Specialty Cook

The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront is a distinguished hotel located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. This upscale property offers a luxurious hospitality experience combining modern amenities with the warmth and charm that the city is known for. Situated conveniently at 1401 SW Naito Parkway, it boasts stunning views of the waterfront and is a preferred destination for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and exceptional service. The hotel is part of Marriott International's impressive portfolio and aligns with its global brand standards of welcoming guests with world-class hospitality and maintaining a culture of inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.

As a full-time culinary associate at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, you will embark on an enriching career path with opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. The hotel collaborates with Rouxbe Cooking School to provide associates with access to engaging online culinary training programs. This self-paced platform features hundreds of well-structured lessons designed to improve culinary skills, from novice cooking techniques to advanced food preparation and presentation. Such training empowers associates to apply their new knowledge immediately in their roles, supporting professional development and excellence in culinary execution.

In this non-management position, your primary responsibilities will include preparing ingredients—such as portioning, chopping, and proper storage—and pulling foods from freezer storage to thaw according to safety standards. You will weigh, measure, and mix ingredients precisely according to recipes and your professional judgment. Cooking foods to meet stringent quality and presentation guidelines will be an essential part of your daily duties, alongside testing food with various methods like tasting and piercing to ensure it is cooked properly.

You will also manage the aesthetic aspect of food service by ensuring correct portion sizes, proper arrangement, and appealing garnishes. Serving food onto the appropriate platters or receptacles according to set standards will be a frequent task requiring attention to detail and presentation. Safe, appropriate use of kitchen tools and maintenance of a clean and sanitary environment are critical components of the role. Comprehensive cleaning of kitchen areas, knives, equipment, and tables will help maintain health and safety standards.

Regular monitoring of appliance and food temperatures will ensure compliance with food safety protocols. When products do not meet specifications, you are expected to promptly notify management and communicate needs efficiently during busy service periods. You will be expected to follow key company policies related to safety, security, and personal conduct, including reporting unsafe conditions and wearing a clean, professional uniform. Upholding company standards in guest interaction, teamwork, and quality assurance will support a collaborative work environment aimed at achieving common goals.

This role requires standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods and increasingly involves physical tasks such as lifting and moving objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Other reasonable duties may be assigned by supervisors to support hotel operations. Preference is given to candidates with at least one year of related culinary experience, particularly in banquet, line, or breakfast cook settings, and who possess open availability including weekends.

Marriott International is committed to equal employment opportunities and fosters a culture that values the unique backgrounds and talents of its associates. This commitment to diversity, inclusion, and associate well-being creates a workplace where individuals can thrive, connect, and contribute to the legacy of wonderful hospitality that Marriott is known for worldwide. The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront offers more than a job; it offers a chance to belong to a global community, develop your career, and become the best version of yourself in a supportive luxury hospitality setting.