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Professional Chef Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Hillcrest Health Services

Chef

Papillion, NE · On-site

Chef - Hillcrest Grand Lodge Location: 6021 Grand Lodge Ave Papillion, NE 68133 Service Line ... A calm, professional, and service-focused approach in a fast-paced environment. * Comfort using ...

Transforming Age

Carriage Glen - Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$28/hr

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Chef to find meaningful, purpose driven work in an ... Ability to maintain professional relationships with food and equipment venders as needed.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Omaha, NE

$70K - $80K/yr

Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job ... Self-discipline; maintained professional appearance * Butchering experience required * Scratch ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Transformingage

Carriage Glen - Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$28/hr

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Chef to find meaningful, purpose driven work in an ... Ability to maintain professional relationships with food and equipment venders as needed.

Friend that Cooks

Personal Chef - Omaha

Omaha, NE · On-site

$22.85/hr

Much more Who We're Looking For Experienced line cooks, sous chefs, and culinary professionals who are passionate about food and helping people. If you're ready to leave the restaurant grind behind ...

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Sous Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$54K/yr

The Sous Chef will: * Help lead kitchen operations with experience and passion for food service and ... We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, management of ... Maintain a professional and positive attitude with coworkers and customers. * Assist in planning ...

Ho-Chunk, Inc.

Restaurant Chef-Omaha

Omaha, NE

SummaryRestaurant Chef Location: Omaha, NE Department: Food & Beverage Status: Full-Time Salary ... Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. * Performs other duties as assigned.

WarHorse Casino

Restaurant Chef-Omaha

Omaha, NE · On-site

SummaryRestaurant Chef Location: Omaha, NE Department: Food & Beverage Status: Full-Time Salary ... Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. * Performs other duties as assigned.

Ho-Chunk, Inc.

Restaurant Chef-Omaha

Omaha, NE

SummaryRestaurant Chef Location: Omaha, NE Department: Food & Beverage Status: Full-Time Salary ... Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. * Performs other duties as assigned.

Lost Rail Golf Club

SOUS CHEF

Fremont, NE

$50K - $60K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to grow within a prestigious ... Works with the Executive Chef to plan and price menu items, establish portion sizes, and prepare ...

New

Landscapes Golf Management

SOUS CHEF

Fremont, NE · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to grow within a prestigious ... Works with the Executive Chef to plan and price menu items, establish portion sizes, and prepare ...

New

Aramark

Executive Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Chef-led menus designed around the people and the operational reality of each space. Reliable ... We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional ...

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All JobsProfessional Chef JobsProfessional Chef Jobs in Nebraska

Professional Chef information

See Nebraska salary details

$27.2K

$61K

$90.6K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Nebraska is $61,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,700.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional chef?

Professional chefs are trained culinary experts who prepare, cook, and present food in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They are responsible for menu planning, ingredient selection, and ensuring the quality and consistency of dishes. Chefs often manage kitchen staff, maintain food safety standards, and stay updated with culinary trends. Their skills are developed through formal education, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience in the kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional chef?

To thrive as a Professional Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, formal culinary training or certification, and strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and specialized culinary tools is essential. Creativity, leadership, time management, and effective communication distinguish outstanding chefs in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges professional chefs face in a busy kitchen, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Chefs often encounter challenges such as high-pressure environments, time management issues during peak hours, and coordinating with a diverse kitchen staff. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to delegate tasks are crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Additionally, staying adaptable and calm under pressure helps chefs ensure quality and consistency in dishes, even during the busiest service periods.

What is the difference between Professional Chef vs Cook?

AspectProfessional ChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often requiredMinimal formal training, on-the-job learning common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsRestaurants, catering, institutional kitchens
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, creating dishesPreparing ingredients, cooking dishes as instructed
Industry UsageHigh-level culinary roles, often with leadership dutiesEntry-level or supporting roles in food preparation

The main difference between a Professional Chef and a Cook lies in their responsibilities, training, and roles within the culinary industry. Professional Chefs typically have formal training and oversee kitchen operations, while Cooks focus on food preparation and cooking under supervision. Both roles are essential, but the Chef usually holds a higher level of expertise and leadership.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Nebraska?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Nebraska are:

Professional Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,015 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Chef

Hillcrest Health Services

Papillion, NE • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Chef - Hillcrest Grand Lodge
Location: 6021 Grand Lodge Ave Papillion, NE 68133
Service Line: Hillcrest Grand Lodge
Schedule: Full-Time
Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for a dependable, experienced, and service-minded Chef to join our culinary team at Hillcrest Grand Lodge.
Hillcrest Grand Lodge is a senior living community built around comfort, connection, hospitality, and meaningful daily experiences. Our culinary team plays an important role in creating meals that are not only nutritious and well-prepared, but also part of a welcoming dining experience residents look forward to each day.
At Hillcrest, our mission is simple: Inspiring people to live their best lives. As a Chef, you will help bring that mission to life by preparing quality meals, supporting a clean and safe kitchen, and creating a positive dining experience for residents, guests, and team members.
What You'll Do
As a Chef, you will prepare hot and cold food items while following recipes, presentation standards, sanitation expectations, and food safety guidelines.
You will:
  • Prepare and plate food according to proper presentation, portion, and plating standards.
  • Prepare hot and cold food items for assigned meal service areas.
  • Set up hot and cold lines for meal service.
  • Complete daily food production lists accurately and timely.
  • Prepare food for dining venues, resident households, and special service needs.
  • Ensure food is served timely, accurately, and with strong attention to quality.
  • Put food deliveries away and support proper storage practices.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
  • Follow infection-control, sanitation, food safety, and kitchen safety standards.
  • Complete deep cleaning of kitchen equipment and assigned areas.
  • Support deli tray deliveries and other culinary service needs as assigned.
  • Work closely with culinary team members, dining services, residents, guests, and leadership to support a positive dining experience.

What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who takes pride in preparing quality food and understands the importance of hospitality in senior living.
The right candidate will be dependable, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining strong attention to detail, sanitation, presentation, and service.
Ideal candidates will have:
  • At least two years of hotel, restaurant line cooking, senior living, healthcare, or similar culinary experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen safety, sanitation, and infection-control practices.
  • Ability to follow recipes, production lists, menus, portion standards, and plating expectations.
  • Strong attention to detail with food quality, presentation, and timing.
  • Ability to work independently while supporting the broader culinary team.
  • A flexible, team-first attitude and willingness to assist where needed.
  • A calm, professional, and service-focused approach in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfort using kitchen equipment, technology, and culinary resources efficiently and effectively.

Education & Credentials
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Previous culinary, restaurant, hotel, senior living, healthcare, or food service experience preferred.
  • Completion of required training and sanitation courses as assigned.

Why Hillcrest?
At Hillcrest Grand Lodge, dining is about more than food. It is part of the resident experience and helps create comfort, connection, and a sense of home.
As a Chef, your work helps residents enjoy meals that are prepared with care, served with pride, and delivered in a welcoming environment.
What Hillcrest Offers
  • Multiple health insurance plan options.
  • Vision, dental, and life insurance.
  • Attendance PTO opportunities.
  • Professional development support, including tuition reimbursement, certifications, and career-growth programs.
  • Dayforce Wallet, allowing you to choose when you get paid.
  • Gym membership reimbursement and partner discounts.
  • Opportunities to grow within a mission-driven senior care organization.

Physical & Other Requirements
  • Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
  • Must be able to independently lift up to 35 pounds.
  • Must be able to perform repetitive sitting, bending, standing, walking, reaching, and movement as needed.
  • Must be flexible, calm, and professional in stressful or changing situations.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with strong attention to detail.
  • Must be able to utilize technology, kitchen equipment, and culinary resources efficiently and effectively.
  • Must be able to follow sanitation, infection-control, and food safety expectations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Ready to Serve Up Something Meaningful?
If you enjoy cooking, take pride in quality, and want your work to make a difference, we invite you to apply for the Chef - Hillcrest Grand Lodge role.
Join Hillcrest Health & Living and help us continue inspiring people to live their best lives through great food, meaningful service, and genuine hospitality.

Apply