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Institutional Cook Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Portland State University

Lead Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.36 - $21.91/hr

Position Summary The Lead Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator in the responsibility of ... institutional food service. • Knowledge of USDA/CACFP program guidelines. Key Cultural ...

New

WELLQUEST LIVING LLC

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Must have previous experience as a cook in an institutional setting. * Must have criminal record clearance. * Must be at least 18 years of age Education Requirements * High school diploma is ...

WellQuest Corporate

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Must have previous experience as a cook in an institutional setting. * Must have criminal record clearance. * Must be at least 18 years of age Education Requirements * High school diploma is ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Eugene, OR

$20/hr

Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ... Preferred: * Prior institutional food service or restaurant experience is preferred. Benefits ...

Stone Lodge

Be Seen First

Sous Chef (Full Time + Benefits)

Bend, OR · On-site

$25/hr

The successful candidate for this position must be 18 years of age and have two years' experience in institutional or full service restaurant cooking. This individual will have knowledge of and ...

Caring Places Management

Dietary Manager

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Prior experience with cooking in an institutional setting required; * Strong leadership and communication skills; * Able to use a computer when necessary to fulfil the duties of the role; * Able to ...

New

Caring Places Management

Dietary Manager

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Prior experience with cooking in an institutional setting required; * Strong leadership and communication skills; * Able to use a computer when necessary to fulfil the duties of the role; * Able to ...

New

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Pendleton, OR · On-site

$22.25/hr

Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ... Preferred: * Prior institutional food service or restaurant experience is preferred. Benefits ...

Trinity Services Group

Kitchen Worker

Salem, OR · On-site

$23.87/hr

Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper ... Preferred: * Prior institutional food service or restaurant experience is preferred. Benefits ...

Heavenly Senior Living LLC

Caregiver

Springfield, OR · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

... cook high quality meals, assist with feeding, laundry, cleaning. Must completely understand ... Our home is designed to bridge the gap between independent living and institutional care, focusing ...

Heavenly Senior Living LLC

Caregiver

Springfield, OR · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

... cook high quality meals, assist with feeding, laundry, cleaning. Must completely understand ... Our home is designed to bridge the gap between independent living and institutional care, focusing ...

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Institutional Cook information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional cook in Oregon is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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 are institutional cooks?

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 job categories do people searching Institutional Cook jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs in Oregon are:
Institutional Cook jobs near you
Lead Cook

Lead Cook

Portland State University

Portland, OR • On-site

$19.36 - $21.91/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

New

Portland State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

362nd of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
08/03/2026
Classification Title
Cook 2
Working Title
Lead Cook
Department
260401 - CDC Helen Gordon Office
Position Number
D99943
Representation
OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE
1.0
End date, if applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children's programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for theEducation of Young Children.
Position Summary
The Lead Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator in the responsibility of preparing three nutritious meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack) for the children of the program. Following USDA/CACFP guidelines; for ordering food and kitchen supplies; for menu planning; inventory; for writing recipes; and for organizing and maintaining a full-service kitchen at an assigned HGCDC program. The Lead Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator in delegating and overseeing the daily work of the kitchen for meal preparation and clean up and the responsibility for ensuring that meals are individualized as needed to accommodate food allergies and family preferences.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
-Two years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals; OR
-An Associates degree in Food Service Management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly-related field.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience with young children.
• Prior experience with childcare, school, or institutional food service.
• Knowledge of USDA/CACFP program guidelines.
Key Cultural Competencies
  • Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
  • Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
  • Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
  • Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, schedule to be determined
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting salary rate for this position will be between $19.36 and $21.91 per hour. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
PSU's excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Under work sample, please provide a sample weekly menu that meets the United States Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines for children 0-5 years old.
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
Please reach out to Erin Burns at eam@pdx.edu.
Search Details
Posting Close Date
Application screening begins
07/13/2026

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About Portland State University

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Portland State University (PSU) is a renowned institution located in Portland, Oregon. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, PSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for successful careers. The university's faculty members are experts in their fields, providing a high-quality education in a dynamic learning environment. PSU is deeply connected to its community, actively engaging in initiatives that address local and global challenges. With a focus on sustainability, social justice, and community outreach, PSU strives to make a positive impact in Portland and beyond. Situated in a vibrant city known for its livability and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, PSU offers students a unique and enriching educational experience that equips them to shape a better future.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1946

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