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Field Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Canyon, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Modesto, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Visalia, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Merced, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Visalia, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Carson, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Merced, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Fresno, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs ...

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Field Chef information

What is a field chef?

Field Chefs are culinary professionals who prepare and cook meals outside of traditional kitchen settings, often in remote or temporary locations such as construction sites, military camps, disaster areas, or outdoor events. They are responsible for menu planning, sourcing ingredients, and ensuring food safety in challenging environments. Field Chefs must be adaptable, resourceful, and capable of working with limited equipment while maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene.

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

To thrive as a Field Chef, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in menu planning, often supported by formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with portable cooking equipment, food storage systems, and health and safety regulations is essential for field operations. Excellent organization, adaptability, and leadership help you manage cooking in unpredictable environments and lead teams under pressure. These skills are crucial to consistently delivering high-quality meals and maintaining safety standards in challenging, resource-limited settings.

What are some common challenges faced by field chefs, and how can they prepare for them?

Field Chefs often work in dynamic, non-traditional environments where resources and equipment may be limited, such as outdoor events, remote locations, or mobile kitchens. Adapting menus to suit unpredictable conditions and ensuring food safety standards in challenging settings are key aspects of the role. Successful Field Chefs prepare by practicing strong organizational skills, maintaining flexibility, and creating contingency plans for weather, supply disruptions, or equipment issues. Team collaboration and clear communication are also crucial for overcoming obstacles and delivering quality meals in the field.

What is the difference between Field Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectField ChefLine Cook
Credentials Culinary training, certifications often preferred Culinary training, basic certifications
Work Environment Outdoor or mobile kitchens, event sites Restaurant kitchen, indoor
Employer & Industry Catering companies, food service providers Restaurants, hotels
Job Focus Overseeing food prep at events, managing teams Preparing dishes on the line during service

Field Chefs typically work in outdoor or mobile settings, managing food preparation at events, while Line Cooks work indoors in restaurant kitchens focusing on preparing dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but Field Chefs often have additional experience in event management and outdoor cooking environments.

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Field Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Field Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Culinary Field Chef

Lancaster, CA • On-site

Vallarta Supermarkets
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores • 5 - 10K employees

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 123 rated grocery stores

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Vallarta Supermarketsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Culinary Field Chef
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Culinary
Job Summary:
The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs, ensuring consistent execution of Vallarta standards. This role provides hands-on operational support, coaching, and culinary expertise to Kitchen Managers and foodservice teams, while driving sales growth, product consistency, and an exceptional guest experience across all locations.
This position serves as a key field resource, supporting menu execution, recipe adherence, training, and operational improvements. The Culinary Field Chef collaborates closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams to support menu development, product rollouts, and company-wide culinary initiatives.
The role plays a critical part in new store openings, training execution, and ongoing operational support, with approximately 80% of time spent in field locations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide culinary and operational support across all foodservice concepts (Taqueria, Tortilleria, Restaurants, etc.)
  • Coach and support Kitchen Managers on execution, standards, and guest service
  • Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, presentation, and flavor profiles
  • Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs
  • Support product development and assist with implementation in the field
  • Identify operational improvements to improve cost, efficiency, and quality
  • Reinforce company standards, culture, and guest experience expectations
  • Monitor performance and support business initiatives aligned with company goals

Operational Responsibilities:
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
  • Support food cost control, inventory, and operational reporting
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and efficiency
  • Assist with new store openings, remodels, and training execution
  • Ensure consistency of recipes, procedures, and training materials
  • Assist with staffing, onboarding, and team development as needed

Food Quality & Compliance:
  • Enforce recipe adherence, portion control, and food quality standards
  • Maintain HACCP compliance and food safety procedures
  • Monitor temperature control, storage, and handling practices
  • Conduct quality checks for taste, appearance, and consistency

Customer Service & Experience:
  • Deliver and model Vallarta's Nuestra CASA service standards
  • Support strong guest satisfaction and service execution
  • Address customer feedback professionally and promptly

Team Leadership & Development:
  • Provide coaching, training, and development to culinary teams
  • Promote accountability, teamwork, and performance standards
  • Partner with leadership on performance and operational needs

Collaboration & Communication:
  • Support operations across Taqueria, Prepared Foods, Juice Bar, Grab & Go, and Catering as assigned.
  • Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding production needs, shortages, or operational challenges.
  • Ensure timely escalation of issues that may impact food safety, quality, or service.

Safety:
  • Enforce all safety procedures and proper equipment use
  • Report incidents and maintain safe working conditions
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and standards

Other Duties:
  • Support all current and future culinary programs
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:
  • Minimum 5+ years in culinary, restaurant, or multi-unit operations leadership
  • Strong experience in foodservice operations and team development
  • Experience in recipe development or multi-unit support preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory controls
  • Ability to train and lead in a fast-paced environment
  • High School Diploma required; Culinary Degree preferred
  • Equivalent experience may be considered

Working Conditions:
  • Fast-paced kitchen and retail environment
  • Frequent standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
  • Exposure to hot/cold environments and kitchen equipment
  • Moderate to loud noise levels

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is an exempt position. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, requiring flexibility in hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Approximately 80% of travel is required within the company's operating regions, including overnight stays. Mileage reimbursement is provided for approved business travel.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives.
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About Vallarta Supermarkets

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For more than 35 years, Vallarta Supermarkets has been bringing families together over fresh and authentic food. When you enter Vallarta, you know right away that it’s about more than food shopping — it’s about celebrating. Celebrating the food, culture, colors, and vibrant energy of Mexico and Latin America. Vallarta offers a feast for ALL your senses. You can smell the sweet aromas from the bakery, hear the rhythms of the music playing, and different languages spoken all around you.

Industry

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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