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Union Cook Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Friendly House Inc

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR

$23.16/hr

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5. Job Overview The Children's Program Cook is an essential member of the team at Friendly House. This position provides menu-planning ...

Friendly House Inc

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.16/hr

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5. Job Overview The Children's Program Cook is an essential member of the team at Friendly House. This position provides menu-planning ...

Friendly House

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.16/hr

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5. Job Overview The Children's Program Cook is an essential member of the team at Friendly House. This position provides menu-planning ...

Union Gospel Mission

Be Seen First

Food Service Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$18/hr

Union Gospel Mission Position Description POSITION TITLE: Food Service Assistant REPORTS TO: Food ... Prep and assist lead cook. * Teach and encourage teamwork. * Establish & oversee kitchen ...

Astronics

Production Manager

Clackamas, OR

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for an experienced leader to fill our ... Experience managing unionized workforces preferred. Ability to write reports, business ...

Astronics

Production Manager

Clackamas, OR

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for an experienced leader to fill our ... Experience managing unionized workforces preferred. * Ability to write reports, business ...

Bon Appetit

UTILITY ROUTE DRIVER (FULL TIME)

Portland, OR · On-site

$24.65/hr

Union shop! * Fixed Pay Rate: $24.65 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make ... We cook everything from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. Learn more about careers with Bon ...

Astronics

Production Manager

Clackamas, OR

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for an experienced leader to fill our ... Experience managing unionized workforces preferred. Ability to write reports, business ...

Compass Group

UTILITY ROUTE DRIVER

Portland, OR · On-site

$24.65/hr

Union shop! * Fixed Pay Rate: $24.65 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make ... We cook everything from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. Learn more about careers with Bon ...

Astronics Corporation

Production Manager

Clackamas, OR · On-site

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for an experienced leader to fill our ... Experience managing unionized workforces preferred. * Ability to write reports, business ...

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All JobsUnion Cook JobsUnion Cook Jobs in Portland, OR

Union Cook information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do union cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for union cook in Portland, OR is $17.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Union Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and often ServSafe certification is important for daily operations. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, compliance with regulations, and a harmonious, productive kitchen environment.

What are Union Cooks?

Union Cooks are culinary professionals who are members of a labor union, typically working in environments such as hotels, restaurants, schools, or other food service establishments. Being part of a union means they benefit from collective bargaining agreements that often provide better wages, benefits, job security, and working conditions compared to non-union positions. Union Cooks are responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to established standards and safety regulations. They may also participate in union meetings and activities to ensure their workplace rights are protected. Their role is vital in maintaining high-quality food service and ensuring fair labor practices in the industry.

What is the difference between Union Cook vs Non-Union Cook?

AspectUnion CookNon-Union Cook
CredentialsMay require union-specific certifications, apprenticeship programsTypically no union-specific credentials needed
Work EnvironmentWorks in unionized facilities with collective bargaining agreementsWorks in non-unionized settings, often with more flexibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large hotels, casinos, and institutional kitchensMore prevalent in small restaurants and independent eateries
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for benefits, wages, job securityCompared for flexibility, independence, and pay

Union Cooks are employed in unionized environments with collective bargaining, often enjoying better benefits and job security. Non-Union Cooks work in non-union settings, which may offer more flexibility but less job security. The choice depends on individual preferences for benefits versus independence.

What are some common challenges faced by Union Cooks in a large-scale kitchen environment?

Union Cooks in large-scale kitchen environments often face challenges such as managing high-volume food production while maintaining quality and consistency. They must also adhere strictly to safety and sanitation standards, which can be demanding during busy service periods. Additionally, Union Cooks frequently work as part of a coordinated team, requiring strong communication and adaptability to changing menus or special dietary requests. These challenges are balanced by structured schedules and clear delineation of responsibilities, which help support a collaborative and organized work environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Cook jobs in Portland, OR? For Union Cook jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Union Cook jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Union Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Union Cook jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Union Cook job openings:
Union Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Cook job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,357 per year, or $17 per hour.
Children's Program Cook

Children's Program Cook

Friendly House Inc

Portland, OR

$23.16/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Title - Children's Program Cook

FLSA Classification - non-exempt

Salary Grade - Regular, full-time 40 hours per week, $23.16 per hour

Benefits - Paid time off and paid sick leave prorated by FTE, 403b with a 4% match after 90 days of employment, 11.5 Holidays. Discounts on Preschool, After School, and Summer Camp. EAP program, fitness center on site.

Report to - Dan Hupala, Director of Preschool 

Work environment - Work is performed at the Friendly House campus - This job is performed mostly in a kitchen in Friendly House's Brentano and Crawford buildings, the preschool classrooms, and after school classrooms

Supervision - None

Schedule - 40 hours, five days per week in two kitchens, which includes 2 hours of meal planning and online supply ordering.

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5.

Job Overview

The Children's Program Cook is an essential member of the team at Friendly House. This position provides menu-planning, shopping, meal preparation, clean-up services, and toy sanitizing for our preschool and afterschool classes. The Children's Program Cook will prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 3 preschool classrooms. They will also prepare snacks for up to 5 after school classrooms. They must be able to quickly learn, and track meal preparation and sanitation guidelines as detailed by Childcare Licensing regulations. This position requires creativity, attention to detail, ability to be flexible, shopping and cooking on a limited budget, enthusiasm for children, and a dedication to serving diverse families from all walks of life. 

Responsibilities and Duties

Essential Functions

  • In consultation with staff and supervisor, develop a four-week vegetarian menu cycle for 3-5-year-olds, with a focus on fresh produce, local ingredients, and nutritious, tasty food in compliance with USDA standards.
  • Create weekly snack menus for the after-school program, full day childcare days, and school-age camps.
  • Strong time management skills, and ability to maintain the schedule of meal services.
  • Order, purchase, and put away all food products for preschool and school-age programs. 
  • Preparation, set-up, and clean-up after preschool meals and snacks.
  • Preparation of school-age programs snacks to be picked up and served by program staff.
  • Provide menus digitally and physically to program directors to post for families.
  • Clean and sanitize Brentano building kitchen daily. 
  • Collect and sanitize toys from preschool classrooms daily.
  • Model positive and appropriate interactions with children and adults. 
  • Maintain open and professional communication with staff and volunteers.
  • Contribute toward Friendly House's goal of building community. 
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • At least one year of experience cooking for groups. 
  • A current Food Handlers Card or be able to obtain within one week of hire. 
  • Enrollment in the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care's central background registry.
  • Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Physical requirements, must be able to: 
  • routinely lift 50 pounds, 
  • bend, stoop, twist and sit on the floor.


Notice of Non-Discrimination

Friendly House values equity, diversity, and inclusion. People with lived experience in communities of color and other marginalized groups are encouraged to apply. It is the policy of Friendly House to treat all people with dignity and respect. The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, gender identity, age, national origin, marital or familial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service, veteran status, housing status, source of income, political affiliation, union affiliation, physical or mental disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. In addition, we shall not discriminate against minority-owned, women-owned, or emerging small business.

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