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Chef Jobs in Ruidoso, NM (NOW HIRING)

H6080 BAKERY COOK

Mescalero, NM · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Pastry Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Bakes breads, cakes, pastries, etc. For all outlets. Adheres to all regulatory, departmental and casino policies and procedures. Performs other duties ...

H6300 VINTAGE 1936 COOK

Mescalero, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Lead/Sous Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Prepares all food and/or salads in an assigned station, following cooking guidelines set for the station. Interact with all customers with IMGR&C ...

Lead/Sous Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Prepares all food and/or salads in an assigned station, following cooking guidelines set for the station. Interact with all customers with IMGR&C ...

H6290 WENDELL'S COOK

Mescalero, NM · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Lead/Sous Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Prepares all food and/or salads in an assigned station, following cooking guidelines set for the station. Interact with all customers with IMGR&C ...

H6290 SBARROS COOK

Mescalero, NM · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Lead/Sous Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Prepares all food and/or salads in an assigned station, following cooking guidelines set for the station. Interact with all customers with IMGR&C ...

H6290 APACHE TEE COOK

Mescalero, NM · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Lead/Sous Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Prepares all food and/or salads in an assigned station, following cooking guidelines set for the station. Interact with all customers with IMGR&C ...

H6290 BROKEN ARROW COOK

Mescalero, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Lead/Sous Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Prepares all food and/or salads in an assigned station, following cooking guidelines set for the station. Interact with all customers with IMGR&C ...

H6290 CHILD CARE COOK

Mescalero, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Lead/Sous Chef Supervises: N/A Summary of Position Prepares all food and/or salads in an assigned station, following cooking guidelines set for the station. Interact with all customers with IMGR&C ...

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Chef information

See Ruidoso, NM salary details

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$23

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Ruidoso, NM is $23.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $29.81 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Ruidoso, NM?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Ruidoso, NM are:

What cities near Ruidoso, NM are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Ruidoso, NM with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Ruidoso, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,209 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Food Prep - Back of House
Skills Requirements
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment
  • Adjusts to high pressure situations and is open to change
  • Knowledge of professional cooking practicing and food safety - Servsafe Certified
  • Experience interprets recipes, prepares a variety of foods, and utilizes multiple food preparation techniques
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and processes relating to food preparation and safety
  • Communication skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Organizational skills; ability to remain organized in a changing environment
  • Understands preparing special dietary needs by following established standards
  • Understands and complies with food safety and temperature standards

Position Requirements
  • Follows a given recipe and prepares various food items, including vegetables, poultry, meats, and seafood for cooking using different methods and kitchen equipment such as oven, broilers, fryers and grills
  • Stocks and manages assigned food station(s) ensuring quality of food
  • Stocks/restocks items on line according to organization standards
  • Accepts or rejects ingredients based on quality and quantity
  • Prepares all food items to order; following recipes and procedures within specified time limits
  • Properly measures and assembles ingredients required for preparing recipes. Cuts and/or portions meat, fish, poultry etc.
  • Uses scale to ensure proper portioning of food items
  • Follows standard portion sizes and recipes before cooking
  • Preps assigned items according to the guidelines set by the organization
  • Communicates with servers, kitchen staff, Sous Chef, and Head Chef throughout the shift regarding status of orders and availability of product
  • Understands and adheres to organization's policies and processes, cooking methods, standard portion sizes, kitchen rules, and quality standards
  • Stocks and maintains a sufficient amount of food products at line stations to facilitate hitch-free service period
  • Cleans, organizes and maintains walk-in refrigerator, reach-in refrigerator, cooler drawers, prep, and dry storage area
  • Maintains prep area in a clean, sanitary and safe manner
  • Ensures all items are labeled appropriately to include Date, Temperature, Contents
  • Communicates scheduling requirements to Manager

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