ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Institutional Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Flik Hospitality Group

SOUS CHEF

Sterling, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA

$65K - $70K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA

$65K - $70K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation * Must ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsInstitutional Cook JobsInstitutional Cook Jobs in Washington

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 Washington? For Institutional Cook jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Institutional Cook jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs in Washington are:
Institutional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

FCCPS SECONDARY FOOD SERVICE MANAGER

Falls Church City Public Schools

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Food Service Manager
Date Posted:
7/28/2026
Location:
MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Date Available:
08/24/2026
General Responsibilities:
Performs intermediate skilled and responsible administrative work, participating in and supervising food service activities, including a la carte service, in a school cafeteria. Requires planning, coordinating, assigning, overseeing and participating, as required, in the preparation, cooking and serving of food. Requires preparing and maintaining records and preparing reports. Supervises food service workers.
For more information see the job description page on the FCCPS website.
Education and Experience:
  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by courses in home economics, food nutrition or related field.
  • Considerable experience in food service in an institutional setting.
  • Possess a health certificate for food preparation issued by Fairfax County

Physical Requirements:
  • Is medium work, requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Requires kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, and grasping.
  • Requires vocal communication for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
  • Requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
  • Requires visual acuity for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using measuring devices, operating machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
  • Subjects the worker to extreme heat, noise, and hazards.

Salary Information:
Salary Lane: NE4
FCCPS Salary Scales
Application Procedure:
Apply online

Apply