Cook I - Ajax Tavern

Aspen, CO; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 33,062 - 39,674; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Ski Pass

Job summary

Aspen, CO is seeking a Cook I responsible for preparing and cooking various food items following established recipes and safety standards. The role includes maintaining cleanliness, assisting in inventory management, and supporting the kitchen team. Ideal candidates should have a culinary degree, 3 years of food prep experience, and communicate well in English. This position offers various benefits, including health insurance and ski passes.

Join us to ensure the highest quality in food service while working in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3 years of food preparation experience required.
• Proficient written and verbal communication in English.
• Knowledge of food handling, safety, and restaurant guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food items according to standardized recipes.
• Maintain an organized and clean work environment.
• Assist with managing kitchen inventory and stock levels.
• Safely operate and train others on kitchen equipment.

Skills

Food preparation

Sanitation and food safety

Time management

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

ServSafe certification

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary The Cook I is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of food items following established recipes and safety standards. This position requires maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen while ensuring food is prepared in a timely manner and to the highest quality standards. The Cook I also assists in inventory management, employee training and supports the kitchen team to ensure smooth daily operations. This position reports to the Executive Chef.

Compensation: USD 24.00 – USD 28.80 per hour

Job Posting Deadline Applications for this position will be accepted until May 17, 2026.

Essential Job Functions / Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food items according to standardized recipes, ensuring consistency and quality in all dishes.
• Maintain an organized and clean work environment, always adhering to sanitation and food safety standards.
• Assist with managing kitchen inventory, ensuring proper stock levels, and reporting shortages or discrepancies.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, performing basic maintenance and cleaning as needed.
• Ensure accurate portion sizes and presentation of dishes to meet both quality standards and customer expectations.
• Safely operate and train others on the operation of various kitchen equipment, including oven, grill, flattop, soup kettles, slicers, robo-coupe, immersion blender.
• Work closely with kitchen team members to ensure smooth operation and effective communication during food service.
• Manage cooking times to ensure food is prepared and served in a timely manner, especially during peak hours.
• Follow all safety and health regulations, including proper food handling, storage, and cleaning procedures.
• Fill out checkout lists in absence of supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education Requirements & Experience

• Culinary degree or equivalent preferred.
• 3 years of food preparation experience required.
• ServSafe or similar food safety course certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient written and verbal communication in English; Spanish a plus.
• Proficient knowledge of a variety of cooking techniques, including baking, broiling, grilling, sautéing, roasting, blanching, and more.
• Proficient experience in guest-facing roles.
• Knowledge of food handling, safety, and other restaurant guidelines.
• Knowledge of simple sauce and dressing preparation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotional situations, whether customer or employee related.
• Ability to work under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changes in processes, customer flow, environments, and tasks.
• Ability to engage with customers in a positive and helpful manner.
• Ability to work in collaboration with others to achieve team goals.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to reach, crouch, kneel, smell, taste, stand, walk or be on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Regularly work in wet, hot and humid conditions for extended periods of time and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs. individually or with assistance (weight limits can vary according to position, but no more than 50).

Job Benefits

These benefits are available to regular full‑time employees.

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Programs.
• Flexible Spending Account Programs.
• Life Insurance Programs.
• Paid Time Off Programs.
• Paid Leave Programs.
• 401(k) Savings Plan.
• Employee Ski Pass and Dependent Ski Passes.
• Other company perks.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Aspen One is an equal opportunity employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran). At Aspen One, inclusion, equity, and diversity are fundamental to fulfilling our vision of building a better workplace and better world.