Culinary Performance Intern

Job Title: Culinary Performance Intern - Wrigley Field

Position Title: Levy Culinary Performance Intern

Pay Range: $20-$22/hr

Department: Culinary & Chicago Cubs Performance Nutrition

Reports To: Executive Chef with support from the Cubs Director of Performance Nutrition

 

Summary

The Culinary Performance Intern is a key member of the Chicago Cubs’ and Levy culinary operations, with primary responsibility for supporting high-level culinary execution in a performance-driven environment. This role works directly under the Executive Chef to assist with daily food preparation, service, and kitchen operations, while collaborating with the performance nutrition team to ensure alignment with approved nutrition standards. This hands-on internship provides practical back-of-house experience in professional food production, inventory management, and foodservice systems within elite sport. The ideal candidate is passionate about culinary excellence, detail-oriented, and eager to contribute in a fast-paced, team-based environment. Interest in sports nutrition is beneficial, but culinary performance remains the primary focus of the role.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Culinary Operations & Food Service (Primary Focus):

·       Report daily to the Executive Chef to receive assignments and priorities.

·       Assist with food preparation and cooking according to approved menus and recipes.

·       Accurately follow recipes and production standards established by the performance chef and approved by the dietitian.

·       Support receiving, organizing, and putting away food deliveries.

·       Maintain buffet and service lines to professional standards, ensuring cleanliness, visual appeal, and proper stocking.

·       Assist with catering setup, breakdown, and vendor orders as needed.

·       Contribute creative ideas to menu execution while maintaining alignment with performance standards.

·       Assist with opening and closing kitchen or service locations as required.

Performance Nutrition Support (Secondary Focus):

·       Support the performance nutrition team when requested, under the direction of the Director of Performance Nutrition.

·       Assist with packing and organizing nutrition items for team travel.

·       Stay informed on current trends and best practices in sports nutrition to support culinary execution within performance guidelines.

·       Participate in team dining room carving and action stations to support creativity and menu rotation depending on the season.

 

Additional:

·       Sanitation, Safety & Maintenance

o   Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards in accordance with organizational policies.

o   Maintain a clean, organized, and professional kitchen environment at all times.

·       Administrative & Team Responsibilities Assist with inventory tracking and weekly inventory counts.

o   Complete additional tasks assigned to support overall kitchen and team operations.

o   Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and professionalism.

·       What You’ll Gain

o   Hands-on experience in a professional, high-performance culinary environment.

o   Direct exposure to food preparation and service for elite athletes.

o   Skill development in menu execution, foodservice systems, and inventory management.

o   Foundational understanding of how culinary operations integrate with performance nutrition.

o   Mentorship from experienced chefs and registered dietitians in professional sports.

 

Required Qualifications

·       Currently pursuing or recently completed an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science, or a related field.

·       Minimum of one year of experience working in a professional kitchen.

·       Working knowledge of food preparation, safety, and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification preferred).

·       Strong communication skills with a professional and team-oriented demeanor.

·       Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Experience in a performance-based foodservice or sports environment.

·       Background or great interest in nutrition education or athlete fueling support at a high-performance level.

·       Working Conditions

o   Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 25 lbs.

o   Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and game days as required.

 We Make Applying Easy? Apply to this job via text messaging: Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1501122 or please send your inquiries to Beth Schwartz at bschwartz@cubs.com