Lead Cook

Desert Diamond Casino West Valley; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the culinary sector is seeking a skilled Cook to join their dynamic kitchen team. This role involves preparing a variety of dishes, teaching essential culinary techniques, and ensuring a safe and organized work environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food, outstanding guest service skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen. If you are ready to take your culinary career to the next level in a vibrant setting, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• 3+ years of recent experience as a cook, with supervisory experience preferred.
• Must obtain a Food Handler’s Card and pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Cooks a variety of foods according to menu and demand.
• Delegates tasks to kitchen staff and maintains a clean work area.

Skills

Culinary Techniques

Knife Skills

Food Safety Regulations

Guest Service Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Sous Chef, prepares food items according to the production sheet for the assigned area. Delegates tasks to cooks, has a firm understanding of menus or prep sheets, and possesses advanced knowledge of basic culinary techniques and methods.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Cooks a variety of foods in quantities and styles according to the menu and demand.
2. Uses and teaches proper knife skills, cooking techniques, methods, and terminology.
3. Reads, understands, follows, and creates standardized recipes for all food venues and outlets.
4. Maintains and communicates regarding food/products needed to ensure safe par levels and proper stock levels.
5. Maintains a daily tracking log.
6. Delegates tasks to Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Kitchen Stewards.
7. Ensures a clean, organized, and sanitized work area, following all health and safety regulations.
8. Ensures all venue/outlet/kitchen areas are properly maintained and duties completed.
9. Prepares all venues to be ready for opening by the designated time.
10. Responsible for food storage areas, equipment, tools, floors, work stations, and food prep areas, keeping them clean, organized, labeled, and dated.
11. Works according to established casino procedures.
12. Maintains good communication with team members and fosters a positive work environment.
13. Contributes to team efforts and accomplishes related results as required.
14. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED preferred, plus three years of recent experience as a cook; at least one year of supervisory experience as a Lead Cook or equivalent. Must obtain a Food Handler’s Card, be 18 or older, and pass background and drug screening. Must also obtain and maintain a gaming license.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications

• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and utensil maintenance.
• Knowledge of safe kitchen practices.
• Knowledge of sauce and stock making.
• Knowledge of meat and fish butchery.
• Knowledge of basic food uses.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Ability to obtain a Food Handler’s Card and TIPS certification.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English.
• Outstanding guest service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional appearance and manner.
• Organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to safely handle cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Proficiency in food preparation and presentation.
• Ability to teach culinary techniques clearly.
• Effective communication skills with all management levels.

Physical Demands

Requires standing for extended periods, constant communication, and frequent use of hands for various tasks. Occasionally sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Must regularly lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

Primarily in the kitchen with exposure to heat, fumes, and steam. May require work during days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours in various venues.

Source: Hospitality Online