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First Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22/hr

A Head Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking various food items according to recipes and monitors cooks production acting as a lead Main Duties and Responsibilities: * Assembles equipment ...

Gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Chantilly, VA

$22/hr

A Head Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking various food items according to recipes and monitors cooks production acting as a lead Main Duties and Responsibilities: * Assembles equipment ...

Boar's Head Resort

Cook I

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook I must have a deep understanding of various cooking techniques, the ability to work ... Knowledge of CPR or First Aid. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES All employees must learn and comply with all ...

Boar's Head Resort

Cook I

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook I must have a deep understanding of various cooking techniques, the ability to work ... Knowledge of CPR or First Aid. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES All employees must learn and comply with all ...

Amherst College

Second Cook

Amherst, VA · On-site

$22.10 - $23.75/hr

Supervision -Provide operational supervision, both directly and in conjunction with the First Cook, over the daily culinary operations while supporting the culinary team with the planning, production ...

Amherst College

Second Cook

Amherst, VA · On-site

$22.10 - $23/hr

Provide operational supervision, both directly and in conjunction with the First Cook, over the daily culinary operations while supporting the culinary team with the planning, production and ...

Select Medical

Cook-PRN

Richmond, VA

$19/hr

Position: Cook Location: Select Specialty Hospital Richmond Schedule: PRN/Per Diem Compensation ... first anniversary or subsequent calendar year. * Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Centreville, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

Invited

Cook 1

Centreville, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

Invited

Cook 1

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Centreville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

J.F. Shea Family of Companies

$22 - $24/hr

... the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. Full-Time team members are ... The Cook 4 is an hourly member of the Food & Beverage Team and is responsible for food preparation ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

Invited

Cook 1

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Haymarket, VA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook 1 Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help ... Our Clubs offer first-class amenities, including championship golf courses, modern workspaces ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Cook JobsFirst Cook Jobs in Virginia

First Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first cook in Virginia is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectFirst CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often in supervisory or specialized rolesKitchen, focused on specific station or station tasks
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, supervises staff, ensures qualityPrepares specific dishes, manages station tasks, supports team

The main difference between a First Cook and a Line Cook lies in their responsibilities and level of supervision. First Cooks typically oversee kitchen operations and supervise other cooks, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at their designated station. Both roles require culinary skills and experience, but First Cooks often have more leadership duties.

How does a first cook typically collaborate with other kitchen staff during busy service periods?

As a First Cook, you play a pivotal role in coordinating with line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen assistants to ensure dishes are prepared accurately and efficiently during peak hours. Strong communication is essential, as you'll help delegate tasks, monitor food quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. You may also work closely with the Sous Chef or Head Chef to implement menu changes and maintain kitchen standards, fostering a team-oriented environment where everyone works together to deliver a seamless dining experience.

What is a first cook?

A first cook works with the kitchen team throughout a breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. In this career, you provide food to diners and learn the fundamental elements of the culinary arts. Because you have experience in food service and working with a team, companies expect you to coordinate activity in the kitchen as part of your duties. Skills including hiring and training personnel, creating menus, and supporting the local food hygiene standard. A first cook must exhibit leadership abilities and have strong time management skills. Companies expect a you to create a culture of productivity and enthusiasm, and support upcoming leaders within the kitchen. Qualifications include a culinary degree and years of work experience.

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

To thrive as a First Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and prior experience in a professional kitchen, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food preparation tools is essential. Leadership, time management, and the ability to work well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a safe, collaborative work environment.
More about First Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to First Cook jobs in Virginia? For First Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Cook jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for First Cook jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to First Cook jobs in VA? For First Cook jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
First Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,557 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Gategroup

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We're looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone's journeys better.
Compensation & Competitive benefits that let you see the world:
1. Starting rate:$22.00/hr
Job Summary:
A Head Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking various food items according to recipes and monitors cooks production acting as a lead
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assembles equipment according to airline specifications following procedures and assembly diagrams.
  • Packages and prepares alcoholic beverages for airline flights.
  • Keeps production areas in compliance with sanitation standards and customer requirements
  • Documents inventory in compliance with requirements
  • Follows directions.
  • Works as a member of a team.
  • Supports Hot Food leadership in monitoring team's production quality and efficiencies
  • Additional duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by management

Qualifications
Education:
  • Culinary degree and/or cook certification is preferred

Work Experience:
  • At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred
  • Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared.
  • Recipe conversion experience required to accommodate the kitchen's daily production needs.

Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration)
  • Not applicable

Language / Communication Skills:
  • Read, write, and follow food specifications and menu guidelines
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers

Requirements of the Job:
  • Handle various food products such as seafood, beef, pork, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Handle knives and kitchen tools properly.
  • Work assigned schedule which may vary and could include weekends and holidays
  • Work overtime when required
  • Arrive to work on-time
  • Completes paperwork and related administrative duties
  • Complies with company policies

Work Environment
  • Handles pork, poultry, meat and fish products
  • Will be exposed to extreme temperature changes and noise.
  • Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move product, equipment and supplies up to fifty (50) pounds frequently during shift.
  • Regularly stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during shifts of 8+ hours.

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position
Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Integrity, Passion and Accountability. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:
  • We treat each other with respect and we act with integrity
  • We communicate and keep each other informed
  • We put our heads together to problem solve and deliver excellence as a team
  • We have passion for our work and we pay attention to the little details
  • We foster an environment of accountability, take responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes
  • We do what we say we will do, when we say we are going to do it
  • We care about our coworkers, always taking an opportunity to make someone's day better

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law.
For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
We are accepting applications for this position on an ongoing basis.
For California Residents, please click here to view our California privacy notice.
If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!

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