Sous Chef

bird; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bird in Rincon Valley, Santa Rosa, seeks an experienced Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, organized cook who can contribute to menu development and cost control while maintaining high standards during service.

You will oversee prep, line execution, supervision, and expediting, mentor cooks and staff, and ensure food safety and quality. Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a professional kitchen or higher, including supervisory exposure.
• Strong cooking technique, knife skills, and station management.
• Ability to lead a team during high-volume service while maintaining quality.
• Knowledge of inventory, ordering, and food cost control.
• Certification in food safety or ServSafe within 30 days if not already held.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep, line execution, and expediting during service.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and mentor cooks, prep staff, and dishwashers; foster a positive, accountable team culture.
• Assume full responsibility for the kitchen when the Executive Chef is off-site.
• Ensure every dish meets the restaurant's standards for taste, presentation, portioning, and timing.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal specials, and recipe testing.
• Manage inventory and receive and inspect deliveries.
• Monitor food and labor costs and minimize waste through proper rotation, storage, and portion control.
• Maintain compliance with all local health codes and food safety regulations, including proper labeling, dating, and temperature logs.
• Keep the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas clean, organized, and in good working order.

Skills

Cooking Techniques

Leadership

Cost Control

Inventory Management

Food Safety

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Food Handler or ServSafe Manager certification

Job description

About Us

The Bird is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant serving American cuisine in Rincon Valley, Santa Rosa. We also offer catering services and have live music during the spring and summer seasons.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Sous Chef to work in our kitchen. The ideal candidate is a skilled cook, calm under pressure, organized and a reliable partner in menu development and cost control.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep, line execution, and expediting during service.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and mentor cooks, prep staff, and dishwashers; foster a positive, accountable team culture.
• Assume full responsibility for the kitchen when the Executive Chef is off-site.
• Ensure every dish meets the restaurant's standards for taste, presentation, portioning, and timing.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal specials, and recipe testing.
• Manage inventory and receive and inspect deliveries.
• Monitor food and labor costs and minimize waste through proper rotation, storage, and portion control.
• Maintain compliance with all local health codes and food safety regulations, including proper labeling, dating, and temperature logs.
• Keep the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas clean, organized, and in good working order.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a professional kitchen, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role (Lead Line Cook, Junior Sous Chef, or similar).
• Strong command of classic cooking techniques, knife skills, and station management.
• Proven ability to lead a team through high-volume service while maintaining quality and composure.
• Working knowledge of inventory management, ordering, and food cost control.
• Current Food Handler or ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a hot, fast-paced environment.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays (especially Thanksgiving).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.