Cook

Hotel Oceana Santa Monica; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with auto-enrollment

Paid time off

Job summary

Hotel Oceana Santa Monica is seeking a talented Cook to join our all-suite oceanfront kitchen. You will prepare and cook menu items to our standards, set up and maintain stations, and work safely in a high-volume environment.

We value quality, creativity, and teamwork. The role requires at least one year of cooking or prep experience, California Food Handler Card, and the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in a luxury hotel setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of cooking or prep experience.
• Valid California Food Handler Card.
• Hotel or fine dining experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes.
• Set up, maintain, and clean workstations throughout service.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely (grills, ovens, fryers, etc.).
• Plate and present dishes with attention to detail.
• Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards.
• Assist with inventory management and proper food storage.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Contribute ideas for menu enhancements and seasonal specials.

Skills

Food prep

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Bring your passion for food to the coast.Step into a rewarding culinary role at Hotel Oceana Santa Monica, ranked the #1 hotel in Los Angeles by Travel + Leisure. Following a $35 million transformation, our intimate, all-suite oceanfront hotel continues to set the standard for refined luxury and personalized service.We’re seeking a skilled and motivated Cook who takes pride in delivering exceptional dining experiences—from our restaurant to in-room service. If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen and value quality, creativity, and teamwork, we’d love to meet you.About the RoleAs a Cook, you are essential to our kitchen operations, ensuring every dish meets our high standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.What You’ll DoPrepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and standardsSet up, maintain, and clean workstations throughout serviceOperate kitchen equipment safely (grills, ovens, fryers, etc.)Execute orders accurately and efficiently in a high-volume environmentPlate and present dishes with attention to detailMaintain strict food safety and sanitation standardsAssist with inventory management and proper food storageCollaborate with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operationsContribute ideas for menu enhancements and seasonal specialsWhat You BringMinimum 1 year of cooking or prep experiencePassion for food quality, consistency, and guest satisfactionAbility to stay organized and perform under pressure in a fast-paced environmentStrong teamwork and communication skillsReliable, punctual, and professional demeanorValid California Food Handler Card (required)Hotel or fine dining experience (preferred)Schedule & ExpectationsFull-time schedule based on business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidaysMaintain a professional appearance in accordance with hotel grooming standardsBenefits & PerksCompetitive medical, dental, and vision benefitsBasic life insurance401(k) with auto-enrollment after 60 daysPaid time off, including vacation, sick leave and holidays*Why OceanaHotel Oceana Santa Monica offers a boutique environment with hands-on leadership, personalized service, and opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and excellence. If you take pride in delivering thoughtfully executed luxury hospitality, we invite you to apply.Apply today—and watch your phone and email for next steps in our hiring process.*New employees accrue 40 hours of vacation in the first year and earn 80 hours of paid sick leave per year. Eligible employees also receive holiday pay (if working) or paid holidays (if scheduled off) for six holidays each year.Required Skills and AbilitiesStrong commitment to food quality, safety, and guest satisfactionAbility to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchenStrong attention to detail and organizational skillsEffective time management and ability to prioritize tasksClear communication and teamwork skillsReliability, punctuality, and accountabilityProfessional conduct with integrity and respect for othersEducation and ExperienceHigh school diploma or GED preferred, or equivalent work experienceMinimum of one year of experience as a cook, prep cook, or similar roleValid California Food Handler Card or equivalent certification requiredHotel or fine dining experience preferredPhysical RequirementsExpected work hours: Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as neededTravel: NoneWork environment and physical demands:Ability to stand and walk for extended periodsFrequent lifting up to 20 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 poundsAbility to push or pull equipment up to 100 pounds occasionallyAbility to work in varying temperatures (e.g., freezers and hot kitchens)Manual dexterity to operate kitchen tools and equipmentAbility to bend, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs as neededReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This position is classified as nonexempt and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The company complies with all wage and hour laws, including those related to meal and rest periods.This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties or responsibilities. Responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.Hotel Oceana Santa Monica is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics under federal, state, and local law. We consider all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable laws, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.