Cook | Kalamazoo Country Club

Radisson Plaza Hotel; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Opportunities for growth

Meal benefits

Job summary

Kalamazoo Country Club is seeking a Line Cook to prepare high-quality dishes while ensuring consistent team performance. This role involves hands-on cooking experience and close communication with chefs and server staff.

The ideal candidate should have basic knife skills and a willingness to learn, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Basic knife skills and understanding of cooking methods, ingredients, and equipment.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing, cooking, and plating menu items.
• Learn and apply various cooking methods in the kitchen.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.

Skills

Knife skills

Understanding of cooking methods

Attention to detail

Strong work ethic

Job description

Position Overview

As a Line Cook at Kalamazoo Country Club, you will play a vital role in preparing high-quality dishes while maintaining consistency, efficiency, and attention to detail. Working under the guidance of experienced chefs, you will gain hands‑on experience with ingredients, equipment, cooking methods, and kitchen procedures while contributing to the overall success of the culinary team. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about food, eager to learn, and ready to grow in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Assist in preparing, cooking, and plating menu items according to club standards.
• Follow recipes, portion controls, and plating guidelines to ensure consistency and quality.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, ovens, and sauté stations.
• Develop an understanding of ingredients and their proper handling, storage, and use.
• Learn and apply various cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, sautéing, and frying.
• Assist with butchery, sauce preparation, and other fundamental kitchen techniques.

Knife Skills & Ingredient Handling

• Develop basic knife skills, including chopping, dicing, julienning, and mincing.
• Practice safe and efficient knife handling techniques to ensure precision and safety.
• Properly label, date, and store ingredients to maintain freshness and prevent waste.

Kitchen Organization, Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, adhering to all safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Safely work with potentially hazardous equipment and cleaning chemicals following proper procedures.
• Follow all health code standards and food safety regulations (including allergen awareness and safe food handling).
• Comply with repetitive motion tasks, including chopping, stirring, and plating, while maintaining focus and consistency.
• Assist with dishwashing, sweeping, mopping, and overall kitchen cleanliness as needed.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Able to stand for extended periods (up to 8+ hours) in a fast‑paced environment.
• Able to stoop, bend, and lift up to 40 lbs occasionally.
• Work in hot and high‑energy environments, including near open flames and fryers.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work closely with chefs, line cooks, and servers to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Take direction and feedback from kitchen leadership to improve skills and performance.
• Communicate any ingredient shortages or equipment issues to the appropriate personnel.

Learning & Career Development

• Gain hands‑on experience in kitchen operations, ingredient knowledge, and cooking techniques.
• Learn and practice time management, organization, and efficiency in a professional kitchen.
• Explore opportunities for growth and advancement within the culinary team.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Basic knife skills and understanding of cooking methods, ingredients, and equipment.
• Previous kitchen experience is preferred, but not required.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume kitchen with changing priorities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to safely handle sharp objects, hot surfaces, and hazardous cleaning chemicals.
• Commitment to safety, sanitation, and maintaining a clean workspace.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive training to develop professional culinary skills.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the kitchen team.
• A supportive and team‑oriented work environment at one of Kalamazoo’s premier dining establishments.
• Competitive pay, meal benefits, and access to club amenities.