Line Cook - Seasonal, From-Scratch Menu in Busy Kitchen

Acme Hospitality; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Acme Hospitality’s Paloma in Santa Barbara is seeking a skilled Line Cook to join our warm, seasonally-driven kitchen. You will prepare dishes from scratch, maintain hygiene, and work closely with kitchen leadership to ensure consistent quality and timely service.

We value pride in technique, efficiency, and teamwork, with duties across stations, inventory, and training of junior staff. Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are typical for this role.

Qualifications

• 2 to 3 years experience as a Line Cook in a professional kitchen.
• Elevated knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and culinary terminology.
• Comfortability with kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to stand for extended periods, lift heavy pots and pans, and maneuver in a crowded kitchen.
• Flexibility to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Culinary degree or relevant certification (optional but preferred).
• Current State Food Handler Card.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food items according to standardized recipes and menu specifications.
• Ensure that all ingredients are properly measured, weighed, and prepared before cooking.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures to maintain hygiene and safety standards.
• Assist with food inventory management, including receiving, inspecting, and storing ingredients.
• Coordinate with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient food preparation and service.
• Set up and stock workstations with necessary ingredients and equipment before each shift.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment, such as grills, ovens, fryers, and slicers, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to prep and execute service on at least two stations without management supervision.
• Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure that food is cooked and presented correctly.
• Plate and garnish dishes according to established presentation and flavor guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge of menu items, including ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes.
• Assist in washing all silver, plate wares, pots and pans and cooking utensils for the restaurant.
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and utensils to maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
• Adhere to all food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of junior kitchen staff, as needed.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to ensure efficient workflow and timely service.
• Delegate station needs to the junior kitchen team.
• Complete nightly inventory of station(s) and closing checklist.

Skills

Line cook experience

Food safety

Multitasking

Stamina

Teamwork

Education

Culinary degree or relevant certification

Job description

Acme Hospitality’s Paloma in Santa Barbara is seeking a skilled Line Cook to join our warm, seasonally-driven kitchen. You will prepare dishes from scratch, maintain hygiene, and work closely with kitchen leadership to ensure consistent quality and timely service.

We value pride in technique, efficiency, and teamwork, with duties across stations, inventory, and training of junior staff. Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are typical for this role.