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Culinary Professional Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

hillcrest

Director of Culinary

Millard, NE · On-site

Model professionalism, organization, follow-through, and a service-focused approach with residents, guests, families, and team members. What We're Looking For We are looking for a culinary leader who ...

Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack

Sous Chef

Ogallala, NE

$47K - $63K/yr

You must have previous experience working in a professional kitchen environment and possess excellent communication and leadership skills. A culinary degree or certification is preferred, but not ...

Vetter Senior Living

Culinary Manager

Broken Bow, NE · On-site

As a Culinary Manager at Brookestone View , you will build meaningful relationships, lead nutrition ... Professional Growth and Advancement Opportunities • A Long-Term Career with a Mission-Driven ...

New

Vetter Senior Living

Culinary Assistant

Kearney, NE · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

As a Culinary Assistant , you'll have the opportunity to positively interact with residents, guests ... Join a team of highly committed professionals who have the opportunity to do what they do best ...

Saint Joseph's Villa & Court

Day Dietary Cook

David City, NE · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Are you a passionate and skilled culinary professional looking to make a difference in the lives of seniors? We are seeking a Day Dietary Cook to join our team at Saint Joseph's Villa & Court in ...

Champions Run

Butcher and Culinary Assistant

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Opportunities for professional growth and development within a top-tier country club setting. If ... Apply today and become part of the Champions Run culinary family. To Apply: Submit your resume and ...

ASM Global

Professional training through a culinary education or working in a fast-paced, high-volume fine dining restaurant/catering facility; full service casual dining preferred. * Extensive knowledge of ...

Vetter Senior Living

Culinary Assistant

Kearney, NE

$15 - $17.50/hr

Join a team of highly committed professionals who have the opportunity to do what they do best every day in an exceptional environment where learning and growth are encouraged and supported. Wage $15 ...

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Culinary Professional information

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How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in Nebraska is $17.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Professional, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and exceptional dining experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary Professional vs Chef?

AspectCulinary ProfessionalChef
CredentialsOften includes culinary certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingTypically requires culinary school, apprenticeships, and culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, hospitality industryProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for food service roles in hospitality and cateringSpecific to kitchen leadership and culinary arts

The term "Culinary Professional" encompasses a wide range of food service roles, including cooks, food prep staff, and kitchen assistants, often with various certifications. A "Chef" is a specialized culinary professional who typically has formal culinary training and leads kitchen operations. While all chefs are culinary professionals, not all culinary professionals are chefs. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and level of specialization.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is an individual trained in the art and science of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include chefs, cooks, bakers, and others working in restaurants, hotels, catering, or other food service establishments. Culinary professionals are skilled in a variety of cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Many pursue formal education at culinary schools, while others gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges culinary professionals face in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often navigate challenges such as time management, maintaining consistency under pressure, and adapting to last-minute menu changes. Working in a bustling kitchen requires effective communication with team members and the ability to multitask without compromising food quality or safety standards. Additionally, long hours and physically demanding tasks are common, so resilience and a passion for the craft are essential for success and growth in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Nebraska?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Nebraska are:

What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities in Nebraska with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Culinary Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Professional job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,756 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Director of Culinary

Hillcrest Health Services

Omaha, NE • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Culinary Director - Hillcrest Millard
Location: 13225 Westwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68144
Service Line: Hillcrest Millard
Schedule: Full-Time
Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for an experienced, organized, and service-focused Culinary Director to lead the culinary department at Hillcrest Millard in Omaha, NE.
Hillcrest Millard is West Omaha's premier destination for post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care. This state-of-the-art community combines innovative therapy, exceptional hospitality, private accommodations, and quality care to help guests and residents recover, maintain independence, and feel supported in a welcoming environment.
At Hillcrest, our mission is simple: Inspiring people to live their best lives. As the Culinary Director, you will play an important leadership role in creating a dining experience that supports resident satisfaction, quality care, nutrition, compliance, and a positive team culture.
What You'll Do
As the Culinary Director, you will plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Culinary Department in accordance with state and federal regulations, facility policies, and Hillcrest standards.
You will:
  • Lead daily culinary operations with a focus on food quality, service, sanitation, compliance, and resident satisfaction.
  • Maintain current records for department expenditures, food costs, inventory, and expense accounts.
  • Monitor department spending and help ensure expenses remain within budgeted amounts.
  • Develop and implement training programs to keep team members informed of best practices, regulatory changes, and facility expectations.
  • Lead team meetings and support ongoing education for culinary team members.
  • Ensure kitchen sanitation is maintained in compliance with federal and state regulations and facility policies.
  • Support patient and resident care planning, including MDS and required documentation.
  • Develop and maintain the nutritional software system, including CBORD and menu cycles that meet dietary criteria.
  • Oversee preparation of menu items and ensure food quality, appearance, presentation, and diet-order accuracy.
  • Partner with the Administrator on department staffing, team member performance, hiring, terminations, and wage or salary recommendations.
  • Review department policies, procedure manuals, job descriptions, and related materials at least annually.
  • Recommend changes that improve department operations, team performance, resident satisfaction, and quality outcomes.
  • Model professionalism, organization, follow-through, and a service-focused approach with residents, guests, families, and team members.

What We're Looking For
We are looking for a culinary leader who is accountable, organized, and confident managing both people and operations.
The right candidate will be able to lead a team, manage department priorities, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure meals are prepared and served with quality, accuracy, and care. This role is a strong fit for someone who takes ownership, follows through, and understands how important the dining experience is to resident comfort and satisfaction.
Ideal candidates will have:
  • At least three years of supervisory experience in a culinary role required.
  • Certified Dietary Manager strongly preferred.
  • Skilled nursing facility experience strongly preferred.
  • At least one year of experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of culinary operations, dietary standards, sanitation, food safety, and regulatory expectations.
  • Experience managing food costs, inventory, department records, and budget expectations.
  • Ability to lead, coach, train, and support culinary team members.
  • Strong critical thinking, planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to take initiative and implement department objectives that support positive outcomes.
  • Strong attention to detail with menus, diet orders, documentation, sanitation, and presentation.
  • A calm, flexible, and professional approach in a fast-paced environment.
  • A service-focused mindset and commitment to creating a positive dining experience for residents and guests.

Education & Credentials
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Certified Dietary Manager required; strongly preferred for consideration.
  • At least three years of culinary supervisory experience required.
  • Skilled nursing facility, healthcare culinary, or senior living experience strongly preferred.

Why Hillcrest?
At Hillcrest Millard, dining is about more than food. It is part of the resident and guest experience and plays an important role in comfort, dignity, recovery, and quality of life.
As the Culinary Director, your leadership will directly impact meal quality, team development, resident satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and the overall success of the community.
What Hillcrest Offers
  • Competitive compensation.
  • Multiple health insurance plan options.
  • Vision, dental, and life insurance.
  • Professional development support, including tuition reimbursement, certifications, and career-growth programs.
  • Dayforce Wallet, allowing you to choose when you get paid.
  • Gym membership reimbursement and partner discounts.
  • Opportunities to grow within a mission-driven senior care organization.

Physical & Other Requirements
  • Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
  • Must be able to independently lift up to 35 pounds.
  • Must be able to perform repetitive sitting, bending, standing, walking, reaching, and movement as needed.
  • Must be flexible, calm, and professional in stressful or changing situations.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
  • Must be able to utilize technology, dietary systems, kitchen equipment, and department resources efficiently and effectively.
  • Must be able to follow sanitation, infection-control, food safety, and regulatory expectations.
  • Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Ready to Lead a Culinary Team That Makes a Difference?
If you are an experienced culinary leader who takes pride in quality, service, compliance, and team development, we invite you to apply for the Culinary Director - Hillcrest Millard role.
Join Hillcrest Health & Living and help us continue inspiring people to live their best lives through great food, meaningful service, and genuine hospitality.

Apply