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Overnight Prep Cook Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Overnight Prep Cook information

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$10

$17

$22

How much do overnight prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight prep cook in Santa Rosa, CA is $17.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight prep cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overnight Prep Cook, you need strong knife skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with basic cooking techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, portioning tools, and food storage systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work independently are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and adherence to health standards during overnight shifts.

Do overnight prep cooks make good money?

Overnight prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that is close to or slightly above minimum wage, with some earning additional pay for night shifts or overtime. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the establishment, but overall, the pay is generally modest compared to other culinary roles.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight prep cooks, and how can they be managed?

Overnight prep cooks often work independently or with a small team, which can make time management and self-motivation crucial. One common challenge is maintaining focus and efficiency during long, late-night hours when supervision may be minimal. Additionally, staying organized and adhering to food safety standards is essential, as prepping ingredients impacts the next day's service. To succeed, it's helpful to create a structured prep list, communicate clearly with incoming shifts, and take regular short breaks to maintain alertness.

How to become an overnight prep cook with no experience?

To become an overnight prep cook with no experience, focus on developing basic cooking skills, such as knife handling and food safety, often through online courses or on-the-job training. Entry-level prep cook positions typically do not require prior experience and may provide training, making them accessible for beginners willing to work overnight shifts and learn quickly.

What is an overnight prep cook?

Overnight Prep Cooks are kitchen professionals who work late-night or overnight shifts to prepare ingredients and perform basic cooking tasks for the following day. Their responsibilities typically include chopping vegetables, marinating meats, making sauces, and ensuring the kitchen is stocked and clean. By working overnight, they help restaurants and food service establishments run smoothly during busy daytime hours. This role is essential for maintaining efficiency and a steady workflow in kitchens, especially in establishments with early morning operations.

What is the difference between Overnight Prep Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectOvernight Prep CookPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma, food safety certificationHigh school diploma, food safety certification
Work EnvironmentEarly morning or overnight kitchen shiftsDaytime kitchen shifts
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Overnight Prep Cook and a Prep Cook lies in their work hours. Overnight Prep Cooks work during late-night or early-morning shifts to prepare ingredients ahead of service, while Prep Cooks typically work during regular daytime hours. Both roles require similar skills, certifications, and are used in similar industry settings, but their schedules differ to meet restaurant or kitchen operational needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Overnight Prep Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Overnight Prep Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Prep Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Prep Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Overnight Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Overnight Prep Cook job openings:
Overnight Prep Cook jobs near you

Sous Chef, URJ Camp Newman

Union for Reform Judaism

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Sous Chef 

Location:  Camp Newman Santa Rosa, CA  

Organization: Union for Reform Judaism 

Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible, ADMIN, Non-Exempt   

Department:  Camps & Immersives – Camp Newman 

Reporting to: Executive Chef 

Start Date: ASAP  

Salary Range: $27.00 - $30.00/hour with an annualized salary of $56,160-$62,400 plus competitive benefits package 

The Role 

URJ Camp Newman is looking for a skilled and collaborative Sous Chef to join our culinary team in beautiful Sonoma County. In this role, you will help prepare and serve meals that bring people together, supporting a vibrant camp and retreat community made up of youth, families, and staff. This is a year-round position. The pace and focus shift throughout the year, with an energetic summer camp season (June–August) and a retreat and rental season (August–May). 

What You Will Do 

  • Prepare and cook meals for large groups, ensuring consistency, quality, and nutritional balance 

  • Support day-to-day kitchen operations, including food prep, portioning, and service 

  • Train and guide kitchen staff, including seasonal team members, fostering a positive and efficient work environment 

  • Help manage inventory and ensure ingredients and supplies are well stocked 

  • Support front-of-house service and engage with guests to enhance their dining experience 

  • Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation in compliance with health regulations 

  • Collaborate on menu planning, including options that meet diverse dietary needs such as vegetarian, kosher-style, and allergy-sensitive meals 

  • Partner with camp and retreat staff to meet special requests and ensure a welcoming, inclusive experience for all 

Who You Are 

You are a dependable and experienced culinary professional who enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in delivering great food and service. 

Keys to Success (the must-haves) 

  • Kitchen Experience: You have experience working in a professional kitchen, ideally with some leadership or supervisory responsibilities  

  • Team-Oriented Approach: You work well with others, can support and train team members, and contribute to a positive kitchen culture  

  • Food Safety Awareness: You understand and follow best practices for food handling, storage, and sanitation  

  • Adaptability: You can adjust to changing menus, dietary needs, and busy service periods with ease  

  • Community Mindset: You value creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and enjoy contributing to a mission-driven environment 

Preferred Qualifications  

  • 3+ years of kitchen experience, ideally in high-volume or camp settings 

  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency skills strongly preferred 

  • Culinary certification (a plus, not required) 

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment 

  • Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak seasons 

Application Process 

Please apply online and include a resume and a one-page cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the qualifications listed. We look forward to hearing from you!     

About the Union for Reform Judaism 

​​Camp Newman is part of the Union for Reform Judaism’s network of camps, creating meaningful Jewish experiences for youth, families, and communities. Located in Sonoma County, Camp Newman serves hundreds of campers in the summer and hosts retreats and events year-round. ​

Serving more than 800 congregations and reaching nearly 2 million people, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is the engine of Reform Judaism in North America, strengthening the communities, leaders, programs, and experiences that help people find meaning, belonging, joy, justice, and purpose through Reform Jewish values and teachings. Through congregational partnerships, 14 overnight camps, youth and teen programs, Jewish learning opportunities, Israel engagement, leadership development, work to build communities of belonging, and the justice efforts of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, we help people and communities connect to Jewish life at every stage of their journey.

We believe Jewish life is strongest when it is rooted in tradition, responsive to the world around us, connected to Israel and the Jewish people, committed to justice, and expansive enough to welcome many voices, identities, and pathways into community and belonging. Together with our congregations, camps, leaders, and partners, the URJ is building a more connected, resilient, and joyful Reform Movement, helping shape a Jewish future grounded in peace, justice, belonging, and joy.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other often underrepresented groups.