Chefs and Head Cooks

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.97
Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.89
Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.88
Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.86
Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.83
Check the quantity and quality of received products.83
Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.82
Estimate amounts and costs of required supplies, such as food and ingredients.82
Coordinate planning, budgeting, or purchasing for all the food operations within establishments such as clubs, hotels, or restaurant chains.76
Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.75
Plan, direct, or supervise food preparation or cooking activities of multiple kitchens or restaurants in an establishment such as a restaurant chain, hospital, or hotel.72
Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.71

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Prepare and cook foods of all types, either on a regular basis or for special guests or functions.71
Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.71
Meet with customers to discuss menus for special occasions, such as weddings, parties, or banquets.66
Recruit and hire staff, such as cooks and other kitchen workers.65
Record production or operational data on specified forms.64
Meet with sales representatives to negotiate prices or order supplies.64
Arrange for equipment purchases or repairs.63
Demonstrate new cooking techniques or equipment to staff.62
Collaborate with other personnel to plan and develop recipes or menus, taking into account such factors as seasonal availability of ingredients or the likely number of customers.61

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Coordination78
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Management of Personnel Resources72
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Social Perceptiveness72
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management72
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation69
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Listening66
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Instructing66
Teaching others how to do something.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension63
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

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Active Learning60
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving56
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Learning Strategies56
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Material Resources56
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Quality Control Analysis56
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Financial Resources53
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Negotiation53
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operations Monitoring47
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operations Analysis41
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operation and Control38
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection28
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Troubleshooting28
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance25
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing25
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Food Production78
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Production and Processing76
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service73
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources69
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administration and Management67
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mathematics64
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training63
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language58
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Economics and Accounting55
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Administrative53
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Public Safety and Security47
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Computers and Electronics46
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Psychology45
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sales and Marketing44
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Chemistry43
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Communications and Media38
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Law and Government38
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Biology36
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language35
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mechanical35
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design31
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Therapy and Counseling29
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Engineering and Technology28
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Sociology and Anthropology27
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation27
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Building and Construction25
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Physics23
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Geography22
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Telecommunications22
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Medicine and Dentistry18
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology17
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts16
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology16
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity78
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Inductive Reasoning69
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension63
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Originality60
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention60
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas56
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Time Sharing56
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visualization56
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Number Facility53
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Trunk Strength53
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Written Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Multilimb Coordination44
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Control Precision41
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Auditory Attention38
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Dynamic Strength35
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Stamina35
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed35
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Reaction Time28
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation25
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Speed of Limb Movement25
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Explosive Strength19
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Peripheral Vision19
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization19
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation19
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Night Vision13
The ability to see under low-light conditions.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Training and Teaching Others78
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others77
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams76
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others73
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Getting Information73
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates72
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems72
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships70
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling Work and Activities70
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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Monitoring and Controlling Resources68
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others68
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Thinking Creatively68
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing General Physical Activities67
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings65
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards62
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Handling and Moving Objects61
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials60
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public60
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Staffing Organizational Units60
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People56
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge56
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information55
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Working with Computers55
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information54
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others54
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing Objectives and Strategies53
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Analyzing Data or Information52
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Controlling Machines and Processes52
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Communicating with People Outside the Organization50
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing Administrative Activities50
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Processing Information50
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Assisting and Caring for Others49
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others43
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment42
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment39
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Selling or Influencing Others38
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment30
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment25
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Leadership Orientation86
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Attention to Detail83
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Stress Tolerance71
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Innovation66
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Achievement Orientation65
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Control65
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cooperation63
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Initiative63
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Adaptability62
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Integrity61
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence60
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Perseverance57
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Social Orientation57
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Cautiousness49
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Intellectual Curiosity45
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Optimism42
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Tolerance for Ambiguity42
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Sincerity25
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy22
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Humility10
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising69
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Realistic64
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional56
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social33
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic29
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative11
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day88%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day87%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day92%
Time Pressure
- Every day88%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day88%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually67%
- More than half the time29%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others63%
- Contact with others most of the time33%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours79%
- 40 hours21%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day74%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day75%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day71%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually67%
- More than half the time25%

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Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important50%
- Very important46%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day57%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually58%
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time13%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)29%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)63%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results29%
- Important results54%
- Moderate results17%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility29%
- High responsibility50%
- Moderate responsibility17%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility26%
- High responsibility39%
- Moderate responsibility35%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important21%
- Very important50%
- Important25%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Never17%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive25%
- Highly competitive42%
- Moderately competitive29%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important21%
- Very important42%
- Important33%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important33%
- Very important38%
- Fairly important17%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Conflict Situations
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day54%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Never17%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom67%
- Limited freedom21%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom63%
- Limited freedom25%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Very important54%
- Important29%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually26%
- More than half the time26%
- Less than half the time35%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never21%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never13%
Public Speaking
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time33%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time29%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never17%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious13%
- Very serious25%
- Serious21%
- Fairly serious29%
- Not serious at all13%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Continually or almost continually21%
- Less than half the time33%
- Never38%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never38%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time61%
- Never17%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month58%
- Never17%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month67%
- Never17%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never43%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)42%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)54%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month46%
- Never29%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important21%
- Fairly important25%
- Not important at all46%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never52%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated13%
- Slightly automated52%
- Not at all automated35%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time63%
- Never33%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never63%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never79%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time25%
- Never71%
Exposed to High Places
- Never88%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel
Instant messaging software
GroupMe
Data base user interface and query software
Barrington Software CookenPro Commercial, CostGuard, Culinary Software Services ChefTec, ReServe Interactive
Analytical or scientific software
Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro, GNOME Gnutrition, IPro Restaurant Inventory, Recipe & Menu Software, Nutrition analysis software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Sage MAS 90 ERP
Desktop publishing software
SoftCafe MenuPro
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Financial analysis software
Delphi Technology
Time accounting software
ADP eTIME
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Enggist & Grandjean EGS F&B Control
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Monitor activities of individuals to ensure safety or compliance with rules.
Train food preparation or food service personnel.
Coordinate activities of food service staff.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Check quality of foods or supplies.
Inspect facilities, equipment or supplies to ensure conformance to standards.
Estimate supplies, ingredients, or staff requirements for food preparation activities.
Manage food service operations or parts of operations.
Determine prices for menu items.
Coordinate timing of food production activities.
Cook foods.
Create new recipes or food presentations.

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Communicate with customers to resolve complaints or ensure satisfaction.
Plan special events.
Perform human resources activities.
Record operational or production data.
Schedule equipment maintenance.
Plan menu options.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Chief, Cook
Cook, Chief

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology