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Chef Jobs in Sun Prairie, WI (NOW HIRING)

This role works closely with the chefs and kitchen team to oversee expo operations, maintain sanitation standards, assist with food preparation for events and parties, manage inventory and ordering ...

Waunakee Chef Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Position Summary Buck & Honey's Waunakee is seeking a hands-on, organized, and driven Kitchen Manager to help lead daily kitchen operations and support ...

Lead Line Cook

Mcfarland, WI

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef information

See Sun Prairie, WI salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Sun Prairie, WI is $23.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $30.19 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Sun Prairie, WI?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Sun Prairie, WI are:

What cities near Sun Prairie, WI are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Sun Prairie, WI with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Sun Prairie, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,839 per year, or $24 per hour.

Food Service - Sous Chef at the Henry Vilas Zoo

ssagroup

Madison, WI • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Position Title: Sous Chef

Reports to: Executive Chef

Who are we:

For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.

We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.

Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.

Responsibilities 

  • Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.          

  • Create Competitive quality products.             
  • Supervise and participate in creating high-quality products for events and food service locations.       
  • Assist in menu pricing and preparation.         
  • Estimate food consumption for events and request necessary products.        
  • Demonstrate new cooking techniques.         
  • Train, coach, counsel, and resolve problems.              
  • Comply with all food safety regulations and practices.            
  • Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and/or dining areas.               
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.                
  • Monitor and track proper cooking and holding temperatures.            
  • Support the management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines.
  • Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory of products.    
  • Manage employees in accordance with state and federal laws.           
  • Incorporate sustainable resources into the culinary selections.           
  • Perform specialty projects as assigned by the Executive Chef.             
  • Respond to guest requests and take action to ensure client satisfaction.         
  • Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.  
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Job Requirements 

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
  • Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
  • Exceptional problem-solving/decision-making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
  • Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
  • Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operate, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging 

  • Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
  • Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
  • Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary. 
  • Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Previous Experience

  • Three years of food preparation experience.
  • ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
  • Knowledge of HAACP
  • Culinary training, must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments) 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Pay Rate: $22.00–$24.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Full-Time, non-exempt, eligible for overtime pay.
  • Primarily daytime/early shifts, with occasional evenings and a schedule that generally does not require working both weekend days.
  • Paid Time Off plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
  • Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
  • SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and your or your family’s serious medical conditions.
  • Up to 40 hours Paid Bereavement.
  • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
  • Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
  • Tuition Discount through Partnership College
  • Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
  • Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location. 

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C..  Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA).  Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act.  Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").  

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" documentfor more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document. 

We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position remains open until filled.