FIRST COOK BIEN SHUR

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $23.31 - $29.14
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Training and Development
Holiday pay

Job Description

The Pueblo of Sandia is a vibrant and culturally rich tribal community known for its dedication to preserving its heritage while providing outstanding services and opportunities for tribal members and the broader public. This community-focused organization operates various enterprises, including hospitality and dining services that meet high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. With a commitment to integrity, fairness, collaboration, communication, and recognition for performance excellence, the Pueblo of Sandia fosters a supportive and dynamic work environment where employees are encouraged to grow and contribute meaningfully to the community's ongoing success.

Within this respected establishment, we are seeking a skilled and passionate First Cook to join our culinary team. This role requires a professional with a strong culinary background and proven leadership experience to assist the Sous Chef in maintaining the highest standards of quality, creativity, and consistency in a fast-paced, fine dining environment. The First Cook will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, supervising kitchen staff, managing inventory, and ensuring strict food safety compliance. The ideal candidate will embody a deep commitment to culinary excellence and the principles that drive our operational philosophy.

As a key player in our culinary team, the First Cook will assist the Sous Chef with leading the kitchen staff through daily operations, especially during peak service hours. This position involves collaborating on the creation and refinement of seasonal and innovative menus that reflect our fine dining concept. The successful candidate will perform regular tastings to guarantee consistent high-quality dishes, while also managing cost efficiency by overseeing ordering, inventory, and waste control without compromising ingredient quality.

In addition to culinary expertise, this role demands strong interpersonal skills to ensure seamless communication with the front of house team, maintaining a positive and professional kitchen environment focused on teamwork and collaboration. The First Cook will ensure all kitchen processes comply with sanitary regulations and safety protocols, while also maintaining orderly workstations and storage areas.

The position requires accountability in responding to customer complaints and resolving any issues related to food quality or service. This role may entail opening and closing the kitchen and demands a strong awareness of food safety practices, including the correct use of safety gloves and compliance with temperature requirements. Punctuality and regular attendance are essential, as is a commitment to upholding the standards and values of the Pueblo of Sandia.

This opportunity is ideal for a culinary professional seeking to lead and inspire a team within a respected cultural and hospitality setting. It offers a chance to develop personally and professionally while contributing to the success of an esteemed tribal enterprise. The position also includes working conditions that demand physical stamina, flexibility in scheduling, and adaptability to both indoor and outdoor environments subject to various weather conditions.

Our philosophy aims to attract and retain qualified team members, providing opportunities for growth and acknowledging exceptional performance. Join us in continuing the tradition of culinary excellence and community service that defines the Pueblo of Sandia today and into the future.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma, GED certification or equivalent
  • Minimum two years food preparation experience including one year supervisory experience
  • Must successfully complete the New Mexico Food Handlers course
  • Ability to pass a stringent background investigation
  • Subject to pre-employment and random drug screening
  • Ability to lift 50lbs
  • Flexibility to work a variable schedule including weekends and holidays
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions
  • Punctual and regular attendance
  • Commitment to safety and sanitation policies

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma, GED certification or equivalent
  • Two years of food preparation experience in a restaurant or food service capacity including one year of supervisory experience
  • Knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation methods, and flavor profiles
  • Skills in developing diverse and customizable banquet menus
  • Ability to lead and motivate a team, delegate tasks effectively, and foster a collaborative work environment
  • Strong organizational skills to coordinate banquet events from planning to execution
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to supervise and direct the work of cooks and kitchen staff
  • Ability to exercise sound personnel management practices
  • Flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
  • Ability to write and prepare standard reports and documents
  • Knowledge of buffet line operations
  • Knowledge of minimum temperature requirements for food and drink preservation
  • Knowledge of tribal, federal, state, and local sanitary regulations regarding food preparation and sales

Job Duties

  • Assist the Sous Chef in leading the culinary team, overseeing the day to day operations of the kitchen, and ensuring smooth service during peak hours
  • Provide mentorship and training to junior chefs
  • Collaborate with the Sous Chef to create and refine seasonal, innovative menus that align with the restaurant's fine dining concept
  • Ensure consistent high-quality food presentation and flavor profiles
  • Ensure that all dishes meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation before they are served
  • Perform regular tasting and oversee quality control measures to maintain a consistent level of excellence
  • Assist with ordering, inventory management, and waste control to ensure cost efficiency while maintaining ingredient quality
  • Work closely with the front of house team to ensure seamless communication and execution of the dining experience
  • Foster a positive and professional kitchen environment, encouraging teamwork and collaboration among staff
  • Ensure all kitchen staff work in a sanitary, safe, and productive manner, adhere to standard recipes and plating instructions, and prepare quality food in a timely fashion
  • Oversee food preparation processes to maintain consistency, quality, and adherence to standards
  • Assure cooperation among kitchen and restaurant service employees to ensure the best guest service
  • Keep kitchen workstations and storage areas clean and orderly
  • Assign daily cleaning tasks to kitchen staff
  • Advise the Sous Chef or Banquet Chef of necessary equipment repairs and follow up promptly
  • Ensure proper temperature requirements and logs are maintained
  • Enforce high standards of personal sanitation among personnel
  • Investigate and resolve guest complaints regarding food quality or service
  • Responsible for opening and closing the kitchen as necessary
  • Ensure safety gloves and food preparation gloves are worn when appropriate
  • Control food production to prevent waste
  • Perform additional duties as assigned
  • Maintain punctual and regular attendance in alignment with Pueblo of Sandia policies

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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