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Junior Sous Chef (The Restaurant at JUSTIN) - Paso Robles

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $28.00 - $33.00
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Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401k Match
Paid Time Off
Employee wellness programs
Career development opportunities

Job Description

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is a premier winemaking and hospitality establishment located on California's stunning Central Coast, renowned for its Bordeaux-style wines and exceptional guest experiences. Founded in 1981, JUSTIN has evolved into a multi-faceted destination featuring world-class wine production, luxury accommodations at the JUST Inn, a one-MICHELIN-starred restaurant known as The Restaurant at JUSTIN, and tasting rooms both at the vineyard estate and in downtown Paso Robles. The winery is celebrated for its iconic ISOSCELES blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, earned international acclaim, and the ability to combine fine wine with exquisite culinary and hospitality services in a unique microclimate tailored to excellence. JUSTIN’s hospitality offerings, including Forbes 5-Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings, reflect its commitment to delivering an unparalleled customer experience that blends local agricultural sourcing with innovative culinary arts and premium wine craftsmanship.

The role of Junior Sous Chef at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery presents a rare opportunity for culinary professionals to join an award-winning team dedicated to delivering a seasonally driven tasting menu experience. This is a full-time position based at the JUSTIN Estate in Paso Robles, requiring weekend availability and the capacity to work late nights in a high-pressure, dynamic environment. The Junior Sous Chef will work closely alongside the Chef de Cuisine to uphold and execute exceptional food quality standards consistent with Michelin and Forbes guidelines. Responsibilities include overseeing daily preparation, station setup, service execution, and maintaining kitchen efficiency and cleanliness in line with the winery's rigorous health and safety protocols. The position involves direct participation in service by collaborating across various kitchen stations, ensuring that each dish delivered meets the highest culinary benchmarks and guest expectations.

In addition to supporting operational excellence during dinner service and special events, the Junior Sous Chef will play an important role in mentoring the kitchen team, fostering a culture of accountability, and contributing to menu development that highlights the bounty from the estate’s 26-acre farmstead, local purveyors, and seasonal ingredients. The role also involves partnership with the Farmstead team to maximize the use of fresh, locally sourced produce and support cost control through inventory management and ordering. Collaboration with front-of-house leadership is integral to maintaining a seamless and memorable guest experience throughout the estate’s diverse offerings, including lunch, dinner, and special occasions.

Beyond the daily responsibilities, JUSTIN offers a richly supportive environment encouraging career growth with access to comprehensive wellness benefits and continuous learning opportunities. With a competitive pay range of $28.00 to $33.00 per hour depending on skills and experience, relocation assistance may also be available for exceptional candidates. The winery is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and embraces a corporate culture recognized by PEOPLE and Fortune magazines for its social responsibility efforts and supportive workplace ethos.

This position invites passionate culinary professionals with fine dining experience, preferably from MICHELIN-rated or Forbes-recognized establishments, to advance their careers within a prestigious and multifaceted wine and hospitality company. The Junior Sous Chef at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery plays a vital role in crafting memorable dining experiences that complement the winery’s world-class wine offerings in a unique and breathtaking setting.

Job Requirements

  • 2+ years of culinary experience in fine dining
  • Availability to work late nights and weekends
  • Culinary degree or relevant certification preferred
  • ServSafe certification or ability to obtain upon hire
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and handle kitchen activities
  • Willingness to collaborate and a team-oriented attitude
  • Commitment to maintaining high food safety and sanitation standards

Job Qualifications

  • 2+ years of fine dining culinary experience in an upscale, fast-paced environment
  • Previous experience in a MICHELIN-rated, James Beard-recognized or Forbes-rated establishment preferred
  • Proven experience training and mentoring kitchen staff
  • ServSafe certified or ability to obtain upon hire
  • Proficiency in menu development, cost control, and inventory management
  • Culinary degree preferred
  • Exposure to wine-focused culinary programs preferred
  • A genuine passion for culinary excellence and creating memorable guest experiences
  • Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining composure, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence
  • Strong organizational skills with a solution-oriented mindset
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment
  • A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and personalities

Job Duties

  • Maintain and execute exceptional food quality and consistency in alignment with Executive Chef standards, Forbes guidelines, and Michelin-level expectations
  • Oversee daily prep, station setup, and service execution, ensuring readiness and adherence to the highest culinary standards
  • Lead and support kitchen operations by working across all stations, ensuring smooth, efficient service during dinner and events
  • Train, mentor, and support kitchen staff, fostering accountability, development, and high performance
  • Collaborate with culinary leadership to develop seasonal menus, contribute creative ideas, and support special events and programming
  • Support the Chef de Cuisine and dishwashing team to maintain strict health, safety, and sanitation standards, ensuring proper use of equipment and a clean, organized kitchen environment
  • Support inventory management, ordering, and cost control, ensuring proper storage, minimal waste, and operational efficiency
  • Partner with the Farmstead team to source and utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients
  • Ensure organization and cleanliness of walk-ins, dry storage, and all kitchen areas
  • Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to maintain a cohesive guest experience
  • Support operations across the Estate including lunch, dinner, events, and production as needed

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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