Cook I

Viejas Casino & Resort; California; On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement 401(k) with company match

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Viejas Casino & Resort is seeking a Cook I to prepare and cook basic food orders across stations, using grill, oven, panini press, and other equipment. You will follow recipes, maintain food safety standards, and ensure proper labeling and storage.

You will work in a fast-paced kitchen, collaborating with F&B staff to deliver high-quality meals while practicing clean-as-you-go techniques and FIFO inventory control.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary coursework preferred.
• Food Handler’s Certificate required.
• 1–2 years of restaurant production/cooking experience.
• Demonstrates basic knife skills and culinary knowledge.
• Knowledge of fryers and oven use; salad and cold foods prep familiarity.
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal communication; able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work different shifts and manage changes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook basic food orders per recipes and menus.
• Operate multiple stations/equipment, including grill, oven and panini press.
• Follow prep lists and execute recipes; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation and HACCP compliance; rotate stock using FIFO.
• Label, date, and safely store all food/beverage items; minimize waste.
• Maintain clean work areas and proper glove use; communicate concerns to supervisor.
• Provide courteous service and work with the F&B team to deliver a great guest experience.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork in fast-paced environment

Dependability and attention to detail

Flexibility to work different shifts

Basic knife skills

Knowledge of fryers and oven use

Food safety awareness

Ability to manage change

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary coursework (culinary arts)

Food Handler’s Certificate

Tools

POS system

Job description

Job Summary

Job Summary The Cook I is responsible for preparing and cooking basic food orders including meat, fish, poultry and related items according to prescribed menus or recipes. Ensures that the food is presented in an appealing and appetizing manner.

Job Description

• Works most stations and equipment with a good degree of confidence to include the grill, oven, panini press and hot box.
• Understands and articulates basic food knowledge to include explanation of ingredients, preparation and cooking methods.
• Follows prep list, recipes and execute recipes as trained.
• Regularly tastes food and identifies issues before food is served; seeks guidance on making any seasoning corrections.
• Understands and takes steps to avoid cross contamination.
• Performs temperature checks per policy and understands the danger zones related to FAT TOM - food, acidity, time temperature, oxidation and moisture; escalates any issues to Cook III or Sous Chef.
• Works and takes action to minimize waste.
• Exhibits basic working knowledge and culinary skills.
• Selects appropriate equipment for task being performed.
• Receives training and follows direction from Cook II & Cook III positions.
• Uses measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure ingredients per the recipe; understands and uses both wet and dry units of measurements appropriately.
• Practices "clean as you go" techniques that ensure the kitchen and areas remain neat and clean.
• Checks and changes sanitation buckets every two hours, or more often if needed.
• Properly covers, labels, dates and stores all food and beverage items.
• Rotates product using FIFO - first in, first out.
• Ensures that par levels are correct and that stock is maintained at appropriate levels.
• Completes all duties in an accurate, efficient and timely manner; seeks out additional tasks when finished.
• Safely operates equipment in compliance with the manufacture's requirements and properly maintains preparation equipment to include slicer, dicer, mandolin, mixer, juicer, Burre mixer and chopper.
• Exhibits basic knife handling skills and proper techniques with a steady speed.
• Follows direction, works productively within stated timeframes.
• Understands and follows the HAACCP procedures.
• Adheres to all hygiene and safety standards for culinary operations by washing hands after using the restroom and after each culinary function is performed and before beginning a new task.
• Follows guidelines for glove use and changes gloves as required between tasks.
• Advises Cook III or higher of any potential sanitation or food safety concerns.
• Presents a clean and professional appearance when following all standards of appearance.
• Follows Viejas guest service standards while performing job duties.
• Works together with other F&B staff to ensure a good experience for our guests.
• Communicates in a courteous and professional manner with co-workers and guest.
• Performs all related and compatible duties as assigned.
• Does not provide supervision to others.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Class work in cooking school and/or Culinary Arts degree preferred.
• Food Handler’s Certificate required.
• 1 to 2 years of restaurant production/cooking experience required.
• Demonstrate basic knife skills and culinary knowledge.
• Demonstrate basic understanding of fryers and oven use.
• Knowledge of basic salad and cold food preparation.
• Previous working knowledge of Point of Sales (POS) system preferred.
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high stress environment.
• Ability to adjust to and manage change effectively.
• Must be dependable, timely and have high attention to detail.
• Must be flexible to work different shifts.

Hiring Preference

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with tribal and federal law, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians applies Native American preference in hiring. 85% of our Management Team have been promoted from within On our most recent Engagement Survey, 82% of our Team Members expressed that they were grateful to work at Viejas 40% of our Team Members have worked for us for more than 5 years and 23% for more than 10 years San Diego's Premier Gaming Resort, Viejas Casino & Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Award recipient since 2013. Viejas Casino & Resort features world-class gaming with thousands of slot machines, exciting table games, an outlet shopping center, and an off-track betting facility. Viejas Casino & Resort also features a variety of restaurants including the AAA Four Diamond Grove Steakhouse which offers classic and contemporary cuisine for the definitive gourmet experience. Baron Long Bar & Grill offers a casual sports bar dining experience with quality ingredients and house-made preparations. Ginger Noodle Bar offers classic and contemporary Asian fare in a comfortable and modern contemporary setting with an organic and natural influence. Grab & Go is the ideal place to enjoy sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, wholesome Poke bowls, and much more, all with speedy service to swiftly get you back to the game 24 hours a day! Viejas Hotel features 203 luxury rooms and 34 VIP suites, including a lush, spacious pool and lounge area and nine indoor-outdoor meeting spaces, including the magnificent Oak Ballroom. The highly anticipated adult-only tower, Willows Hotel & Spa offers an additional 159 VIP suites and luxury spa facilities. A perfect place to relax and regenerate, The Spa at Willows Hotel & Spa is a full-service spa that accentuates your Resort experience. Indulge in signature body and facial treatments specifically created to beautify and regenerate. Amenities include a steam room, sauna, saltwater pool, and whirlpool. The beautiful Viejas Outlets, located across the street from the casino, offers visitors a unique shopping experience with highly acclaimed stores, numerous eateries, Viejas Bowl, and Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink. The best casino in San Diego just got even better. The Viejas Pit Stop, located at the Eastern parking lot is an oasis of travel perfection. With 16 gas pumps, 4 diesel pumps, a car wash and a comprehensive convenience store, to include hot and cold meal favorites, like BBQ Sandwiches, Mexican items, Wings, Pizza, fresh Donuts and more! Open 24 hours a day! AND myViejas players are able to redeem their points for fuel!

Benefits

• Retirement 401(k) with company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits with employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (3 weeks of PTO plus Holidays, start earning from day one!)
• Accident, Critical Illness & Disability Insurance Available
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bonus Eligibility for all Team Members
• $5,000 tuition reimbursement per calendar year (Annually, no limit during duration of employment)
• Unlimited Chiropractor Benefit with $10 co-pay
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Viejas Pit Stop Fuel Discount
• And, much more! *Benefits vary for PT and FT employment