Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Human Advantage 71%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.5 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
Also Known As: Boarding House Cook, Cafeteria Cook, Camp Cook, Cook, Culinary Specialist, Dietary Aide, Dietary Cook, Dinner Cook +15 more
Core Tasks
- Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
- Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
- Rotate and store food supplies.
- Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
- Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
- Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
- Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
- Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.
- Train new employees.
- Take inventory of supplies and equipment.
- Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs.
- Bake breads, rolls, or other pastries.
Supplemental Tasks (5)
- Monitor use of government food commodities to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
- Plan menus that are varied, nutritionally balanced, and appetizing, taking advantage of foods in season and local availability.
- Monitor menus and spending to ensure that meals are prepared economically.
- Compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.
- Determine meal prices, based on calculations of ingredient prices.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (9)
Tools & Equipment (77)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Culinary & Food Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Zone 2
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria You are here
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Construction
Zone 2
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria You are here
Zone 4
Loss Prevention Managers 76% match
Zone 5
Chief Executives 74% match
Personal Care Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Zone 2
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria You are here
Zone 3
Zone 5
Dietitians and Nutritionists 75% match
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