Title: Sous Chef
State Role Title: Food Service Technician III
Hiring Range: $45,000 annually
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Location: MAIN MUSEUM
Agency Website: www.vmfa.museum
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
We welcome applications from experienced and skilled culinary professionals who are team-centric and highly motivated to join the museum as a Sous Chef.
About the Work
At its core, the work is straightforward. It is rooted in teamwork and a shared commitment to deliver exceptional, elevated dining experiences.
How to Succeed in this Role
Lead Kitchen Operations
Work closely with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef team to guide daily kitchen production—from menu planning and food preparation to crafting our signature daily specials.
Maintain Our High Standards
Use your deep knowledge of our recipes, procedures, and culinary systems to ensure consistency and excellence. Your expertise helps us maintain responsible food costs and a spotless, fully compliant kitchen.
Mentor and Support the Team
Step into a leadership role where you will supervise, train, and uplift your fellow kitchen staff. Your clear communication, steady presence, and constructive feedback will help the team grow and thrive.
Deliver Outstanding Service
Support our commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Your leadership ensures that our food and presentation consistently earn high praise and that our front of house team has the partnership they need to shine.
Lead Special Projects
Bring your creativity to specialty menu planning and execution for museum events. You may also have opportunities to share your craft through cooking demonstrations.
Who Thrives in this Role?
Seasoned professionals with deep, hands on understanding of kitchen operations.
Collaborative, service driven leaders who are excited to support the team and elevate the guest experience.
Steady, proactive leaders who can confidently step up in the absence of the Executive Chef and ensure operations are smooth and seamless.
Highly engaged hospitality professionals who take pride in our work and are committed to shared success.
Minimum Qualifications
Recent kitchen experience as a line cook or sous chef.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and complex recipes.
Knowledge of basic knife skills, chopping, sautéing, grilling, and general food preparation.
Understanding various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
Ability to work as part of a team and perform effectively in a fast paced, high volume kitchen.
Ability to prepare food to the Executive Chef’s specifications and assist kitchen staff with daily tasks.
Skill in setting up and stocking stations, cooking menu items, and ensuring timely service.
Ability to maintain a clean and sanitary work environment; maintains current ServSafe certification.
Strong communication skills and ability to follow directions; communicates professionally and graciously with guests and colleagues.
Ability to independently solve routine problems.
Flexible availability, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Additional Considerations
ServSafe Manager Certification.
Experience providing direction or oversight to culinary staff in a restaurant or food service environment.
Experience training or cross training staff in multiple culinary stations or production tasks.
Experience managing food cost controls, inventory processes, or recipe standardization systems.
Experience ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, including Virginia Health Department regulations.
Experience developing specialty menus, daily specials, or themed menus for diverse audiences.
Experience working collaboratively with front of house teams to support consistent product and service quality.
Experience conducting or supporting culinary demonstrations or educational presentations.
Strong organizational skills, including experience using prep sheets, task lists, or other operational systems.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Please provide three (3) references. Provide full name, phone number and email address. References may be entered into the reference section of the application; or they may be included with the resume or cover letter. Professional references are preferred. Other reference types will also receive consideration. References should be able to attest to your knowledge, skills, and abilities, especially qualifications relevant to the position for which you are applying.
For the status of your application and this position, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.
Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified organization.
E-Verify Notice: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resource Services
Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.
Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum for recruitment-related questions.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.