Traveling Cook

Sharp Spoon Network • Birmingham, AL

15h

About The Position

Sharp Spoon Network is recruiting experienced professional cooks for a national leader in large-scale culinary operations, disaster response, and remote workforce support. Traveling Cooks prepare fresh, flavorful food in high-volume kitchens for projects throughout the United States. The role requires hands-on cooking from raw ingredients rather than simply assembling or reheating meals.

Assignments typically follow an approximately 30-days-on / 14-days-off rotation, with approximately 12-hour shifts during deployments. Compensation is $18 per hour plus applicable overtime, with weekly pay. Qualifying deployments include a $45 daily per diem, and lodging is provided; company-paid travel is provided when applicable. Estimated weekly gross pay is $1,908 during a full 84-hour deployment workweek, assuming overtime after 40 hours. Actual earnings, per diem eligibility, lodging, travel arrangements, and deployment schedules depend on assignment requirements.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of hands-on professional cooking experience in high-volume kitchens.
• Ability to prepare complete meals from raw ingredients, follow recipes, and execute large-batch cooking.
• Experience maintaining food quality and consistency during high-volume meal service.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel nationwide, work approximately 12-hour shifts on a 30-days-on / 14-days-off rotation, and complete required screenings.

Nice To Haves

• Experience preparing several hundred to 1,000 or more meals during a single service.
• Strong scratch-cooking skills.
• ServSafe certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare proteins, vegetables, starches, sauces, and complete meals in high-volume kitchens.
• Follow recipes and production schedules while maintaining flavor, freshness, and consistency.
• Use professional cooking techniques, including grilling, roasting, sautéing, frying, and batch preparation.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, portion control, and proper serving temperatures.
• Work alongside culinary teams in fast-paced, changing deployment environments.

Benefits

• $18 per hour plus applicable overtime.
• $45 daily per diem during qualifying deployments.
• Weekly pay.
• Lodging provided during qualifying deployments.
• Company-paid travel when applicable.
• Approximately 30 days on assignment followed by 14 days off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed