Traveling Cook

Sharp Spoon Network•New Orleans, LA

19h

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. The Traveling Cook prepares fresh, flavorful meals in high-volume kitchens supporting projects throughout the United States. This is hands-on cooking from raw ingredients, rather than simply assembling or reheating meals. Compensation is $18 per hour plus applicable overtime, with approximately 12-hour shifts during deployments. The position offers weekly pay, a $45 daily per diem during qualifying deployments, lodging during qualifying deployments, and company-paid travel when applicable. The anticipated rotation is approximately 30 days on assignment and 14 days off. Estimated weekly gross pay is $1,908 during a full 84-hour deployment workweek, assuming overtime after 40 hours; actual earnings depend on hours worked and applicable overtime rules. Per diem eligibility, lodging, travel arrangements, overtime, and deployment schedules are subject to 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.
Relevant experience in banquet and catering kitchens, hotels and resorts, convention centers, cruise ships, quality-focused contract dining, or military and remote-site culinary operations.

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.