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Job Description
Full-Time Executive Chef Villa Monticello Senior Living Escondido, California Position Overview Villa Monticello is a premier 29-bed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) located in Escondido, California. We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly organized Full-Time Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations and provide exceptional dining experiences for our residents. The ideal candidate is passionate about creating fresh, home-cooked meals using high-quality, whole-food ingredients while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. This individual will play a critical role in supporting resident health, wellness, and quality of life through nutritious and delicious meals tailored to individual dietary needs. This position is ideal for a chef who takes pride in hospitality, professionalism, cleanliness, and serving seniors with dignity and respect.
Compensation Full-Time Position Shift:
6am-6pm
Competitive Salary:
$70,000-$80,000 annually Paid Time Off Holiday Pay (if applicable) Essential Responsibilities Prepare and serve three daily meals and scheduled snacks for up to 29 residents. Create nutritious, attractive, restaurant-quality meals appropriate for seniors. Develop and maintain rotating monthly menus that provide variety, balance, and resident satisfaction. Prepare meals using fresh, high-quality ingredients with an emphasis on whole foods and scratch cooking. Ensure meals meet residents' dietary needs, physician orders, texture modifications, and special dietary restrictions. Accommodate therapeutic diets, including: Diabetic diets Low sodium diets Heart-healthy diets Renal diets Pureed diets Mechanical soft diets Gluten-free diets Food allergies and sensitivities Maintain consistency in meal quality, presentation, flavor, and portion control. Resident Experience Foster a warm, welcoming dining experience. Engage positively and respectfully with residents and families. Consider resident preferences and feedback when planning menus. Ensure meals contribute to residents' overall health, comfort, and enjoyment. Menu Planning & Inventory Management Create and maintain monthly menus in compliance with RCFE regulations. Maintain documentation of menus and substitutions as required. Manage food purchasing, inventory, and supply levels. Minimize food waste while maintaining quality standards. Source quality ingredients from approved vendors. Ensure adequate emergency food supplies are maintained according to RCFE requirements. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Maintain compliance with all applicable: California Department of Social Services (CDSS) regulations RCFE Title 22 requirements California Retail Food Code (CalCode) San Diego County Department of Environmental Health regulations OSHA workplace safety standards Possess and maintain a valid California Food Manager Certification. Ensure proper food receiving, storage, preparation, cooking, cooling, reheating, and serving procedures. Monitor and document food temperatures as required. Prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness risks. Ensure proper labeling and dating of all food items. Maintain all required food safety logs and documentation. Kitchen Sanitation & Maintenance Maintain a clean, organized, and professional kitchen environment at all times. Conduct daily cleaning and sanitation of all kitchen equipment and work areas.
Perform weekly deep cleaning of:
Kitchen Pantry Refrigerators Freezers Dry storage areas Appliances Food preparation equipment Ensure compliance with sanitation and infection control protocols. Coordinate equipment maintenance and report repair needs promptly. Leadership & Teamwork Work collaboratively with administrators, caregivers, medication technicians, and management. Assist with training staff regarding food service procedures when needed. Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude. Participate in facility meetings as requested. QualificationsRequired Minimum 3 years of professional cooking experience. Minimum 1 year experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or institutional food service preferred. Current California Food Manager Certification. Knowledge of RCFE dietary requirements and senior nutrition. Understanding of modified diets and texture-modified food preparation. Ability to independently manage all kitchen operations. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to lift 50 pounds. Ability to stand for extended periods. Ability to pass criminal background clearance requirements. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Preferred Culinary degree or formal culinary training. Experience in luxury senior living, memory care, assisted living, or healthcare settings. Experience preparing meals for residents with dementia and cognitive impairments. Experience with menu development and food cost management. Knowledge of California Title 22 RCFE regulations. Personal Characteristics The ideal candidate will be: Compassionate and resident-focused Dependable and punctual Detail-oriented Highly organized Professional in appearance and conduct Passionate about cooking and hospitality Self-motivated and proactive Able to thrive in a luxury senior living environment Why Join Villa Monticello? At Villa Monticello, we believe dining is one of the most meaningful parts of a resident's day. Our chef is not simply preparing meals—they are creating comfort, connection, and memorable experiences for the seniors we proudly serve. We are committed to providing a warm, family-oriented environment where residents are treated with dignity, respect, and genuine care. If you are passionate about exceptional food and making a difference in the lives of seniors, we would love to hear from you.
To Apply Please submit:
Resume Food Manager Certification Professional References Brief description of your culinary background and experience serving seniors Villa Monticello is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
