Lead Cook — High-Volume Rail Event Kitchen Leader

Mendocino Railway; Fort Bragg (CA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Paid time off

Job summary

Mendocino Railway is seeking an experienced Lead Cook in Fort Bragg, CA to oversee kitchen operations for railway events and guest dining experiences. The role requires managing food production, staff supervision, and adherence to safety standards in a fast-paced hospitality setting.

This full-time position includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates must have 2+ years in a commercial kitchen, ServSafe or equivalent certification, and strong organizational skills to ensure

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience running a commercial kitchen.
• Experience with high-volume food preparation, catering, or hospitality kitchen operations.
• Experience in hospitality, tourism, event catering, or outdoor food service environments.
• Previous leadership or supervisory kitchen experience a plus.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Strong knowledge of food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety standards.
• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily food production and service operations.
• Oversee kitchen opening and closing procedures, ensuring sanitation checklists are completed.
• Coordinate prep schedules, inventory management, and replenishment with staff.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and health department regulations.
• Provide direction, training, and accountability to kitchen staff.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate purchasing needs to management.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food safety

High-volume cooking

Leadership/ supervision

Time management

Communication

Bilingual Spanish a plus

Job description

Mendocino Railway is seeking an experienced Lead Cook in Fort Bragg, CA to oversee kitchen operations for railway events and guest dining experiences. The role requires managing food production, staff supervision, and adherence to safety standards in a fast-paced hospitality setting.

This full-time position includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates must have 2+ years in a commercial kitchen, ServSafe or equivalent certification, and strong organizational skills to ensure