Freelance Catering Chef

Coma Coffee Roasters; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The Catering Company of Washington is seeking an experienced Freelance Catering Chef to join our culinary team for private events, weddings, corporate functions, and special events throughout Washington, DC and the surrounding area.

This freelance, event-based position offers flexible hours based on our calendar, opportunities for on-site event work and culinary preparation, and the chance to work alongside our Executive Chef to deliver high-quality, guest-focused dining.

Qualifications

• Professional restaurant, catering, hotel, or banquet kitchen experience.
• Strong knife skills and culinary fundamentals.
• Experience with fine dining or upscale events preferred.
• Experience with plated event service and high-volume production is a plus.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes and plating instructions.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to remain calm and efficient during event service.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to event venues throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
• A professional appearance and attitude.
• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and execution of food for catered events
• Work alongside our Executive Chef and culinary team to maintain consistent quality and presentation
• Execute plated dinners, buffets, passed hors d'oeuvres, and other event menus
• Assist with event-site kitchen setup, service, and breakdown
• Follow established recipes, plating standards, and event timelines
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workspace
• Properly handle, store, transport, and prepare food in accordance with food-safety standards
• Adapt to different event venues and temporary kitchen environments
• Work efficiently as part of a culinary and service team during high-volume events

Skills

Knife skills

Culinary fundamentals

High-volume production

Time management

Team collaboration

Professional appearance

Evenings/weekends availability

Job description

Freelance Catering Chef

The Catering Company of Washington | Washington, DC
Freelance / On-Call | $30 per hour

The Catering Company of Washington is seeking an experienced Freelance Catering Chef to join our culinary team for private events, weddings, corporate functions, and special events throughout Washington, DC and the surrounding area.

For more than 40 years, The Catering Company of Washington has provided elevated food and service for events at some of the region’s most distinguished venues, including the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, National Mall, museums, historic properties, private residences, and other prominent locations throughout the DMV.

This is a freelance, event-based position ideal for an experienced cook or chef looking to supplement an existing restaurant, catering, or culinary schedule. Hours will vary based on our event calendar, with opportunities for both on-site event work and culinary preparation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and execution of food for catered events

• Work alongside our Executive Chef and culinary team to maintain consistent quality and presentation

• Execute plated dinners, buffets, passed hors d'oeuvres, and other event menus

• Assist with event-site kitchen setup, service, and breakdown

• Follow established recipes, plating standards, and event timelines

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workspace

• Properly handle, store, transport, and prepare food in accordance with food-safety standards

• Adapt to different event venues and temporary kitchen environments

• Work efficiently as part of a culinary and service team during high-volume events

Qualifications

We are looking for chefs and experienced cooks who are dependable, professional, and comfortable working in a high-quality catering environment.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Professional restaurant, catering, hotel, or banquet kitchen experience

• Strong knife skills and culinary fundamentals

• Experience with fine dining or upscale events preferred

• Experience with plated event service and high-volume production is a plus

• Ability to follow detailed recipes and plating instructions

• Strong organization and time-management skills

• Ability to remain calm and efficient during event service

• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to event venues throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area

• A professional appearance and attitude

• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends

Experience working with plant-based cuisine, pastry, or fine dining is particularly welcome, although it is not required.

Compensation & Schedule

Pay: $30 per hour

This is a freelance/on-call position, and hours are based on our catering and special-event schedule. There is no guaranteed weekly schedule, making the role particularly well suited for culinary professionals interested in picking up additional work around their existing commitments.

Events may take place during the day, evening, or on weekends throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

About Us

The Catering Company of Washington is a longstanding Washington, DC catering company specializing in refined food, thoughtful hospitality, and highly customized events. Our team works in a wide range of environments—from intimate private dinners to large institutional and formal events—and we are looking for culinary professionals who take pride in both their craft and their professionalism.