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Chef Jobs in Saco, ME (NOW HIRING)

Saco School Department

Chef

Saco, ME

$60K - $75K/yr

Chef Position Purpose To create innovative, high-quality, and nutritious school meals that increase student participation, support local agriculture, and elevate the school dining experience through ...

Saco School Department

Chef

Saco, ME · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

District Date Available: 08/31/2026 Chef Position Purpose To create innovative, high-quality, and nutritious school meals that increase student participation, support local agriculture, and elevate ...

Migis Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Sous Chef is one of our entry level to management, seasonal, positions with the potential for growth and opportunity. As with most kitchens, during day to day operations problems may arise, our ideal ...

Migis Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Sous Chef is one of our entry level to management, seasonal, positions with the potential for growth and opportunity. As with most kitchens, during day to day operations problems may arise, our ideal ...

American Dining Creations

Sous Chef

Portland, ME · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

A Sous Chef at American Dining Creations will support the Chef & Executive Chef with executing daily culinary services. This position will work with the culinary staff to ensure that recipes and ...

OceanView at Falmouth

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 ...

OceanView Management Company Inc.

Chef 2

Portland, 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 ...

OceanView Management Company Inc.

Chef 2

Falmouth, ME

$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 ...

Norseman Resort

Sous Chef

Ogunquit, ME · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Job Summary We are looking for an experienced Sous Chef to assist our Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations. Communication and team work is key. A strong line leader who works best under pressure ...

EOS Hospitality

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME

$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 ...

EOS Hospitality

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

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 ...

EOS Hospitality

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 ...

EOS Hospitality

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME

$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 ...

Hana Brands

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 ...

Parkhurst Dining

Sous Chef

Portland, ME

$22 - $24/hr

JOB SUMMARY The sous chef assists the culinary team in overseeing the production of food in all stations of the kitchen and supervision of hourly team members. This role is responsible for the ...

Hana Group

Sushi Chef II

Portland, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Job Type Full-time 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 ...

Hana Group

Sushi Chef II

Portland, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

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 rolling ...

Benchmark

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

The Sous Chef will play a key role by assisting the Executive Chef in managing the kitchen and ensuring smooth daily operations. This position is essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations ...

New

Granite State Gaming and Hospitality

Sous Chef

Rochester, NH · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

What You'll Expect As the Sous Chef, you'll support the Executive Chef by leading daily kitchen operations, supervising the culinary team, and ensuring high-quality food, safety, and consistency ...

Compass Group

SENIOR SOUS CHEF

Portland, ME · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

SENIOR SOUS CHEF - Portland, ME Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Benefits offered Think Fresh! Lead with Excellence! An industry leading hospitality food service group, Unidine ...

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Chef information

See Saco, ME salary details

$10

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$46

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Saco, ME is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is a chef's salary?

The average salary for a chef varies depending on experience, location, and establishment type, but typically ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 annually. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 per year.

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 is the highest paying job as a chef?

Executive chefs, especially those managing large or high-end establishments, tend to have the highest salaries among chefs, with some earning over $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs in luxury hotels and resorts often command higher pay due to experience, reputation, and leadership responsibilities.

What other jobs can I do as a chef?

Chefs can transition into roles such as restaurant managers, food service directors, culinary instructors, food critics, or catering managers. These positions often require similar skills in food preparation, management, and customer service, and may benefit from certifications like ServSafe or culinary degrees.

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.

Is chef high salary?

Chefs can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Executive chefs and those working in high-end restaurants or hotels tend to have higher salaries, often supplemented with tips and bonuses. Entry-level chefs typically earn less, while specialized skills and certifications can lead to increased earnings.
More about Chef jobs
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What cities near Saco, ME are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Saco, ME with the most Chef job openings:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Saco, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,635 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Chef

Saco School Department

Saco, ME

$60K - $75K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Chef
Position Purpose
To create innovative, high-quality, and nutritious school meals that increase student participation, support local agriculture, and elevate the school dining experience through culinary excellence and collaboration.
Performance Responsibilities:




  • Develop, test, and standardize recipes that meet USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements and appeal to students.
  • Create innovative, nutritious menus using scratch and semi-scratch cooking techniques.
  • Partner with local farms, fishermen, seafood providers, and food producers to incorporate fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods.
  • Lead and support Farm to School initiatives and local procurement efforts.
  • Research and incorporate local, regional, and national food trends into school menus.
  • Develop culturally diverse menu items that introduce students to a variety of global cuisines.
  • Implement and oversee after school meals programing through the CACFP.
  • Use student feedback and participation data to improve menus and increase meal participation.
  • Collaborate with the School Nutrition Director to develop menus that meet nutritional, operational, and budgetary goals.
  • Train and support cafeteria staff on recipes, food preparation techniques, and presentation.
  • Evaluate new products for quality, nutrition, student acceptance, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Assist with special events, menu promotions, chef demonstrations, and nutrition education activities.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and USDA regulations.

Additional Duties

  • Performs other related tasks as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Good customer service skills
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast paced team environment
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

  • Works in standard school cafeteria environment 

Qualifications Profile

  • Degree or certificate from an accredited culinary school (preferred).
  • Professional culinary experience, preferably in institutional, school, healthcare, or high-volume foodservice.
  • Current ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain
  • Current Maine Department of Education Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) approval or eligible to obtain
  • Experience with recipe development, recipe standardization, and large-scale food production
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.
 

Reports to : School Nutrition Director

Compensation:

Based on experience and Education 

Chef -  Salary Range - $60,000- $75,000

Equal Opportunity:

Saco School Department is committed to promoting diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion.  We encourage qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

FLSA Status:             Nonexempt
Apply online
 




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