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Trainee Chef Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY Founded in 1983 by principal shareholder William I. Koch, Oxbow Carbon LLC ... Oxbow is currently looking for an Operator Trainee 1 to join our team in Texas City, Texas. This ...

Description LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY Founded in 1983 by principal shareholder William I. Koch, Oxbow ... Oxbow is currently looking for an Operator Trainee 1 to join our team in Texas City, Texas. This ...

Trainee Chef information

See Texas salary details

$23.8K

$40.6K

$59.2K

How much do trainee chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee chef in Texas is $40,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,700.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee chef?

Trainee chefs are entry-level kitchen staff who are learning the fundamentals of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. Their duties often include assisting with basic food prep, maintaining cleanliness, and gradually taking on more complex cooking tasks as they gain experience. Trainee chefs are usually working towards becoming fully qualified chefs and may be part of an apprenticeship or formal culinary training program. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Chef, you need a basic understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and often a relevant qualification such as a food hygiene certificate or culinary diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and inventory management systems is typically expected. Strong teamwork, willingness to learn, time management, and resilience under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure food quality, maintain kitchen efficiency, and support smooth collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee chefs during their first few months on the job?

Trainee chefs often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic techniques under pressure, and managing time efficiently during busy service hours. Learning to work harmoniously with a diverse kitchen team and adapting to the kitchen's specific workflow can also be demanding at first. However, with guidance from experienced chefs and a willingness to learn, trainees typically find themselves growing more confident and capable over time.

What is the difference between Trainee Chef vs Commis Chef?

AspectTrainee ChefCommis Chef
QualificationsOften no formal qualifications required; on-the-job trainingTypically has basic culinary training or certification
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, entry-level kitchen settingEntry-level position in professional kitchens, assisting senior chefs
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with prep work, learning techniquesPerforming basic cooking tasks, supporting senior staff

Both roles are entry-level culinary positions, with Trainee Chefs focusing on learning and development, often without formal qualifications, while Commis Chefs usually have basic training and perform more defined kitchen tasks. The main difference lies in experience level and responsibilities, but both serve as stepping stones in a culinary career.

How do you become a trainee chef with no experience?

To become a trainee chef with no experience, you can apply for entry-level kitchen positions or apprenticeships at restaurants or culinary schools. Gaining basic cooking skills, demonstrating enthusiasm, and being willing to learn can improve your chances; some programs may also require a high school diploma or equivalent. Volunteering or working in food service can provide valuable experience and help you get started in the culinary industry.

How do you become a trainee chef?

To become a trainee chef, individuals typically complete relevant culinary education or training programs and gain practical experience through apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen roles. Developing cooking skills, understanding food safety standards, and demonstrating a strong work ethic are essential steps in starting a career as a trainee chef.

How much does a trainee chef earn?

A trainee chef typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location, establishment, and level of experience. Salaries may increase as they gain skills and complete certifications such as food safety or culinary courses.

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Trainee Chef job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,555 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Training Specialist - School Nutrition Services (Food Services Fund) - School Year 2026-2027

Spring Branch ISD

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Spring Branch Independent School District
Job Description
Training Specialist - School Nutrition Services (Food Services Fund)


Job Title: Training Specialist - School Nutrition Services (Food Services Fund) Reports To:  Culinary Training Supervisor (Chef), School Nutrition Services Classification:  Auxiliary (Skilled Labor) Wage/Hour Status:  Non-Exempt Days:  199 Salary: See Compensation Plan for Auxiliary Pay Plan, Pay Grade 310 Contract: None Date Revised:  8/7/2026 Primary Purpose:  The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate and deliver training and professional development for new hires, manager trainees, and current staff while managing the daily operation of an assigned site. This position supervises and develops site-based staff and implements department training programs that strengthen employee knowledge, skills, and performance. Qualifications/Skills:

Education/Certification:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Education, or a related field preferred.
  • Current Food Service Manager Certification.
  • Meet annual USDA Professional Standard training requirements for School Nutrition Professionals.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

  • Previous kitchen management experience is required.
  • Strong presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to effectively train, coach, and mentor employees in both classroom and operational settings.
  • Must possess strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to deliver and evaluate training programs for employees at all levels.
  • Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and strong ownership in carrying out assigned responsibilities while adhering to established department procedures and guidelines.
  • Ability to assess operational needs and provide constructive coaching and feedback.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities, operational needs, and training environments while maintaining a positive, professional, and solutions-oriented approach.
  • Models School Nutrition Services culture and expectations through integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Experience:

  • At least three to five years of experience in food service supervision, employee training and development, or a combination of both required.
  • Minimum of two years' experience operating in the field of K-12 School Nutrition federal programs preferred.
  • Prior experience in delivering employee training programs preferred. 
Major Duties and
Responsibilities:

 Training & Development: 

  • Provide on-site onboarding and orientation for new employees, including instruction on reimbursable meals, meal counting and claiming, kitchen operations, food safety, sanitation, and customer service.
  • Train employees in ordering, receiving, storing, handling, preparing and serving food according to federal, state, and department requirements.
  • Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements to strengthen employee performance and operational consistency.
  • Work will involve hands-on training at various locations around SBISD.
  • Will be responsible for assessing the skills of new hires during the onboarding process and providing feedback to department leadership.
  • Will coordinate with administrative team to build and constantly improve training program.
  • May occasionally provide operational support to campuses during management transitions, onboarding of newly assigned Managers, and other department operational needs as assigned.
  • Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local school nutrition program requirements.
  • Assist in developing onboarding and employee development procedures.
  • Assist in implementing district manager trainee, leadership development program curriculum
  • Assist in the development of teaching aids such as training handbooks, demonstration models, multimedia visual aids, computer tutorials, and reference works.

Operations: 

  • Manage the daily operation of an assigned site while ensuring compliance with district, state and federal requirements.
  • Work closely with SNS Office leadership to identify operational and training needs.
  • Assist in testing, implementing, and promoting recipes, menus, merchandising strategies, and other initiatives that enhance customer experience
  • Assess employee knowledge and performance and provide coaching, follow up training, and written evaluations as needed.
  • Evaluate and assess trainee skills, provide written reports as needed
  • Ensure that sanitation and district safety practices in all phases of the school food service operation meet established standards.
  • Assure compliance with the required system of accountability as per the department's handbook.
  • Maintain a commitment to the department mission; model department expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve department goals
  • Project a professional image in appearance and personal conduct.
  • Utilize a positive, professional, proactive, and innovative approach to work.
  • Maintain and respond to all district and department communications in a timely manner.
  • Inspire innovation, operational excellence, quality, and customer experience that elevates the school meal program while driving continuous improvement and adapting to the evolving needs of School Nutrition Services.

Safety and Sanitation: 

  • Ensure that sanitation and district safety practices in all phases of the school food service operation meet established standards.
  • Assure compliance in the required system of accountability as per the manager handbook.

Other: 

  • Support School Nutrition Services with regular attendance; expected to be reliable and punctual in reporting for work.
  • Occasional prolonged and irregular working hours as well as other duties such as emergency feeding, emergency response, events, and other district sponsored events as needed.
  • Foster a positive learning environment that supports employee development and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a role model by demonstrating School Nutrition Services standards for leadership, customer service, food safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory
Responsibilities:
Supervise assigned site-based staff. Train, supervise and evaluate staff according to established procedures. Equipment Used: Computer and various office equipment. Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

  • Maintain emotional control under stress.
  • Work with frequent interruptions.
  • This position requires regular in-person interaction with the public.

Physical Demands: 

  • Continual standing, walking, pushing and pulling.
  • Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling and climbing (ladder), moderate lifting and carrying.

Environmental Factors: 

  • Moderate exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
  • Occasional prolonged and/or irregular hours.
Application Procedure: Click Apply then Login.  To complete your application, please visit our website at http://www.springbranchisd.com and click on JOIN OUR TEAM then APPLY NOW.  Spring Branch Independent School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status or disability.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. By applying for this position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the job description listed above.