Prep Chef Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL
A Prep Chef, also known as a preparation cook, is an integral part of the culinary industry responsible for preparing ingredients for the main cooks or chefs in a kitchen. Their tasks include washing, peeling, cutting, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and other food items, as well as cooking and preparing simple dishes. They also play a critical role in maintaining cleanliness and order in the kitchen, storing food appropriately, and ensuring the availability of fresh ingredients. Prep Chefs often work under the supervision of a head chef or cooks, thus they need to have a keen eye for detail, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
To qualify as a Prep Chef, a certificate or an associate's degree in culinary arts or a related field is usually required. However, critical skills such as culinary expertise, knife skills, understanding of food safety standards, and a strong familiarity with various cooking techniques are essential. In addition, they should also have good physical stamina to manage long hours of standing and handling kitchen equipment. Prior to progressing to the position of a Prep Chef, a person may start their culinary journey in roles such as a dishwasher, line cook or a kitchen assistant.
- Hoffman Estates, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 22 hours ago
- Hoffman Estates, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 22 hours ago
A Day in the Life: As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products, and you must be willing to carve out time to engage our customers in friendly...
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
Your Background: Great technique: you have strong knife skills Kitchen savvy: you know your weights, measurements and volumes Attention to detail: you follow all steps and techniques to ensure consistency...
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
Compensation Range $15.00 - $18.00 / Hour Overview: Why Join Our Team: Great earnings potential Full and part-time hours available Flexible scheduling to fit your life Medical coverage starting at...
- Marengo, IL (15 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Marengo, IL (15 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
Company Introduction If you're friendly and dependable and you like to work with terrific guests, we'd love to talk about an opportunity on our team! Sullivan's Foods is a proud member of the...
Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Maker - Cast Member
- Streamwood, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Streamwood, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
Easy prep for pizza, salads, and wings. Pay and Benefits: Chuck E. Cheese now offers access to earned wages with our NEW "Work Today, Get Paid Tomorrow" program....
- Saint Charles, IL (23 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Saint Charles, IL (23 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 2 days ago
Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK Exceptions may apply Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to lift 5 0 pounds....
- Twin Lakes, WI (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 3 days ago
- Twin Lakes, WI (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 3 days ago
... Why do people love shopping for fresh food at Sams Club? Our members tell us one of the biggest reasons is our hard-working and happy-to-help fresh food associates. Join our meat team and you...
Health Center Prep Cook Full Time
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 4 days ago
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 4 days ago
Title: Prep Cook Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time Rate of Pay: $17 - 19 per hour, depending on experience Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7AM - 3PM or 11AM - 7PM with rotating weekends Sedgebrook is...
Bartenders/Line Cooks/Pizza Cooks/Prep Cooks/Dishwashers
- Palatine, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 4 days ago
- Palatine, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 4 days ago
Join the Pizza Bella Family! We are hiring for the following positions: -Line Cooks -Pizza Cooks -Prep Cooks -Dishwashers -Bartenders Restaurant hours are Mon, Wed, Thur, Sun 4PM-9PM and Fri, Sat...
Prep Cook/Stockroom (full-time in senior living)
- Arlington Heights, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 6 days ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 6 days ago
Prep Cook/Stockroom Senior Living Who We Are Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and...
- Vernon Hills, IL (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 7 days ago
- Vernon Hills, IL (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 7 days ago
... As a Senior Meat Cutter you will drive sales in your area to deliver to our members more of what they love, for less. You will work collaboratively with other associates to ensure the total...
- Bannockburn, IL (22 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 7 days ago
- Bannockburn, IL (22 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 7 days ago
*Opportunity for promotion* Full time 40 hours or part time Company Overview: Founded in 1929, Heinen’s is a premier grocery store chain noted for its quality products and outstanding customer...
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 10 days ago
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 10 days ago
Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This...
- Saint Charles, IL (23 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 11 days ago
- Saint Charles, IL (23 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 11 days ago
Join our DYNAMIC team at Bickford Senior Living as an Prep Cook! The Prep Cook supports the culinary team as they prepare food and serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience...
- Gurnee, IL (19 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 11 days ago
- Gurnee, IL (19 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 11 days ago
Overview JOIN A WINNING TEAM! Prep Cook This isn’t just your next job – it’s your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest’s experience...
Demographic Data for Crystal Lake, IL
Moving to Crystal Lake, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Crystal Lake, IL below.
Prep Chef Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Prep Chef Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Prep Chef positions.
Highest Education Level
Prep Chefs in Crystal Lake, IL offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Prep Chef position
- Wellness
- Pasta
- Portion Control
- Scratch Cooking
- Seafood
- Sauce Making
- Knife Skills
- Pizza Making
- Dessert Making
- Grilling
- Casual Dining
- Butchering
- Prep Work
- Fryer
- Vegetarian Cuisine
- Buffet
- Salads
- Food Handling
- Food Preparation
- Fine Dining
- Dishwashing
- Quality of Service
- Baking
- Sanitation
- Food and Beverage Management
- Food Safety
- Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point
- Cooking
- Merchandising
- Housekeeping
- Packaging
- Stocking
- Energetic
- Closing
- Purchasing
- Retail
- High School Diploma
- Punctual
- Friendliness
- Presentation
- English
- Regulations
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- Policy Development
- Sales
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Prep Chef Related Career Advice Articles

How to Become a Chef
Thinking of launching a career as a chef? This guide will tell you everything you need to know – from how long it takes to become a chef to how to get a job as a chef (and more).
Read article »
What Makes a Restaurant Sustainable?
In terms of restaurant management, sustainability is more than just a buzzword or an offshoot of the “farm-to-table” craze.
Read article »
Training to Be a Chef
If you are interested in becoming a chef and are looking for basic information on how to make that dream a reality, read our companion article “How to Become a Chef.” However, if you have already given the idea much thought and simply need a few facts regarding prices, prestige, and programs offered by some of the top culinary schools in the US, you have come to the right place.
Read article »