Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $23.31 - $26.23
Work Schedule
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Professional Development
meal discounts
Job Description
The Pueblo of Sandia is a culturally rich and respected establishment known for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and community collaboration. Rooted in values of fairness, communication, and performance recognition, the Pueblo supports an innovative and professional environment for its workforce. The Pueblo operates in sectors including hospitality and food service, aiming to deliver high-quality experiences to guests while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace. The organization prioritizes employee development and success, aiming to retain talented professionals through supportive leadership and a strong community focus. Being part of the Pueblo means contributing to a legacy that values tradition and modern excellence, ensuring the continued success and prosperity of its people and operations.
The role of First Cook at the Pueblo of Sandia is a dynamic and essential position within their culinary team, designed for a skilled and passionate culinary professional. This role requires not only strong culinary expertise but also leadership capabilities to maintain the highest standards of quality, creativity, and consistency in a fast-paced, fine dining environment. Reporting directly to the Sous Chef, the First Cook will assist in leading the kitchen operations, supervising kitchen staff, and managing inventory to support seamless service especially during high-demand periods.
The First Cook will be entrusted with maintaining food safety compliance and ensuring all culinary outputs meet the Pueblo’s stringent quality standards. The position is central to creating and refining innovative, seasonal menus that align with the fine dining concept, making sure that each dish served is consistently excellent in taste, presentation, and adherence to specified recipes. Additionally, this role involves mentoring junior culinary staff, assigning tasks, and fostering a collaborative and professional atmosphere in the kitchen.
Emphasizing operational efficiency, the First Cook will assist in ordering ingredients, controlling waste, and managing the kitchen’s overall cleanliness and organization. Close collaboration with the front-of-house team is essential, ensuring that the physical presentation of food and the timing of service supports a superior dining experience for guests.
This is a full-time position that demands punctuality, flexibility to work weekends and holidays, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and diverse client needs. The Pueblo of Sandia supports its staff with clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular feedback processes to ensure continuous improvement and professional growth. The ideal candidate will possess a knowledge of culinary techniques, banquet menu development, food safety regulations, and strong personnel management skills. The First Cook plays a crucial role in upholding the Pueblo’s standards of excellence, safety, and guest satisfaction, making this an exciting opportunity for a motivated culinary leader dedicated to high-quality food service in a multicultural setting.
The role of First Cook at the Pueblo of Sandia is a dynamic and essential position within their culinary team, designed for a skilled and passionate culinary professional. This role requires not only strong culinary expertise but also leadership capabilities to maintain the highest standards of quality, creativity, and consistency in a fast-paced, fine dining environment. Reporting directly to the Sous Chef, the First Cook will assist in leading the kitchen operations, supervising kitchen staff, and managing inventory to support seamless service especially during high-demand periods.
The First Cook will be entrusted with maintaining food safety compliance and ensuring all culinary outputs meet the Pueblo’s stringent quality standards. The position is central to creating and refining innovative, seasonal menus that align with the fine dining concept, making sure that each dish served is consistently excellent in taste, presentation, and adherence to specified recipes. Additionally, this role involves mentoring junior culinary staff, assigning tasks, and fostering a collaborative and professional atmosphere in the kitchen.
Emphasizing operational efficiency, the First Cook will assist in ordering ingredients, controlling waste, and managing the kitchen’s overall cleanliness and organization. Close collaboration with the front-of-house team is essential, ensuring that the physical presentation of food and the timing of service supports a superior dining experience for guests.
This is a full-time position that demands punctuality, flexibility to work weekends and holidays, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and diverse client needs. The Pueblo of Sandia supports its staff with clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular feedback processes to ensure continuous improvement and professional growth. The ideal candidate will possess a knowledge of culinary techniques, banquet menu development, food safety regulations, and strong personnel management skills. The First Cook plays a crucial role in upholding the Pueblo’s standards of excellence, safety, and guest satisfaction, making this an exciting opportunity for a motivated culinary leader dedicated to high-quality food service in a multicultural setting.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma, GED certification, or equivalent
- Two years food preparation experience in restaurant or food service, including one year supervisory experience
- Must successfully complete New Mexico Food Handlers course
- Must pass stringent background investigation
- Must pass pre-employment and random drug screening
- Ability to lift 50lbs
- Flexibility to work weekends and holidays
- Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Understand Tribal, Federal, State, and local sanitary regulations
- Knowledge of safe food handling and temperature requirements
- Must maintain punctual and regular attendance
Job Qualifications
- Strong culinary background and knowledge of culinary techniques
- Experience in food preparation and quality control
- Leadership and personnel management skills
- Ability to mentor and train junior culinary staff
- Skills in menu development and innovation
- Knowledge of banquet menu planning and culinary trends
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to foster teamwork and a positive kitchen environment
- Ability to manage inventory and control waste
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
- Familiarity with buffet line operations
- Ability to write and prepare standard reports and documents
- Ability to adapt to diverse clientele and event requirements
- Experience in a fine dining or banquet setting preferred
Job Duties
- Assist the Sous Chef in leading the culinary team, overseeing day to day kitchen operations, 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 fine dining concept
- Ensure that all dishes meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation before serving
- Perform regular tasting and oversee quality control measures
- Assist with ordering, inventory management, and waste control to ensure cost efficiency
- Work closely with front of house team to ensure seamless communication and execution of the dining experience
- Foster a positive and professional kitchen environment encouraging teamwork
- Assure sanitary, safe, and productive kitchen practices
- Oversee food preparation to maintain consistency, quality, and adherence to standards
- Cooperate with restaurant service employees to assure excellent guest service
- Maintain clean and orderly kitchen workstations and storage areas
- Assign daily cleaning tasks
- Advise Sous Chef on necessary equipment repairs and follow up
- Ensure temperature requirements are maintained and logs completed
- Ensure highest standard of personal sanitation
- Investigate and resolve customer complaints about food quality and service
- Responsible for opening and closing the kitchen as necessary
- Ensure use of safety and latex gloves in food preparation
- Prevent food overproduction to control waste
- Perform additional duties as assigned
- Maintain punctual and regular attendance in accordance with policies
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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