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Chef Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

We are currently hiring experienced Chefs and Sous Chefs to join our opening team. Dead Letter will bring a fresh perspective to our group's approach to food, hospitality, and dining experiences.

Chef

Occidental, CA

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to join our kitchen staff in serving guests through food, hospitality, and community. This position ...

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to join our kitchen staff in serving guests through food, hospitality, and community. This position ...

Sous Chef

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

We are currently hiring experienced Chefs and Sous Chefs to join our opening team. Dead Letter will bring a fresh perspective to our group's approach to food, hospitality, and dining experiences.

About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller's world-renowned The French Laundry, is set to open a restaurant of his own named Charlie's after his four-year old ...

Chef Manager

Napa, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Chef / Sous Chef - Basque, Galician & Regional Latin Cuisine (Napa) We're seeking a Chef or Sous Chef with deep knowledge of Basque, Galician, and broader regional Spanish cooking, along with an ...

Executive Chef

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading our culinary team to deliver an exceptional dining experience. This role reports directly to the General Manager and involves overseeing daily kitchen ...

Assistant, Sous Chef

Oakville, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

Position Summary The Assistant Sous Chef is an integral, hands-on member of the kitchen leadership team, responsible for supporting the Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the day-to-day ...

Assistant, Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$24.37 - $37.33/hr

Position Summary The Assistant Sous Chef is an integral, hands-on member of the kitchen leadership team, responsible for supporting the Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the day-to-day ...

Assistant, Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Position Summary The Assistant Sous Chef is an integral, hands-on member of the kitchen leadership team, responsible for supporting the Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the day-to-day ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K - $71K/yr

Join Archer Hotel Napa as a Sous Chef and become part of a passionate culinary team focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences, elevated hospitality, and creative cuisine. This leadership ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K - $71K/yr

Join Archer Hotel Napa as a Sous Chef and become part of a passionate culinary team focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences, elevated hospitality, and creative cuisine. This leadership ...

Executive Chef

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who wants to build a team, sharpen a menu, and run a kitchen with the precision of a well-tuned business. Working in close partnership with the General ...

Executive Chef

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Vine Hospitality is seeking an Executive Chef who is ready to take full ownership of the kitchen and help shape the culinary direction of a high volume restaurant concept. This is a hands-on ...

Chef

Glen Ellen, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Glen Ellen Village Market is looking for Full Time Chef to join the team! Paid holidays! Paid Vacation after one year! Sick pay! Eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance! Plus 401K ...

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Chef information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$11

$26

$48

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Santa Rosa, CA is $26.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $33.89 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 Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,006 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Chef

the girl & the fig

Sonoma, CA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Dead Letter is a new restaurant concept from the girl & the fig, located on the Sonoma Square. We are currently hiring experienced Chefs and Sous Chefs to join our opening team.

Dead Letter will bring a fresh perspective to our group’s approach to food, hospitality, and dining experiences. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a new concept from the ground up—helping to shape kitchen culture, execution, and standards from day one.
About the Role

We are seeking culinary professionals at both the Chef and Sous Chef level who are passionate about high-quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and collaborative kitchen environments. These roles will work closely with leadership to execute menus, support kitchen operations, and contribute to a strong and positive team culture.
Pay & Schedule

  • Sous Chef: $70k to $85k expected annual starting range
  • Chef: $80k to $95k expected annual starting range
  • Compensation based on experience and qualifications
  • Full-time positions available
What You’ll Be Doing

Responsibilities will vary based on position (Chef or Sous Chef), but may include:

  • Preparing and executing menu items with consistency and attention to detail
  • Supporting daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, and organization
  • Assisting with ordering, inventory, and cost control practices
  • Maintaining cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety standards
  • Collaborating with kitchen leadership and front-of-house teams
  • Contributing to staff training, coaching, and development
  • Supporting a positive, respectful, and efficient work environment
Required Experience & Skills
  • Food Safety Manager Certification (required or ability to obtain)
  • Previous experience in a professional kitchen (Sous Chef or Chef-level experience preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and tools
Benefits

We offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance to full time staff
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid sick time and vacation (for eligible roles)
  • Employee meals and dining discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

the girl & the fig, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. More detail about the girl & the fig part of the girl & the fig, LLC, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/491-the-girl-%2526-the-fig