Experienced Cook

Vail Resorts; Kirkwood (MO); On-site; USD 27,276 - 38,848; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ski passes

Discounted lift tickets

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A leading mountain resort company in Missouri is seeking a seasonal kitchen staff member for Summer 2026. The position offers a starting wage of $24.00/hr and requires at least a culinary degree and 1-2 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include operating kitchen equipment, maintaining food safety standards, and managing inventory. The role also provides opportunities for ski perks and various employee benefits. Join a team dedicated to exceptional guest experiences in a vibrant mountain environment.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of relevant work experience, supervisory kitchen experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and food safety.
• Must be able to communicate fluently in English.

Responsibilities

• Understand and operate kitchen equipment for training other kitchen staff.
• Maintain standards for food preparation and cleanliness.
• Prep ingredients and minimize waste through inventory management.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

Culinary degree or certification

Job description

For the third consecutive year, Newsweek names Vail Resorts as one of 2025 Most Trustworthy Companies in America. Learn more here.

Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re‑discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.

With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you’ll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service – our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.

Hiring for our seasonal positions occurs on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until June 15th or until the positions are filled, whichever is first.

Employee Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family and free ski lessons
• More employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program

Job Specifications

• Starting Wage: $24.00/hr
• Employment Type: Summer Seasonal 2026
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities

Understand the use and operation of kitchen equipment, tools, and accessories for use and training other kitchen staff.

Adhere to and enforce applicable standards for facility and food preparation, cleanliness, and sanitation to ensure a high‑quality work environment and guest experience.

Maintain knowledge of current menu items and their ingredients.

Prep ingredients and maintain par levels for demand to minimize waste.

Maintain inventory of ingredients using a first‑in‑first‑out method and monitor food waste for reporting.

Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Culinary degree or certification preferred.

1‑2 years of relevant work experience; supervisory kitchen experience preferred.

Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, practices, and food safety; ServSafe certifications a plus.

Ability to stand and walk continuously for extended periods.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Ability to work well and communicate with others in a fast‑paced environment under pressure.

Must be able to communicate fluently in English.

The expected pay range is $24.00/hr. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 514072
Reference Date: 03/26/2026
Job Code Function: Back of House