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Internship Line Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook at Goodwin Living Are you a fine-dining line cook ready for a new challenge? At Goodwin ... Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ...

Line Cook at Goodwin Living Are you a fine-dining line cook ready for a new challenge? At Goodwin ... Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ...

Line Cook at Goodwin Living Are you a fine-dining line cook ready for a new challenge? At Goodwin ... Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Line Cook at Goodwin Living Are you a fine-dining line cook ready for a new challenge? At Goodwin ... Since 2022, we've also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the ...

Internship Line Cook information

What is a cooking intern?

A cooking intern is a person gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, often assisting chefs with food preparation, learning cooking techniques, and following safety and sanitation standards. This role typically involves working under supervision, developing culinary skills, and may require basic knowledge of kitchen tools and ingredients.

Where do line cooks get paid the most?

Line cooks tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and in upscale or fine dining establishments. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the cuisine, with some metropolitan areas offering premium pay rates.

What are Internship Line Cooks?

Internship Line Cooks are culinary students or entry-level cooks who work in restaurant kitchens as part of an internship program. They assist experienced chefs by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and learning a variety of kitchen techniques. The position provides hands-on experience and helps interns develop professional cooking skills needed for a culinary career. As an intern, you'll likely rotate through different stations and work under supervision to gain a comprehensive understanding of kitchen operations.

What is a cooking internship called?

A cooking internship for a line cook is typically called a culinary internship or kitchen internship. It provides hands-on experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, and culinary skills under supervision, often as part of culinary school programs or entry-level training. These internships help aspiring cooks gain practical knowledge and industry exposure.

How to get hired as a line cook?

To get hired as a line cook, applicants should gain kitchen experience, demonstrate basic cooking skills, and show the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Having a food handler's permit or relevant certifications can improve chances, and preparing a professional resume highlighting culinary skills is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Line Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Line Cook, you need basic culinary knowledge, knife skills, and a food handler’s permit or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and recipe management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality food preparation, safety compliance, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges internship line cooks face during their training period?

Internship line cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, learning to multitask effectively, and developing consistency in food preparation. They may also need to quickly familiarize themselves with the restaurant’s recipes, equipment, and safety protocols. However, with guidance from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff, interns typically gain confidence and improve their skills rapidly throughout the internship.

What is the difference between Internship Line Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectInternship Line CookLine Cook
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, some culinary training or courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent, culinary school preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised, entry-level kitchenFull-time, fast-paced kitchen environment
ExperienceLimited or no professional experience, learning rolePractical experience required, skill development ongoing
Employment StatusUsually temporary or part of an internship programFull-time or part-time employment

The main difference between an Internship Line Cook and a Line Cook is that the internship is a training position designed for beginners to gain experience, often without prior professional cooking experience. A Line Cook is a more experienced role with established skills, responsible for preparing dishes in a busy kitchen. Internships serve as a stepping stone into the culinary industry, while Line Cooks are essential team members in restaurant operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Washington are:
Line Cook (Full-Time)

Line Cook (Full-Time)

Goodwin Living

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Elevate your craft, redefine your career: Line Cook at Goodwin Living

Are you a fine-dining line cook ready for a new challenge? At Goodwin Living, we're building a culinary program centered on a la minute fine dining for our residents, and we're looking for passionate chefs to join our team. This is your chance to trade the unpredictable hours and grind of the restaurant world for a fulfilling career with purpose, growth, and work-life balance.

This position pays $21/hr-24/hr you should be available evening shifts 12:30-8:30 and weekends

Your mission: Create joyful dining experiences

  • Elevate the menu: Leverage your fine-dining experience to prepare chef-inspired, cook-to-order dishes that delight our residents every day.
  • Embrace 'a la minute' excellence: Maintain our high standard for quality, taste, and presentation, enhancing the daily lives of those you serve.
  • Cook for a purpose: Move beyond serving patrons to serving elders, an experience that our current team members find deeply rewarding and meaningful.

Your career: Built for growth and balance

  • Predictable hours: Enjoy a schedule that allows for a healthier work-life balance, with most shifts ending by 9 p.m.
  • Career advancement: Grow with us. We are committed to developing our team and offer clear paths for internal promotion, mentorship, and continued education.
  • Exceptional benefits: As a recognized Top Workplace, we offer competitive pay ($21–$24/hour) and benefits for full-time employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

What we need

  • Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience working as a line cook in a fine-dining restaurant.
  • Skill and precision: High-level proficiency in prep and a la minute cooking techniques.
  • Energy and passion: An energetic and proactive attitude with a genuine passion for food and people.

Celebrated as the #3 Top Workplace in the D.C. region for 2025 by The Washington Post since 2019, Goodwin Living is more than a team – it's a global family of individuals who represent more than 70 countries.

Goodwin Living is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the greater Washington, D.C. region by The Washington Post every year since 2019 — and now nationally by USA Today. Since 2022, we’ve also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the Top Virginia Employers for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered through an annual third-party survey. Here’s what they say makes us stand out:

  • Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 65 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice. 
  • Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential. 
  • Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued. 

A sampling of our many benefits!

We’ve got you covered with incredible benefits, whether you work full-time, part-time, or PRN (as needed). Here’s a glimpse of what we offer to Full-Time team members:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • DailyPay: Work and get paid the same day!
  • Tuition Assistance for Career Development
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • Financial assistance with U.S. Citizenship application or DACA Renewal
  • Tutoring for ESL, Citizenship Test & GED
  • Staff Emergency Grants
  • Retirement Plan- 401(k)
  • Free Meals, Access to a Fitness Center, Pool, and More

About Goodwin Living

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #2 in 2024!

Goodwin Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an AARP Employer Pledge Signer. We take pride in our inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters talent. With us, you are more than just a team member; you are part of a community committed to excellence and continuous learning.