Chef (Unclassified)

Open to: General Public
Work Week: 40-hour Work Week
Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)
Opening Date: 7/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026
Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location
Department of Environmental Protection
Princeton, NJ 08540

Scope of Eligibility
Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description
We 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 Position
Work 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 Set
Preference 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.

Requirements
EXPERIENCE:
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 Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Commuter Tax Savings Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement*

*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

SAME Applicants
If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please visit SAME Program , email [email protected] , or call CSC at (609) 292-4144 and select Option #3.

Veteran's Preference
To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit

Residency
All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.

Authorization to Work
Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Affirmative Action Information Form . All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.

DEP Notices of Vacancy have a 4:00 p.m. deadline on the closing date. When filing for these opportunities, please be sure to have your letter of interest and credentials sent electronically before 4 p.m. on the closing date.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations under ADA will be provided upon request.