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Commonwealth Challenge Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook - Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at ...

Baker Lead - Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at ...

Sales Specialist

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... challenge and question the Executive Director and other managers with regard to moving in and ... all Commonwealth Senior Living Policies • Possesses strong organizational skills and ability to ...

Sales Specialist

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... challenge and question the Executive Director and other managers with regard to moving in and ... all Commonwealth Senior Living Policies • Possesses strong organizational skills and ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

Commonwealth Challenge information

See Virginia salary details

$11.7K

$47.2K

$118.7K

How much do commonwealth challenge jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for commonwealth challenge in Virginia is $47,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,717.00 and $54,948.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Commonwealth Challenge program?

The Commonwealth Challenge is a voluntary, residential program in Virginia designed to help at-risk youth ages 16-18 develop life skills, earn a high school diploma or GED, and prepare for future careers or further education. The program lasts 22 weeks and includes academic classes, physical fitness training, leadership development, and community service. Participants live on-site and receive mentorship to help them succeed after graduation. The Commonwealth Challenge is part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program and is free for eligible youth.

What types of teamwork and collaboration can I expect as part of the Commonwealth Challenge program staff?

As a staff member in the Commonwealth Challenge program, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including instructors, counselors, and administrative personnel, to support at-risk youth in a quasi-military environment. Daily collaboration is essential, as staff coordinate on lesson planning, behavior management, and mentoring activities to ensure a consistent and supportive atmosphere for cadets. Open communication and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift quickly to address cadet needs or program goals. This supportive team structure not only fosters professional growth but also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on participants' lives.

What is the difference between Commonwealth Challenge vs Commonwealth Officer?

AspectCommonwealth ChallengeCommonwealth Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional certificationsSimilar; often requires relevant certifications or degrees depending on the role
Work EnvironmentField-based, often in community or government settingsOffice or administrative settings, sometimes fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, community programs, and youth developmentCommonly employed in government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations

The Commonwealth Challenge and Commonwealth Officer roles share similar credentials and work environments, often within government or community sectors. The main difference lies in the focus: Commonwealth Challenge typically involves youth development and community engagement, while Commonwealth Officer roles are more administrative or policy-oriented within similar organizations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Commonwealth Challenge program instructor?

To thrive as a Commonwealth Challenge Program Instructor, you need experience in youth mentorship, education, and leadership, often supported by a background in teaching, counseling, or military service. Familiarity with student information systems, behavior management platforms, and basic office software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors connect with at-risk youth and foster positive change. These skills are crucial for effectively guiding cadets through the program, ensuring their personal growth and academic success.

What are popular job titles related to Commonwealth Challenge jobs in Virginia?

For Commonwealth Challenge jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Commonwealth Challenge jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Commonwealth Challenge job openings:

Infographic showing various Commonwealth Challenge job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,181 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Lead Cook - Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

Aramark

Richmond, VA • On-site

$24.55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

395th of 491 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in this role should safely handle knives and equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, etc. The Lead Cook may supervise employees and delegate responsibilities. The responsibilities of the position may vary by location based on client requirements and business needs.

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The Hourly rate for this position is $24.55 to $24.55. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Job Responsibilities
  • Schedules and assigns daily work activities to staff and supervises the completion of tasks.
  • Trains and guides staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, cooking methods, etc.
  • Cooks and prepares food following production guidelines and standardized recipes
  • Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment
  • Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
  • Safely uses all food utensils including knives
  • Operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.
  • Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meats, vegetables, and other foods
  • Arranges, garnishes, and portions food following established guidelines
  • Properly stores food by following food safety policies and procedures
  • Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils
  • Maintains excellent customer service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.
  • Follows Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
  • Ensures security of company assets
  • Produces and maintains work schedules and may prepare production records.
     

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications
  • Previous supervisor experience in a related role preferred
  • Experience as a cook or related role required
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision required
  • Proven knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as proper food handling, sanitation, and storage
  • Food safety certification required
  • Demonstrates basic math and counting skills
  • Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
     

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


What Aramark employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Get the full story on Breakroom


Aramark logo

About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US