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Volunteer Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Do you love the creativity of being a Chef but hate the late nights and hectic weekends? With ... Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance * Paid Time Off * Paid ...

SOUS CHEF

Durham, NC · On-site

$25/hr

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Sous Chef

Cary, NC · On-site

$18.90/hr

Purpose & Impact - Make a difference through Atrium's community service and volunteer programs. What You Will Do: * Support the Executive Chef in leading, training, and scheduling a high-performing ...

Purpose & Impact - Make a difference through Atrium's community service and volunteer programs. What You Will Do: * Support the Executive Chef in leading, training, and scheduling a high-performing ...

Sous Chef

Cary, NC · On-site

$18.90/hr

Purpose & Impact - Make a difference through Atrium's community service and volunteer programs. What You Will Do: * Support the Executive Chef in leading, training, and scheduling a high-performing ...

New

Purpose & Impact - Make a difference through Atrium's community service and volunteer programs. What You Will Do: * Support the Executive Chef in leading, training, and scheduling a high-performing ...

New

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

PASTRY CHEF

Durham, NC · On-site

$23/hr

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time PASTRY CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time PASTRY CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time PASTRY CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time PASTRY CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time PASTRY CHEF positions. * Location : Croasdaile ... Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance ...

Assists the Chef Director in preparation of financial forecasts and budgets, instrumental in taking ... Team volunteer opportunities * 24/7 chaplain services * Exclusive hotel rate discounts Any state ...

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Volunteer Chef information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$18

$32

How much do volunteer chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer chef in Raleigh, NC is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer Chef vs Professional Chef?

AspectVolunteer ChefProfessional Chef
CredentialsMay not require formal culinary certificationsTypically requires culinary degrees or certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity kitchens, charity events, sheltersRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, community serviceHospitality, food service industry
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer opportunities, casual cooking rolesCareer development, professional skills

Volunteer Chefs often work in community or charity settings without formal certifications, focusing on service and outreach. Professional Chefs work in commercial kitchens, requiring culinary credentials and industry experience. The main difference lies in credentials, work environment, and career focus, though both roles involve cooking and food preparation.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Chef, you need basic culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and often prior kitchen experience or relevant training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like a food handler's permit), and menu planning tools are commonly required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and excellent communication distinguish outstanding Volunteer Chefs, especially when working with diverse groups or limited resources. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal preparation and a positive impact on the community being served.

What are some common challenges faced by Volunteer Chefs, and how can they be managed effectively?

Volunteer Chefs often work with limited resources, such as donated ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, which can make meal planning and preparation more challenging. Flexibility and creativity are essential for adapting recipes and ensuring balanced meals with what's available. Additionally, Volunteer Chefs frequently collaborate with a diverse team of volunteers, so strong communication and teamwork skills help ensure smooth kitchen operations. Managing time efficiently and maintaining food safety standards are also key aspects of the role.

What are Volunteer Chefs?

Volunteer Chefs are individuals who donate their time and culinary skills to cook meals for organizations such as shelters, community kitchens, schools, or charitable events. They often work without pay to help provide nutritious food to people in need or to support fundraising efforts. Volunteer Chefs may assist with meal planning, food preparation, cooking, and sometimes serving, depending on the organization’s needs. This role is a meaningful way to give back to the community and gain valuable experience in a kitchen setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Volunteer Chef jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Volunteer Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Chef job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,693 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

$69K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Brookdale Senior Living rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 527 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

206th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description


Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
Brookdale North Raleigh is hiring an Executive Chef to join their growing team A Senior Living community supporting our Residents thru Independent Living
We promoted our current Executive Chef to Director of Dining so now we are looking for an outstanding Chef to join our team!
Do you love the creativity of being a Chef but hate the late nights and hectic weekends? With thousands of recipes to choose from, and the ability to add your own, Brookdale is the place for you.
Quality is what we pride ourselves on and listening to our residents in the development of our menus is key. If you are passionate about leading a team, have high expectations when it comes to sanitation and food safety, and would enjoy making a positive impact on the lives of seniors then this is an opportunity you don't want to miss. Apply with us today to experience the uniqueness of senior living dining.
Brookdale is the largest Senior Living company in the US, offering our staff the ability to grow in their careers!
Make Lives Better Including Your Own.
If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You'll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.
Full Time Benefits Eligibility
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Associate assistance program
  • Employee discounts
  • Referral program
  • Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
  • Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Company provided life insurance
  • Adoption benefit
  • Disability (short and long term)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant's skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.
Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.
Responsibilities
Oversees daily operations of the kitchen and ensures the highest quality food products. Directly supervises and trains kitchen personnel on all related culinary activities.
  1. Oversees breakfast, lunch and dinner for quality assurance of meal presentation and portion control.
  2. Selects recipes, prepares and coordinates all meals. Coordinates prep for the following day's menu.
  3. Creates new dishes and develops recipes, standardizing recipes to ensure consistent quality. Establishes presentation technique and quality standards. Plans, modifies and develops menus.
  4. Performs a pre-meal meeting with food servers to review detail of daily menu.
  5. Ensures an adequate number of culinary associates each shift and ensures absences are covered.
  6. Estimates food consumption and requisitions food purchases. Monitors and maintains inventory.
  7. Assists in the adherence to maintaining budget compliance for daily food costs.
  8. Assists in applying appropriate loss prevention procedures.
  9. Assists in hiring, training, scheduling, disciplining and terminating associates. Provides training for all kitchen staff.
  10. Assists in the coordination and execution of special events.
  11. Maintains kitchen cleanliness and food preparation according to state and local health department code requirements. Ensures all kitchen equipment is in working order and kept clean at all times. Oversees the proper inventory, storage and use of cleaning chemicals. Keeps waste to a minimum by utilizing food storage and food recycling techniques.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Associate's degree (A.A) or equivalent from two year college or technical school. Two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements
ServSafe Certified. Obtain/hold any local, state and/or county required food handling/sanitation licenses and/or certificates.
Management and Decision Making
Applies existing guidelines and procedures to make varied decisions within a department. Uses sound judgment and experience to solve moderately complex problems based on precedent, example, reasonableness or a combination of these.
Knowledge and Skills
Possesses extensive knowledge of a distinct skill or function and a thorough understanding of the organization and work environment. Has working knowledge of a functional discipline. Effective customer service skills and the ability to lead and supervise a diverse group of people. Ability to coordinate the daily production of menus, recipes and food preparation. Capable of managing multiple job tasks including the preparation of several foods at the same time. Excellent cooking skills and an understanding of food preparation principles, ingredients and culinary terminology. Ability to modify and develop creative recipes and menus that are healthy and satisfying to the residents. Ability to understand and apply sanitation principles.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
  • Standing
  • Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
  • Walking
  • Sitting
  • Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage.
  • Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
  • Climb or balance
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Talk or hear
  • Taste or smell
  • Exposure to latex
  • Ability to lift: Up to 50 pounds
  • Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
  • Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards
  • Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
  • Vision

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.
About Us
Brookdale is a Great Place to Be:
  • Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
  • Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
  • Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
  • Industry leader in clinical care.
  • Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
  • Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.

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