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Institutional Cook Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Food Server

North Bend, OR · On-site

$15.03 - $17.93/hr

Food preparation is typified by tasks such as assembling sandwiches, salads, smoothies, may cook non-complex foods such as pizza, burgers, corn dogs and burritos. Experience in institutional food ...

Food Server

North Bend, OR · On-site

$15.03 - $17.93/hr

Food preparation is typified by tasks such as assembling sandwiches, salads, smoothies, may cook non-complex foods such as pizza, burgers, corn dogs and burritos. Experience in institutional food ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-53

Institutional Cook information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Institutional Cook jobs in Oregon?

For Institutional Cook jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,250 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Cook - SNF Avamere Coos Bay

Avamere Skilled Advisors, LLC

Coos Bay, OR • On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Cook

Status: Part-Time

Schedule: Days and Evenings

Location: Avamere Rehab of Coos Bay, 2625 Koos Bay Blvd, Coos Bay, OR 97420

Apply at www.TeamAvamere.com

Job Summary

This position is directly accountable to the Culinary Services Manager (CSM) to prepare food for residents. Assists CSM in managing food inventory and coordinating activities of Culinary Aides. Maintains knowledge of therapeutic diet preparation and Food Service policies and processes. Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

  • Review menus before preparation of food and follow recipes during food preparation.
  • Manage purchased food and dietary supplies in an efficient and effective way to control food use and prevent waste.
  • Maintain a strict portion control of foods served. Prepare food and serve trays as attractively as possible. Confirm proper temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded in accordance with state and federal health regulations.
  • Inspect special diet trays to assure they are correct.
  • Maintain and improve standards of food storage, preparation, and services. Assist the supervisor as needed in the receiving and storing of food and supplies. Assist in checking food supplies on food order forms as they arrive from vendors.
  • Maintain orderly and correct storage of food items; dry, freezer, and refrigerator storage. Check out food and supplies as needed by dietary aides. Assist in taking physical inventories in the culinary department.
  • Assist in establishing food service production lines, etc., to ensure that meals are prepared on time.
  • In conjunction with the Culinary Services Manager, orient and coach employees engaged in preparing and serving meals in maintaining high standards of sanitation, housekeeping, and safety, and safe operation and care of equipment in accordance with facility, state, and federal regulations and policies.
  • In the absence of the Culinary Services Manager, confirm the Department runs in a smooth and efficient manner: supervise dietary personnel with work performed, including coordination of activities, instruction of equipment maintenance, planning, placing, and filing food orders.
  • Report on all hazardous conditions/equipment to the Culinary Services Manager immediately.
  • Report all accidents/incidents as established by department policies.
  • Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.
  • Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.
  • Other duties assigned appropriate to the position.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Attention to detail in order to read and calculate recipes and production sheets, and to pay constant attention to cooking and the timing of foods.
  • Requires a current Food Handlers card issued by local Health Department
  • Must possess an active CPR/BLS Certification and always maintain certification during employment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of high standards of food preparation, sanitation, hygienic methods of food preparation and storage, and safety with formal on-the-job training, and approximately one year of experience in quantity food preparation in order to have the necessary technical skills to maintain high standards of food preparation.
  • Previous experience preparing food in an institutional setting is preferred.
  • Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment in setting up meals and utilizing leftovers.
  • Demonstrates competency in operating kitchen equipment
  • Interpersonal skills are necessary to establish effective relationships with department workers, supervisors, and with other departments.
  • Be knowledgeable of dietary practices and procedures, as well as related laws, regulations, and pertaining to nursing home operations.

Benefits

At Avamere, we believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Low individual and family deductible.
  • 401 (k) Plan: After 90 days of employment, with matching program.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrue up to 4 weeks PTO per year, 6 holidays and accrued sick leave.
  • EAP Canopy with unlimited telehealth mental health visits.
  • Continuing Education and Higher Education Reimbursement.
  • Generous employee referral bonus program.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts & CERA: Medical FSA, Dependent Care FSA and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account).
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for growth and development within the company.
  • Voluntary Benefits: Life insurance, disability coverage, supplemental hospital, accident and critical illness coverage, Legal Services, Pet Insurance, discount programs and more.

Avamere is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.