Cook III-Fine Dining

Sycuan; El Cajon, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sycuan Casino in El Cajon, California is seeking a Cook III to lead the kitchen team on designated shifts, preparing both basic and specialty menu items for guests. Under the Sous Chef, you will ensure consistent flavor, quality, and presentation while upholding food health safety standards.

The role requires supervisory experience, a culinary degree if possible, and a valid California Food Handler Card. You will collaborate with fellow team members to maintain smooth operations in a dynamic

Qualifications

• County of San Diego Food Handler Card is required.
• 2 years of casual and/or fine dining cooking experience.
• High School Diploma, High School Certificate of Completion, or GED.
• Supervisory experience.
• Culinary degree.
• California Driver’s License in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Lead all cooks in production and preparation of food on designated shifts.
• Ensure recipes are consistent in flavor, quality, and appearance.
• Train cook staff and maintain positive teamwork with guests and management.
• Maintain compliance with all food health safety rules at all times.
• Read recipes and production lists; manage collateral paperwork.

Skills

Team leadership

English communication

Reading recipes

Multitasking

Stand for hours

Education

High School Diploma

Culinary degree

Tools

Culinary equipment

Job description

Casino, 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, California, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM

The ancestors of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation existed many centuries ago as a community of people…a Tribe living together, farming, hunting and fishing to survive.

Much has changed since that time. Today the Sycuan Tribe governs its Reservation, owns and operates a Casino and a Golf Resort, and owns a number of other business ventures in the San Diego Region.

One attribute that remains unchanged, however, is Sycuan's sense of community. Sycuan is more than just a business. Sycuan is a community of people working together toward a common goal. Whether you work in our state-of-the-art Casino, our beautiful Resort, or become a staff member in our Tribal Government division, you will be part of the Sycuan family.

Job Purpose:

Under direction of designated venue Sous Chef, the Cook III leads all cooks in production and preparation of food/menu items for guest consumption on designated shifts; maintains positive, team oriented and accommodating attitude toward guests (internal as well as external), fellow team members and management at all times. Under direction of the Sous Chef, the Cook III prepares specialty cuisine items for guest consumption on designated shifts and maintains compliance with all rules, regulations an food health safety rules as all times.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

(Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the sole discretion of Sycuan Management at any time)

• Maintains designated workstation throughout all levels of business flow.
• Ensures recipes are consistent in flavor profiles, quality, and appearance.
• Advanced knowledge of basic and specialty food products.
• Advanced knowledge of standard and specialty food production equipment.
• Possesses an excellent understanding of the food rotation method “FIFO”.
• Possesses the ability to read recipes, production lists and any other necessary collateral paperwork, such as diagrams and logs.
• Ability to train cook staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

Job Specifications

Education and Experience

• County of San Diego Food Handler Card
• 2 years of casual and/or fine dining cooking experience
• High School Diploma, High School Certificate of Completion, or G.E.D.
• Supervisory experience
• Culinary degree
• California Driver’s License in good standing

Skills and Knowledge

• Working knowledge of safe food handling practices
• Ability to work effectively with team members and guests
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language
• Ability to provide guidance to staff
• Ability to follow recipes and read production sheets
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure
• Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations
• Ability to understand verbal directives and written instructions
• Ability to routinely lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 8 hours at a time
• Ability to bend, stoop, push and pull
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work in a smoking environment
• Ability to appear for work on time

Direct: None

Indirect: None

If you enjoy being part of a community dedicated to creating a memorable guest experience, we invite you to explore career opportunities with Sycuan and join our winning team!

Casino, 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, California, United States of America