Prep Chef Jobs in Waukegan, 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.
- Arlington Heights, IL (18 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (18 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 1 day 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...
- Evanston, IL (22 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Evanston, IL (22 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 1 day ago
Desired Meat work experience or similar experience in food preparation. Past work record reflects dependability and integrity....
- Kildeer, IL (21 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Kildeer, IL (21 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 1 day ago
be at least 18 years of age Previous prep or line cook experience preferred An individual who thrives in a team-based environment Basic knowledge of professional cooking and experience with basic knife...
- Hoffman Estates, IL (21 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Hoffman Estates, IL (21 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 2 days 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 (12 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Lincolnshire, IL (12 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 2 days 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...
- Skokie, IL (23 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Skokie, IL (23 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 2 days ago
Compensation Range $15.00 - $18.25 / 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...
Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Maker - Cast Member
- Gurnee, IL (5 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 3 days ago
- Gurnee, IL (5 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 3 days 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....
- Twin Lakes, WI (23 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 4 days ago
- Twin Lakes, WI (23 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 4 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...
Culinary Aide - Memory Care - Part-time - Afternoons
- Northbrook, IL (16 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 4 days ago
- Northbrook, IL (16 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 4 days ago
Arden Courts Northbrook is hiring a part-time Culinary (Dietary) Aide for 4 hour shifts As a Culinary Aide you assist the Food Service Coordinator and/or cook in maintaining a clean kitchen area...
Health Center Prep Cook Full Time
- Lincolnshire, IL (12 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Lincolnshire, IL (12 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 5 days ago
Maintain kitchen sanitation standards and equipment cleaning schedules Here are a few of the qualifications we need you to have: High school diploma or equivalent Minimum of one-year experience in food...
- Skokie, IL (23 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Skokie, IL (23 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 5 days ago
Role Overview Our Heart of House Team Members are responsible for setting the pace for a great shift, every shift. They provide dependable, fast service that is absolutely Chili's. If you take...
Bartenders/Line Cooks/Pizza Cooks/Prep Cooks/Dishwashers
- Palatine, IL (20 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Palatine, IL (20 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 5 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 (18 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 7 days ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (18 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 7 days ago
Evaluates food preparation and recommends changes to improve operations. Follows kitchen opening/closing procedures and handles food and equipment following sanitation and safety practices....
- Bannockburn, IL (13 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 9 days ago
- Bannockburn, IL (13 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 9 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...
- Des Plaines, IL (21 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 12 days ago
- Des Plaines, IL (21 miles from Waukegan, IL)
- 12 days ago
at all times Assists the Grill/Line cooks in the preparation of various food items, including but not limited to, cutting fruits and vegetables, preparing meats, sandwiches, dressings, and composed salads...
Demographic Data for Waukegan, IL
Moving to Waukegan, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Waukegan, IL below.
Prep Chef Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Prep Chef Jobs in Waukegan, IL
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Prep Chef positions.
Highest Education Level
Prep Chefs in Waukegan, 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
- Soup Making
- Casual Dining
- Butchering
- Prep Work
- Fryer
- Vegetarian Cuisine
- 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 »