Drylands - Cook II

Zia Park Casino Hotel Racetrack • Hobbs, NM

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Cook Level 2 supports the Sous Chef in producing raw and cooked food products for culinary operations. The role contributes to developing standard operating procedures, advanced cooking styles, and production methods for safe and efficient food preparation using various techniques and equipment. It includes preparing stocks, soups, and sauces; operating multiple stations; supporting Cook Level I team members; maintaining food quality and par levels; and keeping work areas, equipment, and food handling practices safe, clean, and sanitary. The position requires flexibility to work weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, or overtime depending on scheduling and business needs. The work is mostly indoors in a loud kitchen environment with bright lighting and exposure to airborne particles, toxic fumes or chemicals, and second-hand smoke.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• Two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Moderate food knowledge, including Cook Level 1 knowledge plus sauce, soup, and stock production; seasonings; cooking styles and techniques; plating presentation and components; and grades of meats, produce, and dairy products based on USDA standards.
• Math skills and the ability to measure and estimate, multitask, and demonstrate proper knife skills and basic food knowledge as specified by hiring management.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, or overtime as business needs require.
• Ability to demonstrate and ensure work complies with HACCP, NSF, OSHA, and local department of health guidelines.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and promote cooperation between departments.
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Frequent brisk walking, stair climbing, bending, lifting, stretching, reaching, kneeling, squatting, and prolonged standing.
• Ability to work in small, confined areas and on floors that may become slippery.
• Ability to lift 75 to 100 pounds and push or pull carts and equipment weighing 250 pounds.
• Ability to enter walk-in areas at -10 degrees and work in conditions up to 110 degrees.
• Mostly indoor work with regular exposure to airborne particles, toxic fumes or chemicals, loud noise, bright lighting, and unrestricted second-hand smoke.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Associate’s or technical degree in Culinary preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently produce food products, controlling quality and quantity, maintaining par levels, storing and rotating products, and performing preparation such as cutting, slicing, sautéing, frying, mixing, and grilling.
• Assist with setup and operation of multiple stations and coach Cook Level I staff in cross-utilization of labor and advancement opportunities.
• Produce stocks, soups, and sauces for daily food service.
• Follow standard operating procedures and production lists to meet par levels and specifications for assigned stations or duties.
• Maintain sanitation, kitchen and personal hygiene, cleanliness, food service techniques, and safe food handling practices.
• Know emergency procedures, including familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising Chef about department activities and ensure the kitchen, equipment, and work area are in good, clean, and hazard-free condition.
• Immediately notify the supervising Chef if kitchen equipment is not in good or safe working order.
• Meet multiple and competing deadlines while working under pressure.
• Follow corporate and local policies, procedures, operating guidelines, cleaning and sanitation requirements, and position-specific PPE guidelines.
• Demonstrate ethical and cooperative behavior with guests, coworkers, and leadership.
• Perform other duties assigned by department or company management.

Benefits

• Wellness programs supporting financial, physical, and mental well-being.
• Day-one medical coverage may be available depending on position.
• 401(k) matching may be available depending on position.
• Annual performance bonus may be available depending on position.
• Paid time off earned according to local policy and increasing with length of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed