Cook II - Fiesta Taco

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa; California (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa seeks a Cook II for Fiesta Taco, responsible for preparing a range of menu items with attention to recipe accuracy, presentation, and safety standards. Works under Cook I and Sous Chef, assisting training and supporting Cook III team members.

The role emphasizes efficient daily operations, adherence to sanitation rules, and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment in a fast-paced casino setting.

Qualifications

• Proficient in professional cooking techniques, knife handling, and preparation of Hispanic cuisine.
• Knowledge of food safety practices, sanitation standards, and kitchen equipment care.
• Ability to remain productive and organized in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with a guest-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food items in accordance with established recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Cooks entrees and sides using grilling, sautéing, and frying methods.
• Cuts, dices, and preps meats, vegetables, and other ingredients with precision.
• Reads and fulfills food order tickets written in English.
• Restocks workstations with ingredients and supplies to maintain workflow.
• Follows food safety, sanitation, and storage protocols.

Skills

Proficient cooking techniques

Knife handling

Hispanic cuisine

Food safety & sanitation

Kitchen equipment care

High-volume/paced environment

Communication & teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary coursework or kitchen training

Food Handler Certification (upon hire)

Job description

The Cook II – Fiesta Taco is a mid-level cook responsible for preparing a variety of menu items including soups, sandwiches, sauces, and medium-complexity entrées in accordance with established culinary standards. This position ensures food is prepared according to recipe, presentation, and safety standards while maintaining a clean and organized work environment. Working under the direction of the Cook I and Sous Chef, The Cook II demonstrates solid cooking skills, organization, and attention to detail while assisting with training and supporting Cook III team members to ensure efficient daily operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares food items in accordance with established recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Cooks entrees and sides using a variety of methods including grilling, sautéing, and frying.
• Cuts, dices, and preps meats, vegetables, and other ingredients with precision and consistency.
• Accurately reads and fulfills food order tickets written in English.
• Restocks workstations with ingredients and supplies as needed to maintain efficient workflow.
• Follows food safety and sanitation protocols during preparation, storage, and service.
• Cleans and organizes workstations, kitchen equipment, walk-in coolers, and storage areas.
• Assists with opening and closing kitchen duties and supports kitchen team as needed.
• Adheres to all sanitation, safety, and food handling procedures in compliance with health regulations and company policy.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance or support to other team members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficient in professional cooking techniques, knife handling, and preparation of Hispanic cuisine.
• Knowledge of food safety practices, sanitation standards, and kitchen equipment care.
• Ability to remain productive and organized in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with a guest-focused mindset.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Culinary coursework or kitchen training is preferred.
• Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in a quick-service or high-volume food environment.
• Skilled in basic cooking techniques, food preparation, and maintaining food quality and consistency.
• Ability to follow recipes, portion standards, and kitchen procedures accurately.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, kitchen sanitation, and proper food storage.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and support various kitchen stations.
• Prior experience in a casino, resort, or fast-casual dining operation is preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must have successfully completed a background check and obtained a gaming license issued by the Morongo Gaming Agency, as required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Must be able to read and interpret documents in English, such as instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures. Must also be able to communicate clearly and effectively with team members, management, and guests.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate clearly, professionally, and efficiently with kitchen staff, front-of-house staff, managers, vendors, and leadership; responsible for providing direction, managing prep and execution, and ensuring consistency in food quality and service.
• Lifting and Carrying: Frequently lifts and carries heavy pots, food containers, kitchen equipment, and bulk ingredients weighing up to 50 pounds; may require overhead lifting and frequent movement of stock.
• Manual Dexterity: Constantly uses hands and fingers to handle knives, cooking utensils, food prep tools, and plating components with precision and control in a high-volume kitchen environment.
• Mobility: Continuously moves throughout the kitchen, prep areas, coolers, and service line; requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching for extended periods during preparation and service times.
• Stationary Work: Rarely seated; this position is primarily performed on foot during operational hours, including during meal service, prep, and inspections.
• Tool Operation: Frequent use of commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, fryers, slicers, mixers, knives, and sanitation tools; responsible for ensuring safe operation and cleanliness of all kitchen tools.
• Visual Acuity: Requires near and far vision to inspect food quality, monitor presentation and cleanliness, read prep lists and recipes, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Working Conditions: Routinely works in hot, humid, high-volume kitchen environments with exposure to sharp instruments, open flames, hot surfaces, and cleaning agents. Regular exposure to a smoking environment while transitioning through casino or public areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires the ability to adapt and perform under pressure. The casino operates with moderate to loud noise levels and is a smoking environment, requiring team members to work comfortably in these conditions.

WORKING HOURS:

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; therefore, flexibility in scheduling is essential. Team members must be available to work shifts that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events. Schedules are subject to change based on business needs and may include overtime, as well as work on both weekdays and weekends.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) AND INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives hiring preference to qualified Native Americans as allowed by law. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or national origin.

We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by the ADA. If you need help or an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources.