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Cook Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

North Central College

Student Nutrition Intern

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

... Interns will assist with the development of a nutrition education curriculum for a summer camp for ... Duties include demonstrating cooking techniques, teaching concepts and guiding students through ...

Metra

Intern-OT Network Security

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient service. The Metra Internship Program ...

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How much do cook internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook internship in Chicago, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook Intern, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, usually supported by a high school diploma or enrollment in a culinary program. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills that help you adapt in a fast-paced kitchen environment. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure high-quality food production, maintain safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect during a cook internship?

As a cook intern, you can expect to assist with food preparation, such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and plating dishes under the supervision of experienced chefs. Interns often help maintain kitchen cleanliness, follow food safety protocols, and occasionally rotate through different kitchen stations to gain broad experience. You'll likely work closely with kitchen staff, learning about teamwork, kitchen organization, and time management in a fast-paced environment. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your foundational skills and prepare you for a full-time culinary role.

What is a cook internship?

A cook internship is a hands-on training opportunity for individuals who want to gain practical experience in a professional kitchen. Interns typically assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, and kitchen organization under the supervision of experienced chefs. This role allows aspiring cooks to learn essential culinary skills, understand kitchen operations, and build a foundation for a future career in the culinary industry.

What is the difference between Cook Internship vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook InternshipKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsBasic culinary knowledge, sometimes culinary school or related courseworkNo formal credentials typically required
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, often in restaurants or hotels, with mentorshipSupportive, assisting with food prep and cleaning in kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in culinary training programs, hospitality industryCommon in restaurants, catering, and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cook Internship is designed for individuals gaining culinary skills and experience, often with mentorship, whereas a Kitchen Assistant provides general support without formal culinary training. The internship emphasizes learning and skill development, making it ideal for aspiring chefs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Internship jobs in Chicago, IL? For Cook Internship jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Internship jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Internship jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Cook Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Urban Green - Gap Year Young Adult Conservation Crew

Urban Green - Gap Year Young Adult Conservation Crew

Student Conservation Association

River Forest, IL • On-site

$18.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Conservation begins here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America's #1 conservation service organization in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County seeks qualified applicants to sign up for our Young Adult Gap Year Conservation Leadership Corp! This position is designed to provide conservation job training experience for young adults, 18 years or older.
This 18-week program begins June 22nd and runs through October 30th 2026. Team members will gain vital workforce development skills and environmental education through hands-on service to the land and leadership skills through mentorship of high school teens during a summer job high school program.
During Part 1 of the internship, you will work 26 hours per week (6/22-7/30) and during Part 2 (8/10-10/30) you will work 30 hours per week, with an unpaid break between August 3rd -August 7th
Program Snapshot:
  • Program Dates: June 22-October 30, 2026
  • Local Training Dates: June 24 -June 27 (Monday - Friday)
  • Weekly Schedule:Part 1: Monday- Thursday, 8 am-3pm (30-minute unpaid lunch); Part 2: Monday - Thursday, 7 am - 3:30 pm (30-minute unpaid lunch)
  • Program Hours: 26 hours Part 1; 30 hours Part 2
  • Pay Rates: Part 1: $17.50 per hour, 26 hours per week; Part 2: $18.50 per hour, 30 hours per week

Location: River Forest, Illinois- Salt Creek Maintenance Center
Primary Responsibilities:
Complete as a team an assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and help co-lead weekly educational field days for high school students. During the summer (Part 1 of internship), crew members will act as Assistant Crew leaders (ACL) to a group of ten high school students at a local nature center through the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program (CCLC). CCLC youth conduct hands-on conservation activities including invasive plant removal and trail maintenance projects and participate in environmental education activities to gain knowledge about their local environment. During Part 2, interns will create a new team of 4 crew members with 2 crew leaders once the CCLC program ends. There will be a week unpaid break August 3rd-7th so the crew will be off to prepare for the start of the GAP Crew August 10th. This newly formed crew will perform ecological restoration and will gain advanced conservation job skills and real-world experience to prepare members for future jobs in forestry and restoration skills. Work includes training and practice to remove invasive plants using herbicide, chainsaws, brush cutters as well as training to conduct brush pile burns, collect native seeds, and advanced ecology as designated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
During the fall portion of the program, the GAP Crew members will become certified in CPR/First Aid, receive their alternative herbicide certification, and gain certifications in chainsaw. As with all SCA crews, SCA Community Core Curriculum will be utilized to introduce topics such as self-care; mental health; Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; conservation ethics; environmental justice; and more.
Specifically, the Crew Member will:
  • Act as a Crew Supervisor Assistant by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics during the summer for high school youth
    • Serve as an Advisor, by training youth in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
    • Act as a Project Manager Assistant, by communicating with your crew leaders, program partners, and other staff ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA and the Forest Preserves District of Cook County
    • Perform tasks as a crewby organizing logistics, completing documentation, communicating effectively, having regular check-ins with program staff
  • Marginal Duties: helping crew leaders with data collection, time sheet management, and tool maintenance
    Qualifications:
    • Experience or being open to working outdoors as a part of team in conservation leadership during all weather conditions
    • Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred - i.e. trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
    • Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
    • Must be able to complete the full length of the program all 18 weeks: 6 weeks June 22nd-July30th and 12 weeks August 10th-October 30th
    • Must be able to attend Local Crew training (6/22-6/27):
    • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
    • Must have ability to legally work in the US
    • Must be able to get to and from the morning pick-up location
    • Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
    • Knowledge of mid-western ecology, or knowledge of the forest preserves is a big plus

    Equal Opportunity Statement
    The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

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