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Institutional Cook Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

COOK

Oxford, OH · On-site

$24/hr

Prior restaurant/institutional cooking experience required. * Perks: Uniforms provided! Shift meals! Full benefit package! * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU A fun ...

Cook

Minster, OH · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Previous cooking experience preferred, ideally in a healthcare, long-term care, restaurant, or institutional setting. * Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices. * Ability to work in ...

3 Hour Cook

Jeromesville, OH · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Food Service/Cook Date Posted: 5/1/2026 Location: Hillsdale Local School District Date Available ... institutional food preparation or equivalent. 3. Must pass TB test and submit results. 4. Must ...

Cook

Salem, OH · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Minimum of one (1) year cooking experience for a large group; long-term care or institutional experience preferred * Ability to scale and quantify recipes to meet facility needs * Strong written and ...

Cook

Vandalia, OH · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Minimum of 1 year experience as a cook in a healthcare, behavioral health, or institutional setting preferred. * Knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs for individuals in recovery preferred.

SENIOR COOK

Dayton, OH · On-site

$22/hr

Previous 2 years of institutional cooking experience preferred. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $20.00 per hour to $22.00 per hour. Free meals, uniforms and laundering ...

Prior restaurant/institutional cooking experience required. * Perks: Uniforms provided! Shift meals! Full benefit package! * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU A fun ...

Prior restaurant/institutional cooking experience required. * Perks: Uniforms provided! Shift meals! Full benefit package! * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU A fun ...

Prior restaurant/institutional cooking experience required. * Perks: Uniforms provided! Shift meals! Full benefit package! * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU A fun ...

Cook

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Two years experience in professional or institutional food service area Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: * Successful completion of a formal training program for cooks ...

Part Time Cook

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Support Staff/Cook Date Posted: 1/30/2026 Location: Saint Ignatius High SchoolJob Title: Part-Time ... Minimum of 2 years professional kitchen experience required (school, institutional, restaurant, or ...

Cook

Ashland, OH · On-site

$15 - $16.80/hr

Prior cooking experience in a restaurant or institutional setting is preferred but not required * ServSafe Certification is a PLUS, but not required We recognize the success of our Mission relies on ...

Cook

Ashland, OH

$15 - $16.80/hr

Prior cooking experience in a restaurant or institutional setting is preferred but not required * ServSafe Certification is a PLUS, but not required We recognize the success of our Mission relies on ...

Cook

Ashland, OH · On-site

$15 - $16.80/hr

A High School Degree or equivalent in preferredPrior cooking experience in a restaurant or institutional setting is preferred but not requiredServSafe Certification is a PLUS, but not requiredWe ...

Previous 2 years of institutional cooking experience preferred. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $20.00 per hour to $22.00 per hour. Free meals, uniforms and laundering ...

PM Cook

Cincinnati, OH

$13.50 - $18/hr

Minimum 2 years of cooking experience , preferably in healthcare, long-term care, or institutional food service * Previous supervisory or lead cook experience strongly preferred * Knowledge of ...

Previous 2 years of institutional cooking experience preferred. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $20.00 per hour to $22.00 per hour. Free meals, uniforms and laundering ...

Support Staff/Cook Date Posted: 7/24/2026 Location: Saint Ignatius High School Job Title: Full-Time ... Minimum of 2 years professional kitchen experience required (school, institutional, restaurant, or ...

Showing results 21-40

Institutional Cook information

What is the difference between Institutional Cook vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectInstitutional CookCafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary skillsBasic food handling, safety training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, prisonsSchool cafeterias, institutional dining halls
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, correctional facilitiesEducational institutions, corporate cafeterias

Institutional Cooks typically have culinary training and handle food preparation in large-scale settings, while Cafeteria Workers focus on serving and maintaining food stations. Both roles work in institutional environments but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional cook?

To thrive as an Institutional Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience in large-scale meal preparation, often supported by a food handler’s permit or related certification. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and standardized recipes is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are valuable soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These abilities ensure efficient food service, compliance with regulations, and consistent meal quality in institutional settings.

What is an institutional cook?

Institutional cooks are culinary professionals who prepare large quantities of meals in settings such as schools, hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and other institutions. Their responsibilities include planning menus, following specific dietary guidelines, ensuring food safety, and working as part of a team to prepare and serve food efficiently. Unlike restaurant cooks, institutional cooks often follow strict regulations and standardized recipes to meet the nutritional and safety needs of large groups.

What are some common challenges institutional cooks face when preparing meals for large groups, and how can they be addressed?

Institutional cooks often encounter challenges such as managing strict dietary requirements, ensuring food safety, and preparing meals in large quantities while maintaining quality and consistency. To address these issues, cooks must follow standardized recipes, stay organized, and work closely with nutritionists or dietitians. Effective communication and teamwork with kitchen staff are essential to coordinate tasks and meet tight meal schedules.
What are popular job titles related to Institutional Cook jobs in Ohio? For Institutional Cook jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Institutional Cook jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs in Ohio are:
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Senior Lead Cook

DYNAMIC EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS INC

Dayton, OH • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Classification: Non- Exempt

Reports To: Food Services Manager

Senior Lead Cook
Full‑time • $18.50 hourly – Bi‑weekly pay – Full benefits package
Location • Dayton, Ohio

Schedule • Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized food‑service professional to prepare daily meals, oversee kitchen operations, and guide Cook Helpers and student trainees in safe and efficient food‑handling practices. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast‑paced kitchen environment while also mentoring young adults in workforce‑readiness skills.

This position is well‑suited for individuals with experience in:

• Large‑scale or institutional cooking
• Culinary preparation and food safety
• Stockroom or inventory management
• Working with youth or student trainees
• Team leadership or kitchen coordination
• Maintaining safe, clean, and sanitary food‑service environments

You will work closely with the Food Service Manager and kitchen team to ensure high‑quality meals, efficient service, and a safe, supportive learning environment for students participating in Job Corps training programs.

This is an on‑site, student‑facing role that requires strong interpersonal skills, consistency, food‑service knowledge, and the ability to model professionalism for young adults.

Your work directly supports student well‑being, center culture, and the overall campus dining experience.

What You’ll Do

Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations

• Prepare meals in accordance with pre‑planned menus and the number of students, staff, and guests served.
• Maintain kitchen equipment in clean, orderly, and working condition.
• Ensure the kitchen and surrounding work areas remain safe, clean, and sanitary.
• Assist in cleaning the kitchen and dining areas following each meal service.
• Prepare food for special functions, visitors, and off‑center assignments as directed.

Training, Leadership & Student Support

• Instruct Cook Helpers and student trainees in safe, hygienic, and efficient food‑preparation techniques.
• Model, mentor, and reinforce positive center culture and Career Success Standards (CSS).
• Act as a responsible custodian of center property.
• Report violations of ethical behavior.

Inventory, Accountability & Safety

• Monitor stockroom commodities and recommend replenishment as needed.
• Identify and report environmental health and safety concerns.
• Suggest opportunities for continuous operational improvement and waste reduction.
• Ensure all food‑handling procedures meet safety and compliance standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in food‑services training.
• Experience working with youth.
• Valid food handler’s permit for the state of Ohio.
• Broad knowledge of food‑service operations.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions and use good judgment.
• Ability to model, mentor, and monitor CSS standards for students.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. (I‑9 verification required).
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background check and drug screening.

Additional Information

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be adjusted as needed. Employees will be notified of any changes.

Dynamic Workforce Solutions values diversity, equity, and inclusion, believing that a wide range of experiences strengthens our work and our impact. We strive to provide equal access to opportunities, information, and support for all team members and the communities we serve.

EXPERIENCE EXTREME CUSTOMER SERVICE

Equal Opportunity Employer
• Dynamic Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.