ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Summer Cooking Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Appalachia Service Project Inc

Cook

Johnson City, TN · On-site

... summer staff, and ASP volunteers * Ability to work and manage time independently to have meals prepared according to the set schedule * Willingness to maintain a proper cooking environment by ...

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Cook

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$17/hr

Cook $300 end of summer season bonus *restrictions apply Ripley Provided Parking *restrictions apply Ripley Entertainment is on the lookout for talent to add to our team. We are hiring Food and ...

Naked Farmer Careers

Line Cook, OPENING TEAM

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

We will be opening Summer 2026 and are excited to begin accepting applications! Naked Farmer is a ... Your responsibilities will include mastering various cooking stations and ensuring that every dish ...

Compass Group

COOK

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for full-time COOK positions. * We are currently looking to fill a ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Chartwells HE

COOK (FULL TIME)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for full-time COOK positions. * We are currently looking to fill a ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for full-time COOK positions. * We are currently looking to fill a ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for full-time COOK positions. * We are currently looking to fill a ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Naked Farmer Careers

Prep Cook, OPENING TEAM

Nashville, TN

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

We will be opening in Summer 2026 and are excited to begin accepting applications! Naked Farmer is ... If you have a genuine passion for cooking (or desire to learn) and believe that knife skills are ...

Naked Farmer Careers

Prep Cook, OPENING TEAM

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

We will be opening in Summer 2026 and are excited to begin accepting applications! Naked Farmer is ... If you have a genuine passion for cooking (or desire to learn) and believe that knife skills are ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$19/hr

Prior cooking experience is required, at least 5 years is preferred. International cuisine ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Chartwells HE

COOK (FULL TIME)

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$17.50/hr

Requirement : 1-2 years of culinary, batch cooking, and customer service experience is required ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Chartwells HE

COOK (FULL TIME)

Lebanon, TN

$17.50/hr

Requirement : 1-2 years of culinary, batch cooking, and customer service experience is required ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

COOK

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$17.50/hr

Requirement : 1-2 years of culinary, batch cooking, and customer service experience is required ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

COOK

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

We are hiring immediately for a COOK position. * Address : 1000 N. Dixie Ave. Cookeville, TN 38505 ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Chartwells HE

SENIOR COOK (FULL TIME)

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$19/hr

Prior cooking experience is required, at least 5 years is preferred. International cuisine ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK (FULL TIME)

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$19/hr

Prior cooking experience is required, at least 5 years is preferred. International cuisine ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSummer Cooking JobsSummer Cooking Jobs in Tennessee

Summer Cooking information

What is a summer cooking job?

A Summer Cooking job typically involves preparing and cooking meals in a seasonal setting, such as a summer camp, resort, or restaurant. Responsibilities may include food prep, following recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety. These jobs are often fast-paced and require teamwork. They provide great experience for those interested in the culinary field or looking for temporary seasonal work.

What is a typical day like for someone working in a summer cooking job?

A typical day in a Summer Cooking role often involves preparing ingredients, cooking meals or snacks, following set menus or recipes, and maintaining a clean kitchen area. Depending on the setting, you may also serve food, interact with campers or guests, and assist in planning themed meals or special events. Collaboration with other kitchen staff and clear communication with supervisors are crucial for smooth daily operations. You'll need to adapt to varying group sizes and dietary needs, keeping the work dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy a fast-paced, community-oriented environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the summer cooking position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Summer Cooking position, strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience working in a kitchen environment are essential, often supported by a food handler's certificate. Familiarity with kitchen tools, basic cooking equipment, and food preparation systems is commonly required. Effective teamwork, adaptability, and strong time management help individuals excel in high-paced environments and ensure a positive experience for guests or participants. These skills are important to deliver quality meals efficiently and maintain safety standards during busy summer operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Summer Cooking jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Summer Cooking job openings:

Summer Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Cooking job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 41% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Cook

Appalachia Service Project Inc

Johnson City, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is hiring a cook to help prepare hot meals for up to 120 volunteers each week during our Summer program and into the Fall as well, at our new Appalachian Highlands Center in Johnson City, TN.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Prepare 5 pre-planned evening meals (Sunday through Friday, with one weeknight off) and 5 morning meals (Monday through Friday).
  • Ensure that meals meet ASP’s set summer program menu and standards. Menu is standardized and geared toward simple and quick meal prep.
  • Help ASP Staff perform inventory. ASP staff will order and purchase food.
  • Work with one or more other cooks to accomplish meal prep.
Additional Responsibilities:
  • Help portion and serve meals to volunteers.
  • Assist in meal clean-up. Some facilities may not allow unauthorized personnel in kitchen spaces.
  • Help ASP staff prepare for Thursday night cookout in advance.
Term and Conditions:
  • This is a temporary position with variable weekly hours, hiring immediately. Our Johnson City location will continue to host volunteers into the Fall, so this position can extend into the Fall. 
  • Hot meals are served Sunday evening – Friday evening each week;
    • Saturday (all day) and Thursday evenings are off
  • Each cook will be paid hourly, and will work no more than 66 hours per week collectively (maximum is 40hrs per week for one individual).
  • Pay starts at $12.50/hour. ASP will match pay rate for cooks employed by the school district during the year.
Qualifications:
Required:
  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must have a satisfactory background check and driving record
  • Demonstration of respect, empathy, specificity, and genuineness
  • Desire to work in a Christian environment
  • Desire to work in a kitchen and cook meals for 77-120 people
  • Willingness to work closely with another cook, ASP summer staff, and ASP volunteers
  • Ability to work and manage time independently to have meals prepared according to the set schedule
  • Willingness to maintain a proper cooking environment by following food safety protocols and guidelines
Desired:
  • Experience with food preparation or catering for large groups of people
  • ServSafe or other food handling safety certification

Appalachia Service Project is a Christian ministry, open to all, that inspires hope and service through volunteer home repair and replacement in Central Appalachia.