Cook II - Game Day Grill

The Cook II - Game Day Grill is a mid-level cook responsible for preparing a variety of menu items including soups, sandwiches, sauces, and medium-complexity entrées in accordance with established culinary standards. This position ensures food is prepared according to recipe, presentation, and safety standards while maintaining a clean and organized work environment. Working under the direction of the Cook I and Sous Chef, The Cook II demonstrates solid cooking skills, organization, and attention to detail while assisting with training and supporting Cook III team members to ensure efficient daily operations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Prepares assigned food items using a variety of methods including grilling, sautéing, and roasting. Executes daily specials and supports menu development as directed. Assists in the scheduling, training, and supervision of junior kitchen staff. Cuts, dices, and preps meats, vegetables, and other ingredients according to portion and recipe guidelines. Reads and accurately prepares food orders from tickets written in English. Follows all recipes, plating specifications, and portion controls as outlined by the Food & Beverage Department. Restocks food items and supplies as necessary throughout the shift to ensure seamless service. Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of workstations, walk-in coolers, and storage areas. Complies with all safety and food handling regulations and procedures. Adheres to all sanitation, safety, and food handling procedures in compliance with health regulations and company policy. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance or support to other team members. QUALIFICATIONS:Skilled in professional cooking techniques and knife handling. Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and kitchen equipment maintenance. Ability to work in a high-volume kitchen while maintaining quality and consistency. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Positive and professional demeanor with a focus on productivity and efficiency. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Completion of a culinary training program or relevant coursework is preferred. Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire. Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in a fast-casual or high-volume food service environment. Proficient in basic cooking techniques, food preparation, and maintaining quality standards. Ability to follow recipes, prep ingredients, and work various kitchen stations as needed. Familiarity with kitchen safety procedures, sanitation practices, and proper food handling. Strong teamwork and communication skills in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience in a casino, resort, or quick-service restaurant is preferred. LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:Must have successfully completed a background check and obtained a gaming license issued by the Morongo Gaming Agency, as required. LANGUAGE SKILLS:Must be able to read and interpret documents in English, such as instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures. Must also be able to communicate clearly and effectively with team members, management, and guests. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate clearly, professionally, and efficiently with kitchen staff, front-of-house staff, managers, vendors, and leadership; responsible for providing direction, managing prep and execution, and ensuring consistency in food quality and service. Lifting and Carrying: Frequently lifts and carries heavy pots, food containers, kitchen equipment, and bulk ingredients weighing up to 50 pounds; may require overhead lifting and frequent movement of stock. Manual Dexterity: Constantly uses hands and fingers to handle knives, cooking utensils, food prep tools, and plating components with precision and control in a high-volume kitchen environment. Mobility: Continuously moves throughout the kitchen, prep areas, coolers, and service line; requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching for extended periods during preparation and service times. Stationary Work: Rarely seated; this position is primarily performed on foot during operational hours, including during meal service, prep, and inspections. Tool Operation: Frequent use of commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, fryers, slicers, mixers, knives, and sanitation tools; responsible for ensuring safe operation and cleanliness of all kitchen tools. Visual Acuity: Requires near and far vision to inspect food quality, monitor presentation and cleanliness, read prep lists and recipes, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Working Conditions: Routinely works in hot, humid, high-volume kitchen environments with exposure to sharp instruments, open flames, hot surfaces, and cleaning agents. Regular exposure to a smoking environment while transitioning through casino or public areas. WORK ENVIRONMENT:This is a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires the ability to adapt and perform under pressure. The casino operates with moderate to loud noise levels and is a smoking environment, requiring team members to work comfortably in these conditions. WORKING HOURS: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; therefore, flexibility in scheduling is essential. Team members must be available to work shifts that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events. Schedules are subject to change based on business needs and may include overtime, as well as work on both weekdays and weekends. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) AND INDIAN PREFERENCE:Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives hiring preference to qualified Native Americans as allowed by law. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or national origin. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by the ADA. If you need help or an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources. Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.