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Cook Museum Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Cook Museum information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook museum jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook museum in Rochester, NY is $15.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cook Museum?

A Cook Museum is a natural science museum that offers educational exhibits and interactive experiences focused on the natural world, including animals, plants, rocks, and minerals. The Cook Museum of Natural Science, for example, provides hands-on exhibits and activities designed for visitors of all ages to learn about biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation. Museums like this often feature live animal displays, immersive habitats, and programs for school groups, making them a popular destination for families and educators.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a cook at a museum café or restaurant?

As a cook at a museum café or restaurant, your daily responsibilities typically include preparing and cooking menu items according to standardized recipes, ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met, and assisting with inventory management. You may also help set up food displays for special events or exhibits and collaborate closely with front-of-house staff to ensure timely service during busy museum hours. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as menu offerings may change based on seasonal exhibits or visitor volume.

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

To thrive as a cook in a museum setting, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or culinary certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and customer service orientation help create a positive dining experience for patrons. These competencies ensure safe, efficient kitchen operations and contribute to the overall visitor satisfaction at the museum.

What is the difference between Cook Museum vs Museum Educator?

AspectCook MuseumMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary or museum-related certificationsBachelor's degree in education, history, or related field; often requires museum or educational certifications
Work EnvironmentMuseum settings, kitchens, or exhibit areas; may involve hands-on activitiesClassroom or exhibit spaces; focus on educational programs and visitor engagement
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums with culinary or historical exhibits; cultural institutionsMuseums, cultural centers, educational institutions

The Cook Museum typically involves hands-on culinary or exhibit work, focusing on culinary history or food-related displays. In contrast, a Museum Educator emphasizes developing and delivering educational programs, engaging visitors, and interpreting exhibits. Both roles are vital in museum settings but differ mainly in their focus—practical culinary or exhibit work versus educational outreach.

What are popular job titles related to Cook Museum jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Cook Museum jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Museum jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Museum jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Cook Museum jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Cook Museum job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook Museum job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,895 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Seasonal Food Service Associate

Mumford, NY

$16 - $16.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Seasonal Food Service Associate
Reports to: Director of Food and Beverage
Direct reports: N/A
Position Type: Part time, Seasonal, 10-25 hours per week. Weekends are regularly required. Evenings Occasionally required for special events.
WHO WE ARE:
Genesee Country Village amp; Museum, located in Mumford, NY 25 miles outside of Rochester, is the largest living history museum in New York State. Our 68-building Historic Village, John L. Wehle Gallery, and Genesee Country Nature Center host nearly 100,000 guests each year on site, off site around the community, and online across the world. Learn more on our website www.gcv.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Food Service Associate supports the food service department in a variety of areas including cashier, bussing, food prep and kitchen support. Support may be in our two seasonal lunch restaurants, ice cream pavilion, pop-up locations for special events, and/or catered events for private functions at The Museum. This great opportunity offers employees a flexible schedule in a unique atmosphere.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):
  • Daily kitchen/restaurant set-up and prep work for the day’s food service.
  • Running a cash register which includes the responsibility of handling cash and credit card transactions.
  • Daily cleaning of dining room and workspaces.
  • Restocking merchandise in restaurants
  • Assisting in daily food preparation.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Willingness to be trained in various kitchen and food service tasks and procedures and be motivated to learn.
  • Must be 16+ for customer service roles, 18+ for food prep/cook, and 21+ for bartending roles.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service in a polite and professional manner.
Working Conditions:
  • Ability to lift 25-50lbs on your own
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time without sitting
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors and walk short distances on uneven terrain.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary: $16-$16.50/hr.
Benefits: We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer NYS Paid Sick leave time that accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, employee assistance program and an annual family membership for all employees.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village amp; Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Diversity Statement: Genesee Country Village amp; Museum is actively committed to broadening our understanding of DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion), and making it part of everything that we do. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we celebrate the stories of our shared past; connect the rich diversity of the 19th century to the present; and collaborate with the communities we serve to create welcoming spaces for learning, work, exploration, and play.