Cook

Shenandoahcareers; Stanley (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

ExplorUS is seeking a Cook for Shenandoah National Park operations in Stanley, VA. You will prepare food per Corporate recipes and deliver exceptional hospitality to visitors during the seasonal schedule.

Position pays an hourly rate of $19.00 with opportunities to grow culinary skills, work with a dedicated team, and maintain safety/food-handling standards in a fast-paced resort kitchen.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Culinary training/experience (1 year minimum).
• Knowledge of food preparation, safety logs, and kitchen sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Kitchen Manager and Lead Cook to meet menu and guest service standards.
• Be a strong member of a fast-paced culinary team with a positive attitude.
• Follow corporate recipes and Safe Food Handling procedures to ensure quality.
• Complete required food and safety logs per company procedures and regulations.
• Obtain ServSafe or State Food Handler Certification as per policy.
• Work a variety of day, night, weekend and holiday shifts as requested.
• Understand ISO, health and safety standards and related responsibilities.
• Adhere to Duties Checklist and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food prep/production

Sanitation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Where Your Next Career Adventure Begins.

Home to 200,000 acres of forested peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the iconic Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park is more than a place to work — it’s a place to belong. As ExplorUS takes the helm of park operations, we’re building a team of passionate people who want to share the beauty of this park with millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re guiding guests through mountain lodges, serving up hospitality in our restaurants, or keeping the wonder of Shenandoah running behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a team dedicated to protecting and celebrating one of America’s most treasured landscapes. Explore our open positions and start your journey with us.

Position:Cook

Location: Stanley, VA

Job Id:193

# of Openings:1

Imagine spending your workday surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and over 500 miles of scenic trails. A career at Shenandoah Hospitality offers more than just a job—it provides the opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to preserving one of America's most beautiful national treasures while creating unforgettable experiences for millions of visitors each year. Whether you're interested in hospitality, food service, retail, maintenance, or guest services, you'll gain valuable skills, build lifelong friendships, and enjoy the unique experience of living and working in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you're looking for meaningful work, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime, Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to begin your next journey.

This is a seasonal position with anticipated dates as indicated below:

• Big Meadows Lodge - estimated start date 4/26/2027 and anticipated end date of 11/9/2027
• Big Meadows Wayside – estimated start date 3/19/2027 and anticipated end date of 11/30/2027
• Elkwallow Wayside – estimated start date 5/3/2027 and anticipated end date of 11/15/2027
• Loft Mountain Wayside – estimated start date 5/3/2027 and anticipated end date of 11/3/2027
• Skyland Resort - estimated start date 3/22/2027 and anticipated end date of 11/30/2027

Hourly rate of pay: $19.00

Summary of Position:

Responsible for preparing food items in accordance with Corporate recipes and established standards in the Company’s efforts to deliver extraordinary hospitality.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Kitchen Manager and Lead Cook in ensuring that the menu, which cannot be changed without Corporate F&B approval, and guest service expectations, as set forth by the Employee Handbook are being met or exceeded.
• Become a strong member of an efficient and highly motivated culinary team focused on surpassing expectations by presenting a positive, can-do attitude very day.
• Adhere to defined Company recipes and Safe Food Handling procedures in order to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Complete all required food and safety logs in a timely and efficient manner per Company procedures and Federal, State, and Local regulations
• Obtain ServSafe or State Food Handler Certification in accordance with F&B company policy
• Comply with time and attendance policies and be able to work a variety of day, night, weekend and holiday shifts as requested
• Understand Company’s ISO (Environmental & Quality) management systems, Health and Safety standards, policies, goals and initiatives and meet the specific responsibilities within these areas
• Adherence to Duties Checklist and other duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• Knowledge of food preparation and storage, sanitation requirements and commercial kitchen equipment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with many types of personalities in a positive and productive way
• Majority of shift will be spent on feet in a fast-paced environment and in close proximity to other people
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally. Frequent bending, twisting, lifting and squatting will be required

Knowledge and Experience:

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience: Culinary training/experience (1 year minimum)

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status and all other status protected by law.

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