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First Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Concern Housing

Cook- Per Diem

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Position Cook, Non Tenant Full-Time/Part-Time Per Diem Location Suffolk County, Long Island, NY Salary $17.00 Days/Hours Description Concern Housing is seeking a per diem Cook that allows the ...

Shineforth

Cook I

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Cook I will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and occassionally ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Shineforth

Cook I

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The Cook I will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and occassionally ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Lansdowne Resort

Cook

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Meet with Head Cook/Sous Chef to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other information pertinent to the job performance. * Opening Shift - Turn on specified equipment (i.e ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700027 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700027 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery

Cook I

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Cook ILewisGale Hospital Montgomery Benefits LewisGale Hospital Montgomery offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700027 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Lynchburg, VA

$12.50 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700027 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

TriCities Hospital

Cook I

Hopewell, VA · On-site

Cook I Job Summary and Qualifications Under general supervision, prepares, seasons, and cooks a wide variety of food items in appropriate quantities while following menus, recipes and production ...

Wlu

Cook II, Marketplace

Lexington, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Primary cooking responsibilities include grilling, deep frying, sauteing, broiling and roasting. Produces high quality, properly seasoned, nutritious food in a timely and efficient manner, adhering ...

The Providence Fairfax

Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... first and surpassing their wildest expectations with unparalleled quality. Our best-in-class ... Educational Requirements and Experience: • Minimum of two years experience as cook preparing full ...

The Providence Fairfax

Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

... first and surpassing their wildest expectations with unparalleled quality. Our best-in-class ... Minimum of two years experience as cook preparing full line of menu items. Able to read, write, and ...

Blackstone Consulting Inc.

COOK I

Fort Eustis, VA

$15.25 - $19/hr

Follows proper cooking procedures, recipe cards, SOPs and special instructions on the Production Schedules. * Follow proper procedures, temperatures and time periods during food preparation. * Ensure ...

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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 Jun 7, 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.

What are First Cooks?

First Cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They often lead a team of kitchen staff, ensure food quality and safety standards are met, and may assist in menu planning and inventory management. First Cooks typically have advanced culinary skills and experience, and they play a key role in maintaining the kitchen’s efficiency and organization.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 62% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,557 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Cook- Per Diem

Concern Housing

Suffolk, VA • On-site

$17/hr

Per diem

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About the Organization
Concern Housing is a non-profit agency committed to helping individuals and families to live in the community with dignity and enhanced opportunities through the provision of housing and support services. We are one of the largest housing agencies of this kind in New York State, currently serving approximately 1,300 individuals and families in over 240 locations. Concern offers a variety of housing options with individualized support services designed to support personal growth and independence. Our workplace culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding innovative ideas. Diversity at our agency means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talent and strengths.
Position
Cook, Non Tenant
Full-Time/Part-Time
Per Diem
Location
Suffolk County, Long Island, NY
Salary
$17.00
Days/Hours
Description
Concern Housing is seeking a per diem Cook that allows the opportunity to be creative while working independently. Includes preparing dinner for approximately 40 residents on a daily basis. Flexible hours with the potential for full time employment. Culinary grads and retirees welcome.
Days/Hours: Per Diem
Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:
  • Ensure that all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to the recipes, portioning, cooking and serving standards.
  • Ensure that all equipment is kept clean and kept in excellent working condition through personal inspection and by following the agency's maintenance policies and procedures.
  • Control food cost and usage by following proper requisition of products from storage areas, product storage procedures, standard recipes and waste control procedures.
  • Be knowledgeable of agency policies regarding personnel and report any concerns/problems to program director.
  • Check and maintain proper food holding and refrigeration temperature control points.
  • Ensure all scheduled cleaning is completed.
  • Remain current with all Agency required compliance documents and trainings.

Requirements:
A minimum of 1 year experience in cook position or relevant experience.
Concern Housing offers an Agency Sponsored Retirement Plan and Employee Sponsored 403(b) Retirement Plan for part time employees. Concern encourages employee growth, offering Educational Assistance and Scholarship Programs, Licensure Reimbursement and Possible Internship/Clinical Supervision. Referral Bonuses are also available!
Salary: $17.00/hr.
Position Requirements
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position is currently accepting applications.

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