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Cooker Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance. This is a 2nd shift position 3pm-1 ...

Cook

Shepherdsville, KY

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Shepherdsville, KY · On-site

$10 - $11/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Shepherdsville, KY · On-site

$10 - $11/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Cynthiana, KY · On-site

$11 - $16/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and arranging delicious food from our menu. Apart from showcasing your cooking prowess, you will have the ...

Cook

Mount Sterling, KY · On-site

$11 - $16/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and arranging delicious food from our menu. Apart from showcasing your cooking prowess, you will have the ...

Cook

Maysville, KY · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Long John Silver's - Immediate Cook Position Are you a talented cook with a passion for creating delicious dishes? Do you thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment where teamwork and creativity are ...

Cook

Cynthiana, KY · On-site

$11 - $16/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and arranging delicious food from our menu. Apart from showcasing your cooking prowess, you will have the ...

Cook

Mount Sterling, KY · On-site

$11 - $16/hr

As a Cook, you will play a key role in maintaining our restaurant's excellence by preparing and arranging delicious food from our menu. Apart from showcasing your cooking prowess, you will have the ...

COOK

Louisville, KY · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Cook Job Summary The cook will prepare meals and follow establishment recipes. Duties include preparing ingredients, adhering to the restaurant menu, and following food health and safety procedures.

Cook

Alexandria, KY · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Long John Silver's - Immediate Cook Position Are you a talented cook with a passion for creating delicious dishes? Do you thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment where teamwork and creativity are ...

Cook

Louisville, KY

$15 - $18/hr

Looking for Breakfast and Lunch cooks! BREAKFAST grill schedule * 8 hour shifts * out by 2pm * Work in a welcoming, teaching oriented, high standard scratch kitchen LUNCH grill schedule * 8 hour ...

Cook / Prep Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Woodland Oaks Health Care Facility is currently seeking a full-time Cook / Prep Cook to join our dietary team. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality ...

Cook

Inez, KY

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Martin County Health Care Facility is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our team. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of life for those ...

Cook

Inez, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Martin County Health Care Facility is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our team. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of life for those ...

Cook

Union, KY

$13.75 - $23/hr

The cook prepares food in quantities enough for patient meals, including special foods as necessary for therapeutic diets. The cook will follow the prepared menu as written, utilizing recipes and ...

Cook

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT We are now hiring cooks for our high volume, fast-paced environment. We offer a competitive starting wage, flexible schedules, an amazing work environment, and there are lots of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cooker information

See Kentucky salary details

$13

$16

$18

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Kentucky is $16.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $17.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cooker (Chef or Cook), you need a solid understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety standards, often gained through culinary school or hands-on experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality dishes, and a safe dining environment for customers.

What is the difference between Cooker vs Chef?

AspectCookerChef
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes certifications in food safetyFormal culinary education or extensive experience, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing and cooking food according to recipesOverseeing kitchen operations, menu creation, supervising cooks

The main difference between a Cooker and a Chef lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cooker typically focuses on preparing and cooking food, often with basic skills and certifications. A Chef, on the other hand, has advanced culinary training, oversees kitchen operations, and is responsible for menu development. While both work in similar environments, the Chef's role is more managerial and creative, whereas the Cooker primarily executes cooking tasks.

What are some common challenges a professional cooker faces in a high-volume kitchen, and how can they be managed?

In a high-volume kitchen, cookers often face challenges such as managing time efficiently, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling pressure during peak service hours. To manage these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with kitchen staff, and stay calm under pressure. Many successful cookers also rely on prep work and mise en place to streamline service and ensure a smooth workflow. Building good relationships with team members helps foster a supportive environment, making it easier to overcome challenges together.

What does a cooker do?

A cooker, often referred to as a cook or chef, is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring and mixing ingredients, monitoring food while it cooks, and ensuring meals are served at the right temperature and presentation. Cookers also maintain kitchen cleanliness and adhere to food safety standards. Depending on the workplace, their responsibilities may range from simple food preparation to creating complex dishes.
What are popular job titles related to Cooker jobs in Kentucky? For Cooker jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooker jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Cooker jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Cooker jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Cooker job openings:
Cooker Operator

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Darling Ingredients rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 381 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Company Details

Darling Ingredients repurposes and recycles materials from the animal agriculture and food industries - transforming them into essential ingredients that do everything from feeding animals to fertilizing crops to fueling planes and nourishing people. We're the number one publicly traded company of our kind, operating a global family of brands and businesses that span more than 260 facilities in over 15 countries. Our unique scale allows us to make entire industries less wasteful and more sustainable, helping move the world toward a more circular economy.

Darling Ingredients offers full time employees a full suite of benefits including but not limited to the following: 401(k), Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Paid Time Off.

Job Summary

The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance.

This is a 2nd shift position 3pm-1:30am M-F with rotating Saturdays

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

  • Always conduct yourself in a safe and controlled manner
  • Blow grease lines as required
  • Clean up to include but not limited to shoveling the floor, hosing floors and machinery down, using wheelbarrows and PIT's.
  • Operate the cooking process within selected parameters
  • Document plant operations per our GMP program
  • Notify shift manager of any issues or maintenance problems
  • Attendance at all safety meetings required
  • All other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Manufacturing, industrial, or agricultural experience preferred.
  • Prior experience in a rendering facility or production environment preferred.
  • High School diploma or GED preferred
  • Works well with others in a team environment.
  • Dependable; reliable; ability to work nights and/or weekends as needed.

The information contained in this job description is intended to describe the essential job functions required of those assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the job. Please note that management retains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, integrity, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Darling Ingredients.


Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster


Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the main duties of this job.

Working Environment

None

Occasionally = up to 20%

Frequently = 21% to 50%

Constantly = at least 51%

Exposed to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environments such as high noise level, strong odors, and/or exposure to heat and cold

Exposed to bio hazardous conditions

Exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations

Exposed to Electrical hazards; risk of electrical shock

Handles or works with potentially dangerous equipment

Travels to offsite locations

Other (please describe):

Physical Demands

None

Occasionally = up to 20%

Frequently = 21% to 50%

Constantly = at least 51%

Sit: Must be able to remain in a stationary position.

Walk: Must be able to move about inside/outside office or work location.

Use hands to finger, handle or feel: Operates a computer and other office machinery.

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: Must be able to position one's self to maintain computers in the lab, including under desks and in the server closet.

Climb or balance: Must be able to ascend/descend on a ladder.

Talk, hear, taste, smell: Must be able to use senses to; effectively communicate with co-workers and clients and detect hazardous conditions.


Weight and Force Demands

None

Occasionally = up to 20%

Frequently = 21% to 50%

Constantly = at least 51%

Up to 10 pounds

Up to 25 pounds

Up to 50 pounds

Up to 100 pounds

More than 100 pounds

Vision Demands

Required

No special vision requirements

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

Distance vision (Clear vision at 20 feet or more)

Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

Peripheral vision

Depth perception

Ability to adjust focus


What Darling Ingredients employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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