Jr. Sous Chef

The Easterly; Charlotte Amalie (United States Virgin Islands); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Group health plan access

Paid time off and sick days

Dining discounts

Job summary

The Easterly St. Thomas, a waterfront dining oasis, seeks a Jr. Sous Chef with 1+ year of high-volume kitchen experience to lead by example, coach staff, and execute daily service with passion.

You will work closely with Executive Chef to uphold rustic Caribbean standards, oversee prep, mise en place, and quality, while contributing to a vibrant guest experience and kitchen culture. We value teamwork, energy, and a commitment to growth as part of Ballast Hospitality.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of related experience required.
• General knife handling, food safety & sanitation knowledge.
• High volume restaurant experience required.
• A passion for food, exceptional work ethics, and dedication.
• Attention to details of food quality, preparation, and presentation.
• Flexible and adaptive to rapidly changing priorities and work demands.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
• Able to take constructive criticism, learn quickly, demonstrate leadership, and constantly improve.
• Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with Ballast Hospitality mission.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Executive Chef to plan menus and daily specials.
• Lead line during service and ensure quality, portioning, and plate presentation.
• Coach prep cooks and line staff to drive team success and retention.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and inventory accuracy.
• Support admin duties, scheduling, and paperwork with accuracy.

Job description

THE EASTERLY [ST. THOMAS] – JR. SOUS CHEF

[Full-Time Qualification Required. Terms and Conditions Apply]

PERKS

• Group Health Insurance - 50/50 Employee/Employer Contribution


• Access to Group Plan(s) including health, dental, vision, life AD&D


• Paid Time Off / Unpaid time off / Paid Sick Days


• Dining discounts at home establishments & cross company locations.

THE ATMOSPHERE

The Easterly St. Thomas is a waterfront dining oasis offering innovative craft cocktails and wood-fired cuisine representative of the rustic Caribbean. The menu is ocean-to-table focused and utilizes locally grown produce and local flavors to complement the dishes. The Easterly offers one of the Virgin Island’s most robust beverage programs with unique handcrafted cocktails, twists on Caribbean favorites, and an extensive list of craft beers & wine. Tucked away in an oasis of palm trees and rich greenery, the restaurant exudes a Bohemian-island vibe, and offers a social, vibrant and interactive dining experience.

THE IDEAL MATCH

The ideal candidate is an ambitious, high-performing culinary professional ready to take the next step in kitchen leadership. This person must thrive under the pressure of a fast-paced, high-volume line, leading by example through exceptional execution, station organization, and will maintain an energetic, positive attitude during busy services. The Jr. Sous Chef will drive team success and employee retention by coaching prep cooks and line staff, fostering a supportive, growth-oriented kitchen culture. Working directly alongside the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef, you will support day-to-day BOH operations, champion culinary quality, and embody the rustic, Caribbean energy of The Easterly. This role will work actively with the culinary team to help execute daily service goals and elevate our food, guest experience, and kitchen culture.

The Easterly brings a fresh, vibrant take on coastal Caribbean dining—where tropical, bohemian vibes meet elevated experiences. This concept is not just a restaurant – but a destination that blends music, sunshine, innovation, and top-tier hospitality into unforgettable moments. We’re laid-back but dialed-in. Professional but never stuffy. Every guest is welcomed like family—and we take that seriously.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Collaborate with the Executive Chef kitchen team to plan and develop innovative recipes, seasonal menus, and daily food specials.


• Knowledge of seasonal product trends, local ingredients, and vendor relations.


• Execute menu specs flawlessly with culinary pride, ensuring every dish leaving the line is flavorful, beautiful, and consistent with Chefs' exact standards.


• Move with speed and precision without ever compromising on quality, portioning, or plate appeal.


• Own your prep, mise en place, and station setup so your line is fully dialed and ready for seamless service execution.


• Partner with kitchen leadership to maintain precise recipe books, portion specs, and ingredient consistency.


• Work alongside the Sous Chef in pacing tickets, orchestrating line flow, and keeping service running smoothly.


• Monitor food safety and cleanliness standards to ensure a safe, compliant kitchen.


• Run airtight operational systems to guarantee an immaculate, \"A-Grade\" health inspection environment. Maintain appropriate cleaning schedules for all areas in the kitchen.


• Take charge of key operational needs—including opening up the kitchen, closing down service, and making sure the line ends spotless.


• Assist with admin duties, inventory, scheduling and paperwork with complete accuracy and timely turnarounds.


• Support inventory tracking, vendor ordering, and waste reduction to keep COGS in check.


• Inspire a high-performing kitchen team ensuring seamless timing, incredible food execution, and high standards during every rush.


• Mentor with empathy and hospitality, building clear pathways for staff growth and promotion.


• Set the tone for a collaborative environment with clear, open communication between all restaurant staff.


• Be a culture builder—bring positive energy, authenticity, reliability, and pride in how you show up every day.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• At least 1 year of related experience required.


• General knife handling, food safety & sanitation knowledge.


• High volume restaurant experience required.


• A passion for food, exceptional work ethics, and dedication.


• Attention to details of food quality, preparation, and presentation.


• Flexible and adaptive to rapidly changing priorities and work demands.


• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time.


• Able to take constructive criticism, learn quickly, demonstrate leadership, and constantly improve.


• Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the mission of Ballast Hospitality, always setting a professional example.


• English and Spanish fluency preferred but not required.

OUR DNA

At our core, we live by values that shape every interaction, decision, and experience. We offer competitive pay and a culture that values growth. From day one, we’re committed to your personal and professional development through hands-on experience, ongoing training, and clear opportunities to advance. At Ballast Hospitality, when you grow, we grow.

• Integrity is everything. Without it, nothing else matters. We lead with honesty, accountability, and trust. Always doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching.


• We invest in growth. Continuous training and development aren’t extras; they’re essential to our shared success. We see ongoing learning and development as an investment, not just in our team, but in our future.


• Creativity drives innovation. Innovation starts with imagination. We embrace fresh ideas and bold thinking to stay ahead and stand out.


• Happy teams serve better. A happy, supported, and professional team creates the kind of guest experience that sets us apart and empowers us to deliver exceptional experiences.


• We deliver legendary service. The kind of personalized care that turns moments into memories, experiences guests can’t forget, and rave about long after they leave.


• Work hard, stay sharp, and have fun. We bring passion and professionalism to everything we do while keeping it light, positive, and full of energy. Excellence and enjoyment go hand-in-hand.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER | COME AS YOU ARE

At The Easterly, we believe great hospitality starts with great people, and that means all people. We don’t care what you look like, where you’re from, who you love, or how you identify. If you have good energy and a passion for making people feel welcome, you’ve got a spot on our team. No judgment. No discrimination. Just good vibes and equal opportunity for all.

READY TO SET THE VIBE?

If you’re a passionate hospitality-driven leader with a creative eye and ready to help shape the experience at one of St. Thomas’s most exciting destinations —this is your moment.

Join Ballast Hospitality in creating standout dining experiences that celebrate sunshine, culture, and connection— one guest at a time. We look forward to meeting you!