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Junior Chef Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Thornberry Creek at Oneida

Lead Banquet Cook

Oneida, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Monitor food quality, freshness, and waste, reporting concerns to the Chef * Train and mentor junior cooks and kitchen staff on proper techniques and standards * Assist in the development and costing ...

Thornberry Creek at Oneida

Lead Banquet Cook

Oneida, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

... Chef Train and mentor junior cooks and kitchen staff on proper techniques and standards Assist in the development and costing of banquet menus as directed by the Kitchen Manager & Director of Food ...

Cliftonlarsonallen

DevEx Architect

Green Bay, WI · On-site

Mentor and guide junior developers, providing technical oversight and support for professional ... Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, Chef, Puppet) #LI-DJ1 ...

All JobsChef JobsJunior Chef JobsJunior Chef Jobs in Appleton, WI

Junior Chef information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$18.5K

$51.2K

$85.9K

How much do junior chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior chef in Appleton, WI is $51,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,100.00 and $56,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectJunior ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or certificationOften similar, may require experience in kitchen
Work EnvironmentAssists senior chefs, works in kitchenPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer UsageHotels, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, hotels, catering
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level culinary rolesLearning specific station duties in kitchen

Junior Chefs and Line Cooks both work in kitchens and require culinary training. Junior Chefs often assist senior staff and may have broader responsibilities, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at specific stations during service. Both roles are common in similar settings, but Junior Chefs typically have a slightly higher level of responsibility and may be on a career path toward higher culinary positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Chef, you need a basic knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and a relevant qualification such as a culinary diploma or certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and HACCP protocols is important for daily operations. Strong teamwork, time management, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills that set standout Junior Chefs apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen performance, consistent food quality, and smooth collaboration in a demanding culinary environment.

What are some common challenges a Junior Chef might face when working in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Junior Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining composure during busy service hours, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and learning complex recipes quickly. Adapting to the kitchen's fast pace while ensuring consistency and quality in dishes can be demanding, especially when working alongside more experienced chefs. Developing strong communication skills and a keen sense of organization will help you overcome these hurdles and succeed in this collaborative environment.

What are Junior Chefs?

Junior Chefs are entry-level culinary professionals who assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food in kitchens. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced chefs, such as Sous Chefs or Head Chefs, and help with basic tasks like chopping vegetables, maintaining cleanliness, and following recipes. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and is often the first step in a culinary career, allowing individuals to learn essential kitchen skills and gain exposure to a professional kitchen environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Appleton, WI? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Junior Chef jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Junior Chef job openings:
Junior Chef jobs near you

Lead Banquet Cook

Thornberry Creek at Oneida

Oneida, WI • On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Thornberry Creek at Oneida is northeastern Wisconsin's premier golf destination, offering championship golf alongside exceptional dining and event experiences. Our banquet and catering operations serve a wide range of events — from elegant weddings and corporate gatherings to tournaments and private celebrations — and we take pride in delivering outstanding culinary experiences for every occasion.

Position Summary

The Lead Banquet Cook plays a critical role in the success of Thornberry Creek's food and beverage operations. Under the direction of the Kitchen Manager & Director of Food & Beverage, this position is responsible for leading the preparation, cooking, and execution of banquet and catering events of all sizes. The Lead Banquet Cook ensures that all food is produced to the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation, while mentoring and guiding line cooks during service.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the setup, preparation, and execution of banquet events, including weddings, corporate functions, golf outings, and private dining
  • Assist with ordering necessary items for all events
  • Prepare hot and cold food items according to standardized recipes, banquet event orders (BEOs), and management specifications
  • Supervise and direct banquet kitchen staff during prep and service, ensuring smooth and timely execution
  • Ensure all food is portioned, plated, and presented to established standards
  • Coordinate with the Banquet Manager and front-of-house team to ensure accurate timing and delivery of courses
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen in compliance with all Wisconsin Department of Health food safety regulations and Thornberry Creek sanitation standards
  • Assist with inventory management, receiving deliveries, and proper storage of food products
  • Monitor food quality, freshness, and waste, reporting concerns to the Chef
  • Train and mentor junior cooks and kitchen staff on proper techniques and standards
  • Assist in the development and costing of banquet menus as directed by the Kitchen Manager & Director of Food & Beverage
  • Perform opening and closing kitchen procedures as assigned
Qualifications

Required:

  • Minimum 1-2 years of professional cooking experience, with at least 1 year in a banquet, catering, or high-volume environment
  • Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety practices, and kitchen operations
  • Ability to read and execute BEOs, standardized recipes, and production sheets
  • Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment
  • ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event scheduling

Preferred:

  • Culinary degree or equivalent formal culinary training
  • Experience in a golf club, hotel, or resort banquet setting
  • Knowledge of seasonal menu development and local ingredients
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 10 hours per shift)
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Comfortable working in varied temperatures, including walk-in coolers and near hot cooking equipment
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive  wage commensurate with experience
  • Paid time off
  • Golf privileges at Thornberry Creek
  • Meal benefits during shifts
  • Opportunity for growth within the organization

Thornberry Creek at Oneida is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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