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University Chef Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

... universities, and museums, as well as a few dozen public restaurants. We've led the industry in ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Colorado Springs, CO

$49K - $66K/yr

... universities, and museums, as well as a few dozen public restaurants. We've led the industry in ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Bon Appetit

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

... universities, and museums, as well as a few dozen public restaurants. We've led the industry in ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Compass Group

SUSHI CHEF

Lakewood, CO · On-site

* We are hiring immediately for full time SUSHI CHEF positions. * Location ... Colorado Christian University - 8787 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226. Note: online ...

Bon Appetit

SUSHI CHEF (FULL TIME)

Denver, CO · On-site

* We are hiring immediately for full time SUSHI CHEF positions. * Location ... Colorado Christian University - 8787 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226. Note: online ...

Marriott International

Sous Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$73K - $93K/yr

OR • 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant ... Executive Chef with all kitchen operations and preparation. • Prepares and cooks foods of all ...

Marriott International

Sous Chef

Snowmass Village, CO · On-site

$29.19 - $33.65/hr

OR • 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant ... Chef with all kitchen operations. • Recognizes superior quality products, presentations and ...

Marriott

Sous Chef

Denver, CO

$51K - $69K/yr

OR 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management ... Assists Executive Chef with all kitchen operations and preparation. Prepares and cooks foods of all ...

Marriott

Sous Chef

Snowmass Village, CO

$59K - $80K/yr

OR 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management ... Assists Executive Chef with all kitchen operations. Recognizes superior quality products ...

Marriott

Banquet Sous Chef

Aurora, CO · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

OR 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management ... Assists Executive Chef with all kitchen operations and preparation. Prepares and cooks foods of all ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsUniversity Chef JobsUniversity Chef Jobs in Colorado

University Chef information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$25

$47

How much do university chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for university chef in Colorado is $25.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $32.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a University Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and often a formal culinary degree or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards (such as ServSafe certification), and inventory management systems is typically required. Leadership, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse team are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals to a large campus community while maintaining efficiency, safety, and team morale.

What are some common challenges faced by a university chef, and how can they be addressed?

University Chefs often face the challenge of catering to a diverse student population with varying dietary needs, including allergies, religious restrictions, and lifestyle choices. Balancing quality, cost, and nutrition while preparing meals in large quantities can be demanding. Staying organized, maintaining open communication with dining staff, and collaborating with nutritionists and campus administrators can help address these challenges. Additionally, keeping up with food trends and student feedback ensures meal offerings remain appealing and inclusive.

What is a university chef?

University chefs are culinary professionals responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the food served in a university’s dining facilities. They design menus that accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and nutritional needs for students, faculty, and staff. Their role often includes managing kitchen staff, ensuring food safety standards, and sourcing quality ingredients. University chefs play a key part in creating a positive dining experience on campus and may also participate in special campus events.

What is the difference between University Chef vs Culinary Instructor?

AspectUniversity ChefCulinary Instructor
Required CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certificationsCooking experience, culinary certifications, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentUniversity kitchens, food service areasClassrooms, culinary labs, kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, food service providersEducational institutions, culinary schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The University Chef primarily focuses on preparing food and managing kitchen operations within a university setting, emphasizing culinary skills. In contrast, a Culinary Instructor teaches cooking techniques and culinary theory to students. While both roles require culinary certifications and experience, the University Chef is more hands-on in food preparation, whereas the Culinary Instructor combines culinary expertise with teaching responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to University Chef jobs in Colorado?

For University Chef jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching University Chef jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for University Chef jobs in Colorado are:

University Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Chef job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,864 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Contract Head Chef - San Luis Valley, CO

The Estate Agency

San Luis, CO

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Contract Head Chef
Contract Dates: August 15 - October 31 2026
Location: San Luis Valley, Colorado
Schedule: Full-time schedule varies
Compensation: $100,000-$110,00 DOE
Accommodations: private house provided
We are looking for an experienced and talented Contract Head Chef from August through October for a private guest ranch in Southern CO. The Head Chef is an essential member of the culinary team. This position requires strong skills across diverse cuisines, including wild game and health‑conscious dishes, and creativity in accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions. This role involves preparing and cooking for both large events and intimate gatherings. Responsibilities include coordinating purchasing, managing staff, maintaining stocked and organized pantries, participating in the design of weekly menus with wine pairings, and ensuring high‑quality, timely meal execution. The position demands strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards, along with professionalism and organization to provide a world-class culinary experience for our guests.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Experience & Job Requirements
  • 3+ experience working in a similar setting. Prior ranch experience preferred.
  • Experience with a wide variety of cuisine including wild game and health-conscious cuisine.
  • Must be creative and willing to work with dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Prepare and cook for large dinner parties as well as regular meals for smaller gatherings and private Chef settings.
  • Prior experience managing culinary and kitchen staff.

Operational Coordination
  • Oversee and facilitate shopping through a variety of vendors, stocking of all pantries, organizing and heavy lifting required
  • Help design creative weekly menus for guests including pairing of wines with various cuisine.
  • Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality, and in a timely fashion
  • Adhere to and implement sanitation regulations and safety regulations.
  • Supervise front of house and kitchen staff.

Property Standards & Supervision
  • Must be service oriented, courteous, creative, team oriented, organized, neat, clean and professional.
  • Must be extremely flexible with schedule, hours and days off.
  • Ability to work weekends, overtime, and holidays as required by supervisor.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Open to working in a variety of off-site locations on Ranch property
  • Perform other Ranch duties as assigned

Job Qualifications:
Knowledge: Strong knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment, and best practices.
Quality: Professionalism, integrity, warmth, and empathy. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle driving record.
Skill: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Strong leadership and organizational abilities. Commitment to service excellence and guest satisfaction. Upscale food presentation.
Ability: Problem solving, initiative, team-oriented leadership, adaptability, works well under pressure, attention to detail and ability to produce a high-quality product in a timely manner
Education: High school diploma required; university-level studies in Hospitality or the culinary arts preferred. ServSafe Manager Certification required.
Experience: Minimum 3-5 years in luxury hospitality or fine dining restaurant setting