Best Cook Job Descriptions

Our curated samples feature real-world examples that attract skilled line cooks, prep cooks, pizza cooks, and specialized kitchen professionals, clearly outline cooking responsibilities and station expectations, and showcase your kitchen's culture and standards.

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Work the line with precision and speed. Fast-paced cook position in busy kitchen.

Requirements

Quick Facts

Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Shift (10 AM - 6 PM or similar)
Experience Level: Intermediate

About the Role

We're seeking an experienced day shift cook to manage our lunch service and early dinner prep. You'll work our line during peak hours, prepare quality plates, and maintain our kitchen standards. Day shifts are bustling with steady lunch service and early dinner build-up.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in the energy of service and takes pride in consistent quality.

Key Responsibilities

✓ Manage assigned station during service
✓ Prepare food according to recipes and standards
✓ Cook items to proper temperatures
✓ Plate items attractively and accurately
✓ Maintain station organization
✓ Communicate with other cooks
✓ Handle rush periods efficiently
✓ Monitor food quality
✓ Follow food safety protocols
✓ Report to head cook/chef
✓ Setup and breakdown station
✓ Handle special requests

What We're Looking For

✓ 2-3 years line cook experience
✓ Day shift availability
✓ Proficiency with station equipment
✓ Strong cooking fundamentals
✓ Ability to work quickly and accurately
✓ Food safety knowledge
✓ Reliable and professional
✓ Team communication skills
✓ Problem-solving ability
✓ Physical capability for heat and standing
✓ Flexibility for changes
✓ Quality and consistency focus

Cook with passion. Full-time kitchen position combining skill and teamwork.

Requirements

Quick Facts

Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Evening/Night Hours
Experience Level: Advanced

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced pizza cook to lead our pizza production during full-time evening and night shifts. You'll manage high-volume pizza service, maintain consistency, and potentially mentor other cooks. Full-time pizza roles offer stability, consistent hours, and the opportunity to perfect your craft.

Ideal for a dedicated pizza specialist ready for full-time commitment.

Key Responsibilities

✓ Manage pizza station during service
✓ Prepare dough and toppings
✓ Operate oven professionally
✓ Maintain pizza quality standards
✓ Handle high-volume production
✓ Train newer pizza cooks
✓ Manage inventory
✓ Problem-solve equipment issues
✓ Follow food safety protocols
✓ Communicate with team
✓ Maintain station organization
✓ Support team during rushes

What We're Looking For

✓ 3-5 years pizza cooking experience
✓ Full-time commitment
✓ Advanced oven and dough skills
✓ High-volume production capability
✓ Leadership and mentoring ability
✓ Food safety expertise
✓ Equipment troubleshooting
✓ Reliable and professional
✓ Team communication
✓ Physical capability
✓ Quality focus
✓ Problem-solving

High-volume kitchen operations. Cook needed for busy restaurant environment.

Requirements

Quick Facts

Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day/Afternoon Hours
Salary: $18-$22/hour
Experience Level: Intermediate

About the Role

Full-time pantry cook managing our cold food preparation and salad station. You'll handle high-volume prep work, maintain quality standards, and support the line cooks. Full-time positions offer stability and the opportunity to develop mastery in pantry operations.

Key Responsibilities

✓ High-volume vegetable prep
✓ Make salads to standards
✓ Prepare cold appetizers
✓ Plate cold components
✓ Manage pantry inventory
✓ Organize workspace
✓ Food safety compliance
✓ Quality control
✓ Support line cooks
✓ Handle special requests
✓ Train newer cooks
✓ Maintain standards

What We're Looking For

✓ 1-2 years pantry or prep cook
✓ Full-time availability
✓ Strong knife skills
✓ Food safety knowledge
✓ Efficiency and speed
✓ Quality focus
✓ Reliable and professional
✓ Team player
✓ Physical capability
✓ Problem-solving
✓ Attention to detail
✓ Leadership potential

Master your station. Line cook needed for established restaurant with quality standards.

Requirements

Quick Facts

Schedule: Part-Time
Shift: Overnight (11 PM - 7 AM)
Experience Level: Intermediate

About the Role

We're hiring experienced cooks for our overnight shift. You'll work with a small team preparing for the next day—cleaning, prep work, and sometimes handling late-night orders. Overnight shifts offer quieter, more predictable work with premium pay.

Perfect for someone seeking flexible hours with steady, reliable overnight work.

Key Responsibilities

✓ Prepare ingredients for next day
✓ Handle overnight orders (if any)
✓ Deep clean station and equipment
✓ Organize prep for line cooks
✓ Manage cold storage
✓ Follow food safety protocols
✓ Report any maintenance issues
✓ Maintain kitchen standards
✓ Work independently
✓ Support team
✓ Setup for day shift
✓ Document prep work

What We're Looking For

✓ 1-2 years cooking experience
✓ Overnight shift availability
✓ Part-time flexibility
✓ Prep and knife skills
✓ Independent worker
✓ Food safety knowledge
✓ Reliable and professional
✓ Ability to work with minimal supervision
✓ Quality focus
✓ Physical capability
✓ Team player
✓ Dependable attendance

Quality matters. Cook role focused on consistency, speed, and food excellence.

Requirements

Quick Facts

Schedule: Part-Time
Shift: Flexible Hours
Salary: $16-$20/hour
Experience Level: Entry-Level to Intermediate

About the Role

We're seeking pantry cooks to handle cold food preparation—salads, appetizers, cold plates, and presentation. Part-time pantry positions offer schedule flexibility with steady work. You'll focus on knife skills, food safety, and quality cold food production.

Perfect for someone seeking flexible work while developing kitchen skills.

Key Responsibilities

✓ Prepare vegetables and ingredients
✓ Make salads to specifications
✓ Plate cold appetizers
✓ Prepare cold components
✓ Maintain food safety
✓ Organize pantry station
✓ Manage inventory
✓ Handle special requests
✓ Maintain quality standards
✓ Work efficiently
✓ Support line cooks
✓ Report issues

What We're Looking For

✓ Part-time flexible availability
✓ Basic cooking or food prep experience
✓ Knife skills or willingness to learn
✓ Attention to detail
✓ Food safety knowledge
✓ Reliable and professional
✓ Quality focus
✓ Team player
✓ Physical capability
✓ Efficiency
✓ Communication skills
✓ Clean and organized

Lead the line. Senior cook role with supervisory and training responsibilities.

Requirements

Quick Facts

Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Flexible (Including Some Evenings)
Salary: $28-$38/hour
Experience Level: Advanced (5+ years)

About the Role

We're seeking an experienced lead cook to oversee our kitchen line operations. You'll manage stations, train cooks, ensure quality standards, and work with the head chef on day-to-day operations. This leadership role offers the opportunity to shape kitchen culture and mentor the next generation of cooks.

Key Responsibilities

Cooking (40%):
✓ Work line during service
✓ Maintain station standards
✓ Handle complex orders
✓ Lead by example

Leadership (60%):
✓ Supervise line cooks
✓ Train and mentor team
✓ Assign stations and tasks
✓ Monitor quality standards
✓ Handle staff issues
✓ Communicate with head chef
✓ Resolve kitchen problems
✓ Build team culture
✓ Manage prep and setup

What We're Looking For

✓ 5-7+ years cooking experience
✓ 2-3 years line leadership
✓ Advanced culinary skills
✓ Strong leadership ability
✓ Food safety expertise
✓ Mentoring and training skills
✓ Excellent communication
✓ Problem-solving
✓ Reliability and professionalism
✓ Team building
✓ Quality focus
✓ Professional maturity

What We Offer:

Senior compensation
Leadership position
Team management opportunity
Career advancement potential
Professional development
Respect for expertise

Hiring FAQ

Common Questions About Delivery Driver Job Descriptions

What are the must-have requirements for delivery drivers?

According to our sample JDs, the consistent requirements are:

Valid driver's license (typically required)
Minimum 1-3 years driving history depending on company
Clean driving record (no major violations)
Reliable transportation and proof of insurance
Ability to work independently
Good customer service skills
Punctuality and reliability

Some positions also require:

Age 18+ or 21+ depending on insurance and alcohol delivery
Physical capability (lifting 50+ lbs)
Smartphone with GPS capability
Background check

What's the difference between event-based and traditional delivery driver roles?

Traditional Delivery (Restaurant/Package):

Fixed routes during business hours
Predictable schedule
Consistent customer locations
Clear start and end times
More routine work pattern
Typical salary: $12-$20/hour

Event-Based Delivery (Kona Ice, Mobile Vendors):

Variable locations (never same place twice)
Event-dependent schedule (heavily weekends)
Community engagement focus
Longer setup/breakdown times included
More dynamic environment
Typical salary: $15-$20+/hour + tips
Better for: People who enjoy variety, customer interaction, outdoor work

Should I include benefits information in the job description?

Yes! Our top-performing JDs include benefits information because it:

Sets expectations (reducing poor-fit applications)
Highlights competitive advantages over competitors
Explains total compensation beyond hourly wage
Shows investment in employee satisfaction
Increases application quality and conversion rates

Include: Health insurance eligibility, employee discounts, mileage reimbursement, paid time off, advancement opportunities, and flexible scheduling.

What's the best way to describe the actual work in a delivery driver JD?

Our best examples use multiple approaches:

"A Day in the Life" - Chronological breakdown of typical shift
Key Responsibilities - Bullet-point format of main duties
Responsibilities section - Narrative description of the role
About the Role - Opening paragraph setting tone and expectations

Combining multiple formats helps different candidates understand the role. Show: the driving portion, customer interaction, paperwork, break times, and any additional duties (food prep, event setup, etc.).

How long should a delivery driver job description be?

Based on our examples:

Minimum: 150-200 words (too short seems unserious)
Optimal: 300-400 words (comprehensive but not overwhelming)
Maximum: 500+ words only if including extensive benefits or company info

Our best-performing JDs average 350-400 words total across all sections (summary, requirements, company info combined).

What mistakes do I see in poorly-written delivery driver JDs?

Common problems to avoid:

Too vague ("make deliveries" without more detail)
Unrealistic requirements (10+ years experience for entry-level role)
Salary ranges too wide ($10-$30/hour without explanation)
No information about company culture or why someone should apply
Overly formal tone that discourages applications
Missing key information (schedule, location, benefits)
Requirements as checklist only without role context
No call-to-action or application instructions

Should I use the same JD for multiple locations?

Yes, with modifications:

Use a template with location as a variable
Adjust salary ranges based on local market
Customize warehouse/start location info
Keep core job responsibilities identical
This ensures consistency while reflecting local market realities

How often should I update my delivery driver JDs?

Review quarterly and update:

Salary to match current market rates
Requirements based on recent hires' actual qualifications
Responsibilities if role focus has shifted
Benefits information if company policies changed
Testimonials or company culture information for freshness

Ready to Hire Your Next Amazing Cook?

Getting the job description right is just the first step. You need to post it where qualified candidates will see it—and manage applications efficiently.

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Hiring FAQ

Common Questions About Cook Job Descriptions

Q: What are the main types of cook positions?

Line Cook: Manages specific station (grill, sauté, etc.), works during service
Prep Cook: Handles food preparation, not typically on line during service
Pizza Cook: Specializes in pizza preparation, dough, oven management
Pantry Cook: Preps cold items, salads, appetizers
Pasta Cook: Specializes in pasta dishes
Grill Cook: Manages grill station specifically
Fry Cook: Manages fryer station
Expediter: Coordinates plates leaving kitchen

Be specific about the station or role type.

Q: Should I require prior cooking experience?

A: Depends on the role:

Entry-Level: "No experience necessary; we train motivated individuals"
Standard: "1-2 years line or prep cook experience"
Advanced/Lead: "3+ years cooking experience; proven station expertise"

Be clear about training provided vs. experience required.

Q: What key skills should I highlight?

A: Essential cook skills include:

Technical Skills: Knife skills, cooking techniques, temperature control
Speed: Working efficiently during rush periods
Accuracy: Following recipes, portion control, plating standards
Food Safety: Temperature, cross-contamination, sanitation
Organization: Station setup, time management
Physical Capability: Standing 8+ hours, heat tolerance, repetitive motions
Teamwork: Communicating with other cooks and servers
Problem-solving: Handling equipment issues or ingredient changes
Adaptability: Managing menu changes and special requests
Quality Focus: Consistency and pride in output

Q: How do I attract skilled, reliable cooks?

A: Highlight:

Competitive pay: Hourly wage appropriate for market and experience
Work environment: "Professional kitchen," "supportive team," "quality-focused"
Schedule: "Predictable shifts," "consistent hours," "minimal on-call"
Equipment: "Well-maintained equipment," "modern kitchen," "proper tools"
Management: "Professional management," "supportive head chef," "fair treatment"
Growth: "Lead cook opportunity," "training provided," "advancement path"
Team: "Skilled team," "collaborative environment," "respect for craft"

Q: How do I describe line cook vs. prep cook duties?

A: Be clear about the work:
Line Cook:

"Manage grill station during service"
"Prepare 100+ plates during dinner rush"
"High-pressure, fast-paced environment"
"Work station 4-6 hours during peak times"

Prep Cook:

"Prepare ingredients for line cooks"
"Knife work and vegetable prep"
"Food safety and proper storage"
"Work at own pace, not during service rush"

Q: Should I mention specific stations?

A: Absolutely—it helps candidates know their focus:

✅ "Grill station—grilled proteins and vegetables"
✅ "Sauté station—sauce work and pans"
✅ "Pantry station—cold prep, salads, appetizers"
✅ "Pizza station—dough, toppings, oven management"

Q: How do I address volume and pacing?

A: Be specific about expectations:

"Fast-casual: 150-200 covers daily, moderate pace"
"Fine dining: 60-80 covers, precision focus"
"High-volume: 300+ covers, fast-paced rush periods"
"Breakfast: 100+ covers in limited time"

This helps cooks self-assess fit.

Q: How do I describe shift structure?

A: Be transparent:

"Morning shift: 6 AM - 2 PM, prep-focused"
"Evening shift: 4 PM - 11 PM, service-focused"
"Overnight: 11 PM - 7 AM, cleaning and prep"
"Split shift: 11 AM - 2 PM and 5 PM - 9 PM"

Q: What common mistakes should I avoid?

A: Don't:

❌ Underestimate physical demands (heat, standing, repetition)
❌ Be vague about pay or schedule
❌ Forget to mention volume/pace
❌ Leave unclear what specific station
❌ Ignore the stress and pressure
❌ Make it sound boring ("prepare food")
❌ Underestimate importance of food safety
❌ Leave out what equipment/tools they'll use

Instead: Be specific, realistic, and respectful of the work.