by some of the best chefs in the industry. Our store is your pantry-with access to the ...

Sushi Cook Trainee

Fairport, NY · On-site

$16.50/hr

As a culinary professional at Wegmans, you'll have the opportunity to join an energizing, collaborative team led by some of the best chefs in the industry. Our store is your pantry-with access to the ...

Prep Cook

Webster, NY · On-site

$16.50/hr

As a culinary professional at Wegmans, you'll have the opportunity to join an energizing, collaborative team led by some of the best chefs in the industry. Our store is your pantry-with access to the ...

Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

Communicates any changes on production sheets to the Sous Chef and/or the Executive Chef for revisions. * Provides all necessary diet restrictions as recorded on production sheets. * Communicates any ...

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Chef information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Rochester, NY is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.58 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 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.

What Is a Chef?

A chef is a highly trained culinary professional who works as the chief cook in the kitchen of a restaurant. Many chefs earn a culinary degree and are formally trained by another accomplished chef, making them very skilled and competent in their craft. A chef spends a majority of their time in the kitchen cooking and directing other food preparers on the best ways to put together dishes, including appropriate garnish and presentation. Chefs are creative professionals, and are often involved in planning and making menus for the restaurant. Because chefs work as the head cooks in the kitchen, they are the supervisors of the other kitchen workers. In addition to overseeing food preparation, chefs coach and develop the other kitchen staff and help them grow and improve their skills. They are responsible for managing the logistics of the kitchen operations. They order necessary supplies, provide cost estimates to their employer, and monitor staff requirements and schedules.

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 some 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 are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Rochester, NY? For Chef jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Chef job openings:

COOK- The Meadows, Independent Living

St. John's Senior Servi

Rochester, NY • On-site

$16.54 - $23.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description



Job title: Cook

Mentored by: Executive Chef Accountable to: Elders, Staff, Guests and Employees

Position Summary: Responsible for assisting the Executive Chef with the overall effectiveness of the kitchen of the Dining Services department; focusing on food production of the Briarwood and Hawthorne A la Carte Dining Rooms as well as the Market Café. Works with Executive Chef on selecting, training, and supervising all kitchen personnel; food purchasing, receiving, preparation, sanitation and safety through effective direction and delegation. This person shall possess and execute front of house management knowledge and understanding from a fine dining restaurant/country club model of hospitality and delivery systems. Work collaboratively with the Executive Chef on menu planning, production and execution of Meadows Market Café Menu’s, as well as all catering functions of the Dining Services Department.

Qualifications & Education Required:

  • High School Graduate or equivalent is required
  • HACCP/Food Safety Certified is required – St. John’s will provide
  • Bachelor’s / Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management is preferred.
  • Fluent in the English Language
  • At Least 5 Years’ experience (3 of which in a management chef’s position) in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, country club or senior living community.
  • Meet and maintain St. John’s vehicle driving standards.

Core Organizational Competencies:

  • St. John’s Brand Characteristics - Embrace living by being Friendly, Respectful, Responsive, Compassionate, Innovative and Fun towards elders, families and colleagues.
  • Teamwork - Actively participates. Assists team members; offers encouragement. Acknowledges/welcomes elders. Keeps team members informed. Recognizes achievements and efforts of others.
  • Job Knowledge - Consistently demonstrates working knowledge of all aspects of job. Remains current on job related changes and trends.
  • Planning/Organization - Demonstrates initiative; plans appropriately. Uses time, materials, resources effectively. Organizes work to ensure commitment and priorities.
  • Productivity - Consistently maintains high activity and efficiently produces acceptable volume of work. Consistently meets deadlines and commitments.
  • Quality - Consistently produces accurate, timely work which meets required quality standards. Pays attention to detail. Sets high standards of performance for self and actively seeks continuous improvement. Provides elder-driven care.
  • Reliability - Consistently delivers on commitments. Can be counted on to accomplish tasks without follow up. Available when required by elder or team and can be counted on to help or assist when needed. Responds in a timely manner.
  • Demeanor (attitude) - Embraces change with optimism. Addresses concerns appropriately. Positively communicates. Good listener. Consistently maintains a positive demeanor
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Position Competencies:

  • Arrive on time, prepared to work.
  • Perform daily dining room, kitchen and service area inspections.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to all residents, guests, volunteers, employees.
  • Must have excellent customer service skills.
  • Knowledge of daily, weekly & monthly catering functions.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for adhering to dietary standards for Hawthorne residents in accordance with all State and Federal regulations.
  • Responsible for adhering to New York State Department of Health food safety codes.
  • Work with the Executive Chef on oversight of the training and Development process of all positions in the back of house.
  • Responsible to attend in a timely manner and actively participate in all required staff and management meetings.
  • Communicate all facility policy and procedure and their changes to department staff
  • Actively participate, oversee and insure proper flow of service during breakfast lunch and dinner and special functions in any and all dining areas.
  • Work in conjunction with the Executive Chef and Café Manager on all Meadows Market Café and Catering special events menus and functions.
  • Oversee the proper use of all temperature logs in kitchen, dining rooms and café areas.
  • Ensure cleanliness and organization of all kitchens, cafe, dining room and dining areas.
  • Ensure all appropriate supplies relative to front of house and back of house, including all beverages, food products, etc. in all areas.
  • Determine resident dining service needs and issues to be addressed and/or resolved immediately and at point of service in all areas.
  • Ensure correct planning of any and all special food service catering events with appropriate entities and proactively with Dining Service Director, Dining Room Manager & Dining Service Supervisors
  • Attend or hold regular weekly staff meetings in addition to daily pre-meal and/or post-meal meetings with or for Executive Chef.
  • Assist in pot, pan, dish, and utensil washing, and ensures that dining room staff do same.
  • Perform all other tasks as required by management

Physical Requirements:

Body Positions:

  • Sitting, Standing, Squatting, Stooping and Bending

Body Movements:

  • Walking, lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, bending, and reaching are required in the accomplishment of tasks. Has the ability to lift 50 lbs.

Exposure to Conditions:

  • Wet floors, steam, hot water, ovens, grease, cleaning chemicals and small flames.