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Line Cook Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated: September 27, 2023

A Line Cook, or Prep Cook, plates dishes and completes basic food prepping tasks for a restaurant. Their main duties include preparing and cooking food in a specific station, cleaning up prep areas and making sure the kitchen is stocked.

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Line Cook duties and responsibilities

A Line Cook prepares food using recipes and menu items created by the Head Chef and helps keep the kitchen running smoothly. Some of their key duties and responsibilities include:

  • Assisting with stocking and setting up the kitchen stations
  • Preparing food including cleaning and cutting the ingredients and cooking main dishes, desserts, appetizers and snacks
  • Plating prepared foods based on senior chef’s guidance
  • Working with servers to ensure that orders are completed according to request and on time
  • Washing and cleaning the kitchen and cooking utensils and storing the equipment at the end of shifts
  • Ensuring that the kitchen operation procedures and hygiene meet food safety standards and regulations
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Line Cook Job Description Examples

Example 1

We are looking for a professional line cook to prepare food to Westshore Pizza's specifications and to set up stations for menu. Line cook duties will consist of assisting with all their daily tasks. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Responsibilities
  • Set up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies
  • Prepare food for service (e.g. chopping vegetables, butchering meat, or preparing sauces)
  • Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff
  • Answer, report and follow all operational instructions
  • Clean up station and take care of leftover food
  • Stock inventory appropriately
  • Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and in a timely fashion
  • Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards
  • Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers

    Skills
  • Proven cooking experience, including experience as a line chef, restaurant cook or prep cook
  • Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures
  • Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks
  • Familiar with industry's best practices

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
    Physical Setting:
  • Fast casual restaurant
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability
    Supplemental Pay:
  • Tips

    COVID-19 considerations:
    All areas are sanitized frequently

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Tampa, FL 33604: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Restaurant experience: 3 years (Required)

    Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)
  • Night Shift Location: One location

    • Example 2

    Pit Boss (Line Cook)
    About us


    At Edley s we treat everyone who walks through the door like an old family friend. We pride ourselves with not taking any shortcuts in the kitchen. Our meats are smoked low and slow using Southern white oak. The sides are made from scratch daily with the same amount of attention. Everything is done with intention, from the food to the service to the music

    We strive to serve the best food we can make and prove ourselves a worthy host one plate at a time.

    At Edley's we call our line cooks "Pit Bosses". Our Pit Boss handles our high quality products with speed and confidence. They love cooking and take pride in the food that they serve every day. Quality and consistency is key to this position. You must be able to read and follow our recipes accurately every day. This is a fast-paced environment and you must be prepared to work hard, but have fun.

    You will be responsible for setting up the prep station, stocking inventory, and maintaining sanitation standards. To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and multi-tasking skills. Ultimately, you will play an essential role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and restaurant growth.

    Responsibilities:

  • Ensure the preparation station and the kitchen is set up and stocked.
  • Prepare simple components of each dish on the menu.
  • Make sure food preparation and storage areas meet health and safety standards.
  • Clean prep areas and take care of leftovers.
  • Stock inventory and supplies.
  • Cook menu items with the support of the kitchen staff.

    Requirements:

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Aptitude for multi-tasking.
  • Must be able to work cooperatively and efficiently in a team.
  • Ability to stand or walk for 8-hour shifts and lift at least 50 pounds.

    We take pride in our restaurants and it shows in our energy and enthusiasm. We are looking for strong team players who want to be a part of our exciting future and bring Southern Soul to the Midwest.

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $14.00 - $17.00 per hour

    Expected hours: 20 40 per week

    Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
    Experience level:
  • 1 year
    Restaurant type:
  • Fast casual restaurant
    Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
    Weekly day range:
  • Weekends as needed



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • O Fallon, IL 62269: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • Food Handler Certification Location: In person

    • Example 3

    Melrose Villas Senior Living

    Line Cook: 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM/10:30 AM to 7 PM

    Urgently Hiring! PAID Training!

    Must be fully Covid-19 vaccinated

    Melrose Villas Senior Living provides a safe, caring, and fun environment to seniors experiencing cognitive impairment disorders. This isn't your regular day job. At Melrose Villas, you get the opportunity to work a rewarding and fulfilling career providing care, promoting independence, and enhancing lives of the clients you serve. Join our team today and make a difference in the lives of others!

    Job Description:
  • Prepares food, including: washing, trimming, cutting. portioning, measuring, mixing and panning;
  • Cooks food including: baking, broiling, frying, steaming, braising, boiling, pressure cooking; provides meals that are properly cooked, tasty and attractive
  • Covers labels and dates leftover food properly
  • Cleans all food preparation equipment including; grills, broilers, ovens, steamer tables, mixers, microwave ovens, toasters etc;
  • Conducts work tasks safely and in compliance with the facility safety program;
  • Provides effective and courteous service to all residents; guests and coworkers;
  • Promotes and protects the right of each resident;
  • Assists in the dining room and dish rooms, and other food service areas as assigned;
  • Serves food to residents
  • Washes dishes, sweeps, mops, wipes down tables

    Benefits:
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Retirement Option
  • Flexible Schedule

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Application Question(s):
  • Are you able to work weekends?
  • What are your hourly pay Location: One location

    • Example 4

    Green Boundary Club

    780 Whiskey Road

    Aiken, SC 29801
    Line/Prep Cook
    Reports to: Executive and/or Sous Chef

    Supervises:N/A

    Classification:

    Education and/or Experience

  • High school diploma, GED or currently enrolled in school
  • A minimum of one year of experience in kitchen preparation and cooking. This can be replaced by sufficient culinary school education, or 2 year culinary degree.

    Job Knowledge, Core Competencies and Expectations

  • Prepares menu items as needed for member or guest service.
  • Follows all state and local health and food safety regulations.
  • Follows all safety procedures for operating and cleaning machinery.
  • Knowledge of and ability to perform required role during emergency situations.

    Job Summary(Essential Functions)

    Cooks and prepares a verity of food products, including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces and stocks according to the club s standard recipes using a variety of equipment and utensils according to the daily prep list and at the direction of the culinary leadership.

    Job Tasks/Duties

  • Take inventory of all items required for station set-up and determine those items that require preparation.
  • Prepares items according to standard recipes.
  • Coordinates and times orders with other kitchen operations. Requisitions items needed to produce menu items.
  • Notifies Sous Chef of expected shortages.
  • Ensures that assigned work areas and equipment are clean and sanitary.
  • Sets-up, maintains and breaks down prep cook station.
  • Covers, dates and neatly stores all leftover products that are re-usable.
  • Makes recommendations for maintenance, repair and upkeep of the line prep area and equipment.
  • Closes the kitchen properly using the closing checklist.
  • Attends kitchen staff meetings and offers suggestions for improvements.
  • Assists with other duties as assigned by Sous Chef

    Licenses and Special Permits

  • Food safety certification.

    Physical Demands and Work Environment:

  • Required to stand for long periods and walk, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, stretch

    and twist or reach.

  • Push, pull or lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Continuous repetitive motions.
  • Work in hot, humid and noisy environment.
    Salary Range:
  • Open and commensurate with experience.
  • $16.00 per hour.
  • Open to transitioning from a culinary externship to a full time role.

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: From $16.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Experience level:
  • 2 years
    Restaurant type:
  • Fine dining restaurant
    Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Morning shift
    Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Aiken, SC 29801: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Restaurant experience: 2 years (Preferred)

    Shift availability:
  • Day Shift Location: One location

    • Example 5

  • $20.25 / hour ($18.25 hour + $2.00 / hour until 1/03/23
  • Hiring Immediately
  • Opportunity for Advancement
  • 100% of premium contributions paid by SSP
  • add dependents to plans for a small monthly co-premium
  • Employee Meal
  • Paid Employee Parking

    At SSP America, our Line Cooks have the important role of receiving food orders, preparing delicious dishes for our guests, properly setting up the kitchen so every Expert has the product and tools easily accessible during their shift. Our Line Cooks love working in the Back of House.

    Our Line Cooks are experts at a few things:

  • Having warm, friendly smiles
  • Respecting our customers
  • Following detailed food preparation processes
  • Keeping their eyes on the details
  • Working well in fast-paced environments
    We are food travel experts from SSP America. We are passionate about bringing cool, authentic restaurants to airports that represent a taste of place.
    If you're looking to start your culinary career, come check us out! We have a unique work environment that you'll only experience at SSP America!

    Our restaurant portfolio in the SMF Airport includes Iron Horse Tavern, Peets Coffee, Cafeteria 15L and Jack's Urban Eats.

    Benefits, Compensation and Care
    At SSP America we believe if we take care of our employees, our employees will take care of our passengers. That's why we offer competitive benefits, and our first source for filling management positions is our internal team.

  • Health & Prescription, Dental, Vision, Life Plan
  • Paid Public Holidays & Vacation
  • 401K Plan (with company match)
  • Awards and Recognition
  • Meal Plan
  • Free Parking
  • Gym Discounts
  • Uniform Shirts and Apparel Accessories are Provided (as applicable)
  • Employee Assistance Program (including short-term counseling, simple will, financial & legal consultation, referrals for child/elder/pet care)

    EOE/F/M/V/D

    Job Type: $18.25 per hour

    • Example 6

    About us

    Toa's Ohana is a family small business in Copperas Cove, TX. We are an equal opportunity employer and exercise veteran preference hiring. We are seeking an experienced line cook to add value to our operations. We strive for customer satisfaction while maintaing an efficent operation with regards to our processes, products and people - our employees, customers, delivery partners and vendors.



    Responsibilities:
    - Prepare and cook menu items in accordance with established recipes and standards
    - Set up and stock stations with all necessary supplies
    - Ensure that food is prepared and served in a timely manner
    - Follow proper food handling and sanitation procedures
    - Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure smooth operation of the kitchen
    - Assist with catering events as needed

    Experience:
    - Previous experience as a line cook or in a similar role is preferred
    - Knowledge of various cooking techniques and food safety regulations
    - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
    - Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
    - Excellent communication and teamwork skills

    - Experience with kitchen equipment is a must; deep fryer, stove, grill

    Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change.

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $10.00 - $11.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
    Experience level:
  • 2 years
    Restaurant type:
  • Casual dining restaurant
  • Quick service & fast food restaurant
    Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
    Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

    People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Copperas Cove, TX 76522: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Restaurant experience: 1 year (Preferred)

    Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)
  • Night Shift Location: In person

    • What does a Line Cook do?

    Line Cooks work in a restaurant performing basic food preparation tasks and assisting the Executive Chef. They typically complete smaller responsibilities like cutting meat, mixing sauces or chopping vegetables. Line Cooks are often assigned a certain task each time they work and will stay in that section of the food preparation line for a majority of their shift.

    They’re responsible for cleaning their prep station and making sure it’s set up properly before the start of their shift. They’ll also stock the kitchen as needed. Line Cooks must regularly check the food prep and storage areas to ensure they don’t violate any health codes or safety regulations.

    Line Cook skills and qualifications

    A qualified Line Cook needs a strong set of skills that ensure teamwork and organization in the kitchen. Candidates should have the following qualifications:

    • Completion of vocational school or a two-year associate degree
    • At least one year of cooking experience
    • Excellent kitchen administration knowledge and ability to work as part of a team
    • Strong organization and active listening skills
    • The ability to work on your feet for most of the day and lift 30 pounds at a time
    • Exceptional time management skills

    Line Cook salary expectations

    A Line Cook makes an average of $13.56 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

    Line Cook education and training requirements

    Most Line Cook positions require no formal education besides a high school diploma. However, Line Cooks can pursue college degrees and certificates in areas such as culinary arts, food preparation, cooking, baking, recipe design, food safety and kitchen administration. A Line Cook learns on the job even if they have prior work experience. This is because each employer follows different procedures, and there is a wide range of safety and regulatory policies.

    Their training includes vegetable preparation, butchering of meat and seafood, cooking sauces, making recipes and translating instructions into finished dishes. Candidates can also obtain certifications in safe food handling, specialist skills such as gourmet baking and advanced cooking skills.

    Line Cook experience requirements

    An experienced Line Cook will have excellent food preparation and cooking skills. They will know the different methods of chopping vegetables, dividing meat, filleting fish and combining salads, herbs and spices, along with how to portion dishes and work with precision to bring recipes to life. They will also know the safe and proper methods of operating different kitchen appliances and utensils.

    They will need stamina to work long hours in a fast-paced kitchen. They also need to be able to lift heavy objects and collaborate effectively with other kitchen staff to meet client and executive expectations.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this Line Cook job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:

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    Frequently asked questions about Line Cooks

    Who does a Line Cook report to?

    The Line Cook typically reports to a Chef, Head Chef, Sous Chef or an Executive Chef, depending on the restaurant they work in. The Chef will provide the Line Cook with their assignments and instructions at the start of their shift. From there, the Chef will continue to inform the Line Cook of what tasks they need to complete in order to produce a quality meal for patrons. If the Line Cook has any questions about how to prepare a certain menu item, they’ll typically ask the Chef for advice and guidance.

    What settings do Line Cooks typically work in?

    Most Line Cooks will work in larger restaurants with many people on staff to collaborate and prepare meals with. Others may serve in smaller restaurants, where only a few people are on the team with them. When this occurs, the Line Cook may have more responsibilities and can be expected to work at several stations at a time during their shift.

    Some Line Cooks work in a fast-food environment, creating meals with less complex recipes than in restaurants. There are also Line Cooks who may work in hotel restaurants, where they serve on a larger team that provides meals for both the hotel restaurant or for guests who order room service.

    What's the difference between a Line Cook and a Sous Chef?

    While they both work together on a food preparation team to cook meals together, there are a few differences between a Sous Chef and a Line Cook. Sous Chefs usually work directly under the Head or Executive Chef. They often handle more complex tasks than Line Cooks, like planning menus, ordering equipment and supplies and training cooks.

    Some Sous Chefs may be in charge of Line Cooks, while other establishments only allow Sous Chefs to be in charge of the staff is the Head Chef is absent. A Line Cook is often only in charge of more basic preparation tasks and doesn’t have as much experience or education as a Sous Chef.

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