Specialty Cook - Jinya

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk•Black Hawk, CO

8d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Specialty Cook prepares menu items according to established recipes and standards, maintains a clean, safe, and properly stocked work area, and helps ensure food quality and timely service. The role involves cooking across multiple kitchen stations, preparing ingredients and dishes, reading food orders, coordinating with dining room staff, and interacting with guests in an open-kitchen environment. The cook may help direct kitchen staff, prepare daily prep lists and orders, monitor staffing needs, and assume limited responsibility for the kitchen or supervisors when they are absent. The position requires following food-handling, sanitation, safety, and company procedures; attending training; and maintaining effective communication with Sous Chefs, coworkers, and guests. The role is with Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. Starting salary is $21.00 to $23.00 per hour. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in food preparation and food knowledge.
Ability to perform all cooking duties and work at a fast pace with a sense of urgency.
Working knowledge of food storage, knife handling and sharpening, weights and measures, stocks, soups and sauces, plate presentations, recipes and yields, health department regulations, sanitation, and safety regulations.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English to read recipes and communicate with team members.
Reading and math skills sufficient to follow recipes and measurements.
Ability to read and gather the necessary items for recipe execution.
Ability to operate kitchen equipment, including a slicer, steamer, deep fryer, ovens, broiler, grill, mixer, kettle, and flattop.
Ability to use small, delicate, and sensitive equipment such as knives, requiring fine finger dexterity.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and move or push goods on a food warmer weighing up to 300 pounds on a continuous schedule.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, stand, and walk significant distances, and perform duties in hot, normal, and cold temperature ranges.
Strong organization skills and ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with team members at all levels.
Excellent guest service skills and ability to communicate clearly and courteously with guests and coworkers.
Ability to work cooperatively and efficiently in a team environment.
Attention to detail and a professional image.
Ability to complete classes or certifications required by the State of Colorado or Ameristar Casinos, Inc.
Must be 18 or older.

Responsibilities

Set up and stock the prep station and kitchen, and maintain inventory and supplies.
Memorize recipes and prepare menu items according to standard recipes and established menu plans.
Read food orders from computer printouts and prepare and expedite orders promptly.
Wash, slice, peel, cut, and otherwise prepare ingredients and food items for cooking or serving.
Prepare a range of food items, including salads, soup bases, stocks, sauces, noodles or pasta, vegetables, seafood, rice, stuffings, and desserts.
Work at various kitchen stations, including sauté, broiler, workstation, appetizer, pantry, pasta, and grill.
Observe and test food to determine whether it is sufficiently cooked.
Maintain clean, sanitary, safe, and effective work areas and equipment, and complete opening, closing, and other assigned side duties.
Follow health department regulations and company procedures for food handling, storage, temperatures, cleanliness, safety, and hand washing.
Prepare daily prep lists and written daily orders, and inform chefs if staffing levels are not appropriate for business volumes.
Assist with directing, coaching, and coordinating cooks and assistant cooks to promote productive and efficient work and adherence to procedures and quality standards.
Assume limited charge of the kitchen on assigned shifts and limited supervisor accountability in supervisors’ absence.
Coordinate and communicate orders with dining room staff and receive and deliver food to the proper areas.
Engage guests in the open kitchen, explain products, respond to questions and concerns, anticipate needs, and provide courteous service.
Learn the property’s room outlets and answer general questions about the property.
Attend scheduled company and restaurant training, pass required tests, and complete state or company-required classes or certifications.
Maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance and work harmoniously with coworkers.
Perform duties as assigned by management and in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures manual.

Benefits

Day-one medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability coverage for full-time team members.
401(k) matching.
Annual performance bonus, which may vary by position.
Paid time off, earned according to local policy and increasing with length of employment.
Wellness programs supporting financial, physical, and mental well-being.
$700 referral bonus program for team members who refer new applicants, paid in two installments.
Discounted casino bus tickets.
Discounted RTD EcoPass.
Monthly hot meal served by the Leadership Team.
20% discount for Starbucks, Ara Spa, and all food outlets.
100% Colorado Gaming License reimbursement after 90 days of employment.
Hotel discounts at all 43 PENN properties, plus discounts on goods and services.
Education reimbursement program and annual scholarship program.
Career development opportunities.