Lead Cook

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment venue seeks a skilled Cook to oversee kitchen operations and ensure high standards of food quality and safety. The ideal candidate has significant culinary experience and the ability to lead and teach kitchen staff. This role requires a strong understanding of food preparation techniques, multitasking in a fast-paced environment, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years recent experience as a cook; one year supervisory experience.
• Must obtain a Food Handler’s Card.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food items according to production sheets.
• Supervises cooks and delegates tasks.
• Maintains clean and organized kitchen area.

Skills

Culinary techniques

Knife skills

Communication

Organization

Food safety regulations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Under direct supervision of the Room Chef and F&B Back of the House Intern, prepares food items according to the production sheet for the assigned area. Delegating task/jobs to cooks, firm understanding of menus or prep sheets, advanced knowledge of basic culinary techniques and methods.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

• Cooks a variety of foods in quantities, styles, according to the menu and demand of the business.
• Uses and teach proper knife skills, cooking techniques, cooking methods and terminology.
• Reads, understands, follows, and creates standardized recipes when preparing all foods for all food venues and outlets.
• Maintains and communicates with Room Chef and F&B Back of the House Intern the foods/products needed to ensure safe par levels and proper stock levels
• Maintains daily tracking log.
• Delegates assigned tasks to the Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Stewards.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitized work area while following all Tribal, City, State and Federal health/food safety regulations and codes.
• Responsible for assigned venue/outlet/ kitchen areas are taken care of and all assigned duties are completed.
• Ensures that all venues are completely ready to open by designated time set by management.
• Responsible for all food storage areas (refrigeration, freezer, and dry storage), equipment, tools, floors, work stations and food prep areas are kept clean and organized, labeled and dated. As well as free from all clutter, trash and non-approved items.
• Works according to established procedures of the Casino.

• Maintains a good communication with team members and maintains a positive and professional work environment.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED preferred plus three (3) years recent experience as a cook; at least one year of supervisory experience as a Lead Cook/Saucier or equivalent combination of experience and education. Must be able to obtain a Food Handler’s Card. Must be 18 years of age or older. No felony, theft or stealing convictions. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation and obtain and maintain gaming license and to include the following:


Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and utensils maintenance operations.
• Knowledge of safe practices in a kitchen working environment.
• Knowledge of Sauce and stock making.
• Knowledge of meat and fish butchery.
• Ability to communicate, read, and write clearly in basic English.
• Ability to demonstrate outstanding guest service at all times.
• Ability to work in a busy, fast paced environment.
• Ability to perform in a professional appearance and manner.
• Ability to be organized and coordinate task amongst team members and subordinates.
• Ability to communicate, read, and write clearly in basic English.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Ability to safely use and administer cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Ability to prepare a variety of foods. Knowledge of food preparation and presentation methods, techniques, and quality standards.
• Knowledge of basic foods and their uses.
• Knowledge of all food and safety regulations.
• Ability to teach culinary methods, techniques and principles to Cooks in a clear manner.
• Ability to clearly communicate to all levels of management.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand for extended periods; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work is generally performed in the Casino’s kitchen area with exposure to heat, fumes, steam, second-hand smoke and a high noise level. Days, evenings, graveyards, holidays and/or weekend work are required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may also be required.