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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 Jun 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 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 19% Full Time, 76% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,895 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

PT Kitchen Manager/Lead Cook

Genesee Country Museum

Mumford, NY • On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Reports to: Director of Food and Beverage
Direct reports: oversee 8-10 seasonal staff
Position Type: Part-time, year-round position, 30-32 hours per week. Weekends regularly required.
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:
Kitchen Manager/ Lead Cook will oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring that food is prepared efficiently, safely, and to high-quality standards. This includes managing kitchen staff, inventory, and production schedules all while maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES ( including but not limited to):
  • Working directly with F amp;B Director to Ensure that all food and products are consistently planned, prepared and served according to the restaurant’s recipes, portioning, cooking and serving standards.
  • Enter all new invoices and product counts into the Orderly Inventory App on a weekly basis as well as detailed end of month inventory counts.
  • Maintain and submit accurate monthly Shrink Logs by established deadlines, set monthly.
  • Conduct end of week Production Par List Inventory to determine the next week’s production needs.
  • Prepare and provide guidance on Daily Task List to ensure all necessary food preparation, food production, cleaning and maintenance, restocking and special event tasks are completed by assigned staff.
  • Oversee the training of kitchen personnel in safe operation of all kitchen equipment and utensils, food safety, sanitation procedures, and adherence to GCVM policies.
  • Control food cost and usage by following proper requisition of products from storage areas, product storage procedures, standard recipes and waste control procedures.
  • Assist F amp;B Director with employment and termination decisions including interviewing, hiring, evaluating and disciplining kitchen personnel as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • 2-3 Years of experience as a Lead Cook or Kitchen Manager.
  • Previous Experience in overseeing/training a staff of 3-5 including food prep, food safety, cleaning, and maintenance.
  • proficiency in inventory management/software.
  • Sysco ordering systems knowledge is a plus.
  • Experience in Menu Planning and Recipe Development.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary: $18-$19/hr.

Benefits: We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare, eye and dental coverage, a 403(b) plan with an annual board approved employer contribution for qualified staff, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program.
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.