Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Chefs

Chefs Nature of Work

Chefs plan, organize and direct food preparation and cooking of food. They prepare and cook meals and specialty foods in a number of settings.Chefs are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, clubs and similar establishments, and on ships.

Chefs Work Conditions

Chefs may be required to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays. The work may be stressful, especially at peak hours of the day.

Chefs Personal Requirements

• a high level of personal cleanliness
• able to organize efficient work schedules
• able to work under pressure and stay calm in difficult situations
• enjoy cooking
• flexibility to perform shift work on a 24-hour rotating roster as required
• good communication skills
• punctuality

Chefs Employment Requirements

• Completion of secondary school is usually required
• Cook's trade certification
• Experience as a souse-chef, specialist chef or chef.

Chefs Duties and Tasks

Chefs may perform the following tasks:

• demonstrate techniques to cooks and advise on cooking procedures
• discuss food preparation issues with managers, dietitians and other staff members
• divide food into portions, and add gravies, sauces and garnishes
• explain and enforce hygiene regulations
• freeze and preserve foods
• order food, kitchen supplies and equipment
• plan menus and work out food and labor costs together with the head chef
• plan staff rosters and supervise the activities of cooks and assistants
• prepare and cook food
• select and train staff

Chef Example Titles

• Chef de Cuisine
• Chef de Partie
• Corporate Chef
• Executive Chef
• Executive Souse-Chef
• Head Chef
• Master Chef
• Pastry Chef
• Saucier
• souse-chef

Chef Related Occupations

• Catering Managers
• Cooks
• Hospital Food Service Managers
• Kitchen Helpers
• Motel Managers
• Restaurant Managers

Hospitality Related Industries

• Sales