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On Call Cook Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Scheduling is predominantly day to day/ on call, with some set schedules offered as they become ... Prepping fresh ingredients and scratch cooking * Serving and restocking meals for students * Dish ...

On Call Cook information

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$8

$15

$21

How much do on call cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for on call cook in Rochester, NY is $15.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average hourly rate for an on call cook?

The average hourly rate for an on call cook typically ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer. On call cooks often work flexible hours and may receive additional pay for overtime or special duties.

What is the difference between On Call Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectOn Call CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, culinary experienceFood Handler’s Permit, culinary training
Work EnvironmentVaries; often flexible, on-demand shiftsKitchen, restaurant or food service setting
Employer UsageRestaurants, catering, eventsRestaurants, hotels, cafeterias

The main difference between an On Call Cook and a Line Cook is the flexibility and scheduling. An On Call Cook works on an as-needed basis, often called in for shifts, while a Line Cook has scheduled shifts in a restaurant or food service environment. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable settings, but the On Call Cook offers more flexible hours suited for fluctuating demand.

What is an on call cook?

On call cooks are culinary professionals who are not scheduled for regular shifts but are available to work as needed, often on short notice. They fill in for absent staff, help during busy periods, or work special events. On call cooks must be flexible, skilled in various cooking techniques, and able to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments. Their responsibilities may include food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and following health and safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an on call cook?

To thrive as an On Call Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a food handler certification or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory tools is typically required. Flexibility, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for adapting to changing shifts and working with different teams. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, compliance with regulations, and smooth kitchen operations even in unpredictable or high-pressure situations.

What are common challenges faced by an on call cook and how can they be managed?

On Call Cooks often need to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments and menu requirements, which can be challenging when working with new teams or unfamiliar equipment. Flexibility and strong communication skills are key, as you may be called in on short notice and must efficiently integrate with existing staff. Staying organized and maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude can help you succeed, even during busy shifts or in high-pressure situations. Proactively asking questions and clarifying expectations with supervisors also ensures smoother transitions between assignments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to On Call Cook jobs in Rochester, NY? For On Call Cook jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching On Call Cook jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for On Call Cook jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for On Call Cook jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most On Call Cook job openings:

Cook (SUB) - Monroe County Children's Center

Whitsons Culinary Group

NY • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Whitsons Culinary Group rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Cook - Share Comfort and Care Through Every Meal
Cook with Compassion in a Structured Setting
On Call/Per Diem
Do you love preparing meals that make people feel at home? Are you looking for meaningful work where your skills truly make a difference? Join our team as a Cook in a secure residential environment, where you'll help bring comfort, nourishment, and stability to those in your care-one plate at a time.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Preparing and cooking meals based on set menus and dietary guidelines
  • Following batch-cooking practices to ensure quality, freshness, and timing
  • Ensuring food is served safely-with correct portions, temperatures, and presentation
  • Keeping kitchen and prep areas clean, organized, and fully stocked
  • Logging food temperatures and completing required records and checklists
  • Assisting with food orders and deliveries
  • Following all sanitation, food safety, and company procedures
  • Supporting a respectful and routine-focused kitchen environment

Why This Job Matters:
  • Your meals help provide structure, health, and a sense of normalcy every day
  • You'll be part of a team dedicated to compassionate, professional care
  • We provide training and support to help you succeed and grow
  • Every dish you prepare helps someone feel valued and cared for

We're Looking For People Who Are:
  • Reliable, friendly, and eager to be part of a team
  • Focused on quality, safety, and cleanliness
  • Comfortable working in a structured, routine-based setting
  • Willing to learn and follow clear procedures and standards
  • Passionate about using their skills to make a positive impact

Who We Are:
At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe every meal is a chance to provide more than just nourishment. In our residential dining programs, food brings dignity, care, and comfort. We take pride in creating welcoming kitchen environments that support routine, healing, and respect for all.
Why You'll Love Working With Us:
  • Opportunities to learn, grow, and build your culinary career
  • A supportive, mission-driven team that values your work

Apply today and help us live our mission: Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.
Pay Rate: $20/hour
Education:
  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must complete all Whitsons and government required training as necessary

Certifications:
  • ServSafe certification
  • Local food safety certification, if required in jurisdiction of employment.

Other Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:
  • Ability to speak and read English in order to understand and perform job assignments.
  • Must be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques.
  • 1 year professional culinary experience required
  • Always present a positive and professional image.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to:
  • Sit, walk, talk and hear
  • Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
  • Be standing on feet majority of the workday in addition to walking back and forth.
  • Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Lifting while turning side to side is sometimes necessary.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • The work is performed primarily in the kitchen and on the serving line
  • Standing most of the work day is required.
  • Work requires movement in and out of store rooms, near ovens and freezers
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment.
  • The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change.

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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

Year founded

1979

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