Chef (Unclassified)

Skip To Job Description Thank you for visiting the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications. Chef (Unclassified) NJ Full Time Mid Level Share Open to: General PublicWork Week: 40-hour Work WeekSalary: $80,000 - $100,000 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)Opening Date: 7/21/2026Closing Date: 8/4/2026Existing Vacancies: 1Program/LocationDepartment of Environmental ProtectionPrinceton, NJ 08540Scope of EligibilityOpen to applicants who meet the requirements below.DescriptionWe are seeking a Chef to work under direction of the Residence Manager and a Primary Chef to assist with work involved in food preparation, storage, purchasing and service, does related work as required.Specific to the PositionWork closely with the Primary Chef to plan, coordinate, and execute daily meal preparation for both the private living quarters and the residence's common and entertaining areas. In coordination with the Primary Chef, ensure all culinary operations are performed efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, safety, and presentation.Perform food preparation, kitchen organization, and oversight of daily kitchen operations, including inspecting work areas, maintaining kitchen equipment.  Provide on-the-job guidance to staff involved in food preparation, service, kitchen setup, cleanup, and proper care of culinary equipment.In coordination with the Primary Chef, plan menus and modifications to accommodate dietary preferences, nutritional requirements, seasonal availability, and budget considerations. Prepare food and household supply requisitions for review and processing by the Residence Manager.  Coordinate the purchasing of food, beverages, and culinary supplies for daily household needs, family meals, and special events.Maintain proper inventory practices, including receiving, labeling, storing, rotating, and monitoring food and kitchen supplies to ensure freshness, quality, and compliance with food safety standards. Maintain recipe manuals, test new recipes, document successful menu items, and track frequently requested meals and event menus.Partner with the Primary Chef to coordinate food presentation and service for family meals, meetings, receptions, and special events held throughout the residence. Support expense tracking and documentation for appropriate reimbursement and maintain accurate purchasing records.This position is expected to demonstrate professionalism, discretion, flexibility, and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality at all times.NOTE: This position is subject to a background check.Preferred Skill SetPreference will be given to candidates with a degree in Culinary Arts, or who are a Certified Personal Chef, Certified Food Protection Manager, or Certified through ServeSafe.RequirementsEXPERIENCE:Five (5) years of professional experience relevant to the position.​ NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.License Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.Employee Benefits As a New Jersey State Department, NJDEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Paid Benefit Leave (Unclassified Vacation Plan)Holiday PayAlternative Workweek Program*Telework*PensionDeferred CompensationHealth Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life InsuranceFlexible and Health Spending...