Seasonal Chef

Better Talent by Laveer & Co.; Elk Mountain (WY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Shift meals included

End-of-season bonus

Job summary

The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel is seeking an experienced, hands-on Seasonal Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen execution through October 2026. This on-site role offers on-site housing and aligns with our dinner-focused service from 5:00–7:30 PM, with breakfasts and lunches by arrangement.

You will manage inventory, contribute to specials, and ensure high-quality, consistent meals while collaborating with a small team in a unique mountain setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional cooking or relevant culinary experience.
• Strong cooking fundamentals and ability to independently execute a dinner service.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage inventory and kitchen priorities.
• Dependable, professional, honest, and comfortable taking ownership of responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with a small team.
• Ability to adapt to changing guest counts, special events, and the needs of a seasonal hospitality operation.

Responsibilities

• Cook high quality food to order.
• Maintain the kitchen and equipment.
• Learn our menu, and contribute creatively for specials, new items, and special events.
• Manage inventory. Minimize waste.
• Communicate effectively with team.
• Be professional and respectful to all team members and guests.

Skills

3+ years cooking

Dinner service execution

Kitchen organization

Team collaboration

Food safety

Adaptability

On-site housing readiness

Job description

Company Overview

The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel and Dining Room is a charming 12-room historic hotel located in the scenic mountain community of Elk Mountain, Wyoming. Our small, close-knit team welcomes everyone from local residents to travelers from around the world, providing warm hospitality and memorable dining experiences in a truly unique setting. Our dining room focuses on quality over volume. We take pride in preparing delicious, thoughtfully crafted food and providing personal service to every guest. As a small operation, every member of our team plays an important role, works collaboratively, and takes pride in maintaining the character, quality, and hospitality that make the Historic Elk Mountain Hotel special.

Position Summary

The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel is seeking an experienced, hands-on Seasonal Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen execution through October 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled culinary professional who enjoys working independently, taking ownership of their kitchen, and creating high-quality food in a unique mountain setting.

Our restaurant operates differently from a traditional high-volume kitchen. Dinner is our primary service and is offered daily from 5:00–7:30 PM. Breakfast is available by reservation, and occasional lunches are prepared for prearranged groups and special events. This creates a focused culinary environment where quality, organization, creativity, and consistency matter more than volume.

As the primary culinary presence in the kitchen, you will prepare dinner service, maintain kitchen standards, manage inventory and food waste, contribute ideas for specials and events, and help ensure appropriate kitchen coverage throughout the season. You'll work closely with the General Manager, Assistant Manager, kitchen staff, servers, and the rest of our small team to provide an exceptional experience for every guest.

This is an on-site seasonal position with housing and shift meals included, making it especially well suited for someone interested in spending the season working and living in the beautiful Wyoming mountains.

Key Responsibilities

• Cook high quality food to order.
• Maintain the kitchen and equipment.
• Learn our menu, and also contribute creatively for specials, new items, and special events.
• Manage inventory. Minimize waste.
• Communicate effectively with team.
• Be professional and respectful to all team members and guests.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional cooking or relevant culinary experience.
• Strong cooking fundamentals and ability to independently execute a dinner service.
• Ability to maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, cleanliness and presentation.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage inventory and kitchen priorities.
• Dependable, professional, honest, and comfortable taking ownership of responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with a small team.
• Ability to adapt to changing guest counts, special events, and the needs of a seasonal hospitality operation.
• Willingness and ability to live on site in Elk Mountain, Wyoming, for the duration of the seasonal position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Catering, banquet, or special-event culinary experience.
• Experience training or teaching other kitchen employees.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and food-cost control.
• Previous experience working in a small restaurant, hotel, lodge, resort, or seasonal hospitality environment.

Compensation, Benefits & Schedule

Monthly Pay: $3,000 – $5,000 per month, based on experience and qualifications.

Additional compensation includes:

• End-of-season bonus.
• Travel bonus.

Housing & Meals

• On-site housing provided.
• Shift meals included.

Schedule

• Seasonal position available ASAP through October 2026.
• Approximately 40 hours per week, depending on occupancy, events, and business needs.
• Generally six days per week, including most weekends.
• Dinner service is the primary focus, with restaurant hours from 5:00–7:30 PM daily.
• Breakfast is offered by reservation rather than through regular daily service.
• Occasional lunches are prepared for prearranged groups and events.
• Additional time off may be arranged in advance with management.