Cook II - Ruffled Feathers

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa; California (MO); On-site; USD 24,796 - 35,817; Full time

Job summary

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa seeks a mid-level Cook II to prepare soups, sandwiches, sauces, and medium-complexity entrées per standard recipes and plating guidelines. You’ll work under Cook I and Sous Chef, maintaining safety, quality, and a clean work area.

The role emphasizes teamwork, knife skills, and consistent execution across all prep stations in a fast-paced casino setting, with shift flexibility and adherence to health standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Culinary coursework or formal kitchen training preferred.
• Food Handler Certification required or obtained upon hire.
• 2–3 years of experience in a professional kitchen.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes and plating specifications.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen practices.
• Strong communication and teamwork in fast-paced kitchens.
• Casino/resort or quick-service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all assigned food items following sanitation procedures.
• Cut, chop, and dice meats, vegetables, and ingredients.
• Read and execute food orders in English for timely service.
• Cook entrees using sautéing, frying, broiling, and grilling.
• Prepare sauces and accompaniments per recipes.
• Follow portion control, presentation, and plating guidelines.
• Restock prep stations and service areas during the shift.
• Assist with cleaning, sanitation, and organization of kitchen areas.
• Collaborate with culinary team for smooth operations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Professional cooking

Knife handling

Food safety practices

Recipe following

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary coursework/training

Job description

The Cook II – Ruffled Feathers 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 all assigned food items accurately, following proper sanitation and safety procedures.
• Cuts, chops, and dices meats, vegetables, and other ingredients for menu preparation.
• Reads and executes food order tickets in English to ensure timely and accurate service.
• Cooks entrees using techniques such as sautéing, frying, broiling, and grilling.
• Prepares sauces and accompaniments according to established recipes.
• Follows established portion control, food presentation, and plating guidelines.
• Maintains and restocks prep stations and service areas during the shift.
• Assists with the cleaning, sanitation, and organization of kitchen equipment, walk‑ins, and storage areas.
• Collaborates with the culinary team to ensure a smooth and efficient kitchen operation.
• 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

• Demonstrated skill in professional cooking and knife handling.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices, sanitation standards, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes and plating specifications consistently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team‑oriented approach to kitchen operations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Culinary coursework or formal 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 fast‑casual or high‑volume dining environment.
• Skilled in basic cooking techniques, food preparation, and working various kitchen stations.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and plating instructions with consistency and accuracy.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and kitchen best practices.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to support kitchen efficiency.
• Prior experience in a casino, resort, or quick‑service outlet 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.