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University Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Aramark

Sous Chef- Georgetown University

Washington, DC · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

The Sous Chef is expected to serve as an example for the other Cooks to aspire to by continually going above and beyond. Also, the Sous Chef plays a key role in ensuring a sufficient inventory is ...

Aramark

Sous Chef- Georgetown University

Washington, DC · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

The Sous Chef is expected to serve as an example for the other Cooks to aspire to by continually going above and beyond. Also, the Sous Chef plays a key role in ensuring a sufficient inventory is ...

Aramark

Sous Chef- Georgetown University

Washington, DC · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

The Sous Chef is expected to serve as an example for the other Cooks to aspire to by continually going above and beyond. Also, the Sous Chef plays a key role in ensuring a sufficient inventory is ...

Usmd

Senior Executive Chef

College Park, MD · On-site

$110.80 - $132.96/hr

University of Maryland College Parktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR104324# ** Summary**Organization's Summary Statement: The Senior Executive Chef provides ...

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University Chef information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$50

How much do university chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for university chef in Washington is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $35.14 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 Washington? For University Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching University Chef jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for University Chef jobs in Washington are:
University Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,017 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF - CATERING - THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

Chartwells HE

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Location:  THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA - WASHINGTON, DC

Salary:  $55,000 - $65,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO 

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

Filling every occasion with great food and service! We are currently seeking a Catering Executive Chef for our small yet premiere catering department at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Events encompass a diverse spectrum, spanning from coffee services to exclusive VIP dining occasions to Presidential events, hosted both on-campus and off-campus.

If you enjoy crafting and implementing innovative culinary solutions then this may be the opportunity you have been waiting for! In this Catering Executive Chef role, you will be a lead culinarian within our catering program where you will spearhead menu development and preparation, infusing creativity and precision into every dish. This role entails supervising budgeting and food costing, ensuring client and customer satisfaction, and fostering employee training and growth. With Chartwells rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance professionally and make an immediate impact in our culinary landscape!  

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan regular and modified menus according to established guidelines, follow standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards.  
  • Complete and apply daily production worksheets and waste log sheets.  
  • Supervise and train chefs, cooks and other team members on food preparation/ presentation, safe food handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation. 
  • Ensure the implementation of culinary standards, including recipe compliance and food quality. 
  • Manage inventory of food and non-food supplies, maintaining compliance with established guidelines while ensuring necessary products are available when needed. 
  • Follow federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations and department procedures, as evidenced through audits conducted by local health departments and third-party entities. 
  • Aid in the forecasting of food and labor costs and monitor actual financial results. 
  • Foster strong client relationships to align our programs with their objectives, driving satisfaction and retention. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining service operations. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • A.S. degree or equivalent experience. 
  • Three or more years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal degree or training. 
  • Experience in high-volume, hands-on foodservice operations. 
  • Must be experienced with computers. 
  • ServSafe® Certified.  

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of crafting outstanding dining experiences at The Catholic University of America. 

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1553777

Chartwells HE 

SHARON MCNEELEY 

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