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First Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing dishes according to recipes and chef specifications. If you like a fast-paced job, working with and serving guests from all over the world, and want ...

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing dishes according to recipes and chef specifications. If you like a fast-paced job, working with and serving guests from all over the world, and want ...

New

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing dishes according to recipes and chef specifications. If you like a fast-paced job, working with and serving guests from all over the world, and want ...

New

COOK I

VA · On-site

$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 ...

Cook

Fairfax, VA

$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 ...

Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/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 ...

COOK I

VA · On-site

$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 ...

COOK I

Fort Eustis, VA · On-site

$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 ...

COOK I

Fort Eustis, VA · On-site

$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 ...

Cook I

Mclean, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. Prepare cold foods. Assist management in hiring, training, scheduling ...

Cook I

Mclean, VA · On-site

$23.84 - $25.36/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. Prepare cold foods. Assist management in hiring, training, scheduling ...

Cook I

Mclean, VA · On-site

$23.84 - $25.36/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. Prepare cold foods. Assist management in hiring, training, scheduling ...

Cook I

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22.25/hr

Cook I Ubicación: AIRPORT DIMENSIONS-SAPPHIRE LOUNGE BY THE CLUB - 30281001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Afternoon/evenings - varying days. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de ...

Cook I

Mclean, VA

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. Prepare cold foods. Assist management in hiring, training, scheduling ...

Cook I

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22.25/hr

Cook I Ubicación: AIRPORT DIMENSIONS-SAPPHIRE LOUNGE BY THE CLUB - 30281001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Afternoon/evenings - varying days. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de ...

Showing results 41-60

First Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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:
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.

Cook, Big Meadows Wayside

Delaware North

Luray, VA • On-site

$19/hr

Temporary

Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Delaware North rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Delaware North

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.2

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.2 out of 10

Caterers average

Based on 2,696 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Delaware North

  • 77%

    77% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 77%

    77% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

  • 73%

    73% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

Featured by Delaware North, based on 159 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

The opportunity
Delaware North Parks and Resorts is hiring a seasonal Cook to join our team at Big Meadows Wayside in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing dishes according to recipes and chef specifications. If you like a fast-paced job, working with and serving guests from all over the world, and want to experience hands-on learning, our Parks and Resorts team invites you to apply today.
Pay
$19.00 - $19.00 / hour
Information on our comprehensive benefits package can be found at https://careers.delawarenorth.com/whatweoffer.
What we offer
  • Weekly pay
  • Free shift meal for local team members, or free daily meals available for team members in employee housing
  • Employee discounts - 30% off most items
  • Training and development with opportunities for internal mobility and growth, including the chance to work at our other locations nationwide

Note: Additional benefits, including insurance and vacation, are available for eligible year-round positions at other Delaware North properties
Life in Shenandoah National Park
Looking for a new adventure? Be part of a tight-knit team fortunate enough to live and work in the natural wonder of Shenandoah National Park. With a great work/life balance, you can spend your time off exploring the over 500 miles of hiking trails.
  • Low-cost, recently updated dormitory housing available for $100/ week, including utilities and wi-fi, and free daily meals available for individuals who reside 50-plus miles from their worksite
  • Free rides to Luray for team members living in employee housing
  • Shared fire pit area for use in the dorm area
  • Meet guests and fellow team members from around the globe
  • Tons of outdoor activities, including camping, rock climbing, rappelling, cycling, fishing, and horseback riding

What will you do?
  • Properly measure, portion, and cook all food items promptly
  • Ensure correct food temperatures are maintained, and food is stored safely
  • Perform opening, closing, and side work duties according to proper guidelines
  • Keep workstation and equipment clean, organized, and sufficiently stocked
  • Use waste control guidelines and record all waste on the spoilage sheet

More about you
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience as a prep cook or line cook
  • Ability to prioritize and complete food orders with speed and precision
  • Ability to follow procedures and take directions
  • Basic math skills to understand, calculate, and follow recipe measurements and proportions
  • No high school diploma or GED required

Physical requirements
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to chop, mix, and blend a variety of foods and liquids.
  • Ability to carry large pans, weighing up to 50 pounds, and operate kitchen equipment
  • Constant standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive motions
  • Exposed to variable temperatures

Shift details
Days
Evenings
Holidays
M-F
Weekends
Every weekend
8hr shift
10hr shift
12hr shift
Who we are
Shenandoah National Park offers over 200,000 acres of protected lands with lots to explore including cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows. It's a great place to hike, camp, bike, fish, take photographs or go canoeing. We offer on-site housing and a free meal during every shift.
Our business is all about people, and that includes you. At Delaware North, you're not just part of a team - you're part of a global legacy: a family-owned company with 100+ years of history behind it. Our operations span the world, offering you unique paths to growth and success.
Who says you can't love where you work? With jobs in iconic sports arenas, stunning national parks, exciting casinos, and more, we pride ourselves on giving the world great times in great places. And whether you're interested in restaurants, hotels, sports, gaming, operations, or retail, part-time or full-time, we're invested in helping you achieve your career goals.
Together, we're shaping the future of hospitality - come grow with us!
Delaware North, along with its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer, showcasing job opportunities and considering applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Working at Delaware North

Perks for frontline workers

From Delaware North, via Breakroom

  • Flexible work schedules for all team members

  • Weekly pay for hourly team members

  • Referral bonuses for eligible roles

  • Training and development for all team members

  • Employee assistance program for eligible team members

  • Health, vision and dental insurance for eligible team members

  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match for eligible team members

  • Paid time off and holidays for eligible team members

  • Performance bonuses for eligible team members

  • Paid parental bonding leave for eligible team members

  • Employee discounts (varies by location) for eligible team members

What to expect from working at Delaware North

From Delaware North

About Delaware North, in their own words

From Delaware North

Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry. We annually serve more than a half-billion guests across three continents, including at high-profile sports venues, national parks, restaurants, resorts, and casinos. Building on more than a century of partnerships and a commitment to local communities and sustainability, our vision is to delight guests by creating the world’s best experiences today, while reimagining tomorrow.

Delaware North team members are the heart and soul of our business, creating unforgettable guest experiences every day — from the first tee as the official catering partner of the PGA of America Championships and domestic Ryder Cup, to a first-class meal at a dream Disney® location. We proudly offer countless growth and learning opportunities, guided by top-tier hospitality mentors.

Find connection, purpose, and growth at Delaware North.

Company values

From Delaware North

  • Lean Forward: we are innovative creators who continually reimagine what’s next
  • Come Together: we work collaboratively with each other and believe in the power of partnership
  • Stand Up: we lead by example, own our decisions and take initiative
  • Do Right: we value integrity and always do the right thing, especially when no one is looking
  • Think Guest: the guest experience is at the heart of everything we do

What Delaware North employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Delaware North logo

About Delaware North

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Delaware North, you'll love where you work, who you work with, and how your day unfolds. Whether it's in sporting venues, casinos, airports, national parks, iconic hotels, or premier restaurants, there's no telling where your career can ultimately take you. We empower you to do great work in a company with 100 years of success, stability and growth. If you have drive and enjoy the thrill of making things happen - share our vision and grow with us.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Buffalo, NY, US

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