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Cook Internship Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Executive Sous Chef

Portland, OR

$68K - $88K/yr

With mastery of cooking techniques, cost control, and staff development, the Executive Sous Chef ... Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns * Basic Qualifications * 4 years ...

Posted today

Executive Sous Chef - Bar Sprezzatura

Portland, OR · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With mastery of cooking techniques, cost control, and staff development, the Executive Sous Chef ... Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns Requested Capabilities * 4 years ...

Posted today

Sous Chef

Portland, OR

$53K - $71K/yr

... line cooks to deliver excellence at every service. With strong technical skills, a focus on ... Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns * Basic Qualifications * minimum of ...

Posted today

Cook Internship information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do cook internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook internship in Portland, OR is $17.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook intern?

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 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Cook Internship job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,357 per year, or $17 per hour.

Executive Sous Chef

MINA Group

Portland, OR

$68K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Inspired by the casual elegance of Italy, Bar Sprezzatura is a unique escape into Italian culture and cuisine. Located in the historic Heathman Hotel, Bar Sprezzatura is a bustling lunch spot by day and aperitivo and cicchetti bar at night. Whether enjoying a bustling meal, an aperitivo, or savory snacks, guests are transported to a world where timeless traditions meet the vibrant, sun-kissed charm of coastal Italy.

About the Role:

The Executive Sous Chef at Bar Sprezzatura is a hands-on culinary leader who supports all aspects of kitchen operations alongside the Executive Chef. This role combines mentorship, technical expertise, and operational excellence to ensure an exceptional experience for both guests and team members. With mastery of cooking techniques, cost control, and staff development, the Executive Sous Chef drives consistency, fosters creativity, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and hospitality.

Our Ideal candidate is:

A detail oriented culinary leader who will be a hands-on mentor in the kitchen with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and create an amazing experience for both our guests and our staff. You will assist in leading all culinary operations, providing insight and guidance to every member of the kitchen staff, and work closely with the executive chef and corporate culinary and operations teams to further the success of the restaurant. You have expertise in cooking techniques, inventory control, labor cost management, an impeccable eye for detail, and a high level of professionalism.

What you bring to the table:

  • Personal Attributes

    • Exceptional communication and organizational skills

    • Gracious spirit of hospitality

    • Intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity

    • Continually strive to develop staff in all areas of food education

    • Ability to work clean, organized, and lead a team

  • Professional Attributes

    • Advanced knowledge of kitchen fundamentals (knife skills, butchery, sauces, fabrication, all kitchen stations)

    • Knowledge of financial reporting and ability to analyze data

    • Have a strong eye towards development both personal and for your team

    • Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns

  • Basic Qualifications

    • 4 years’ experience in a fine dining high volume kitchen, with at least 1 years in a leadership role

    • Culinary degree preferred

    • Knowledge of safety and hygiene protocols

    • Working knowledge of HR practices and labor laws

    • Ability to frequently lift up to 40 pounds

    • Have the stamina to work in excess of 40 hours per week

    • Spanish language skills a plus


Salary Range: 75,000-80,000/yr

The Mina Group, LLC and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas and experiences and, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and other aspects of employment, please contact Mina Group Human Resources by emailing hrsupport@minagroup.net.