Chef

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chef prepares, cooks, and serves high-quality family-style meals to ranch owners, guests, and seasonal staff in a remote mountain environment. This role delivers exceptional hospitality while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen and ensuring meals align with guest schedules, dietary needs, and ranch operations. The Chef independently manages weekly menu planning, grocery purchasing, meal preparation, sanitation, and kitchen organization. This position requires strong initiative, flexibility, professionalism, confidentiality, and the ability to provide warm, guest-centered service.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Meal Planning & Preparation Develop weekly menus based on guest preferences, seasonal availability, and ranch activity schedules. Prepare and serve high-quality meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as requested. Adjust recipes and meal timing to support ranch operations, guest arrivals/departures, and special events. Maintain an efficient workflow through organized prep, time management, and proactive planning. Grocery Shopping & Inventory Management Create weekly grocery lists aligned with menu plans and pantry inventory. Shop for supplies in the most cost-effective manner while ensuring high-quality ingredients. Manage food storage, rotation, and labeling to maintain freshness and reduce waste. Maintain adequate stock of staple items and notify Ranch Manager of shortages or equipment needs. Kitchen Sanitation & Cleanliness Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, prep surfaces, appliances, and tools. Manage dishwashing, cleaning, and organization of cooking tools, serving items, and small wares. Ensure buffet areas, dining tables, and serving stations are clean and guest ready. Follow food safety guidelines and maintain a consistently hygienic environment. Guest Service & Ranch Support Provide warm, friendly, and professional service to ranch owners, guests, and staff. Customize meals based on dietary restrictions, allergies, and guest preferences. Support ranch activities by adjusting meal timing, preparing snacks or beverages as needed. Communicate operational concerns, supply needs, or kitchen-related issues promptly to the Ranch Manager. Special Event & Peak Season Support Assist with preparation and service for holiday gatherings, family reunions, branded events, and ranch celebrations. Prepare high-volume meals during peak activity periods.

OTHER DUTIES

Assist ranch team members during peak activity periods when additional support is needed. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Prior experience cooking for families, groups, or hospitality environments. Strong ability to work independently with minimal direction. Excellent organization, time management, and multitasking skills. Professional, positive, guest-oriented demeanor. Ability to work in a remote location with changing schedules and varying guest volumes.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Experience in remote, rustic, or ranch environments. Strong understanding of food safety principles and sanitation practices. Experience preparing high-volume meals. Knowledge of western, seasonal, or ranch-style cooking.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

None.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Standard kitchen equipment: ovens, stovetops, grills, mixers, knives, and prep tools. Cleaning supplies and sanitation equipment. Food storage systems and organizational tools.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Remote mountain ranch environment. Work primarily performed indoors in a kitchen setting, with occasional outdoor tasks. Variable guest volume depending on season. TRAVEL Minimal - local grocery and supply runs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements % of Work Time Speak and hear clearly 100% Lift up to 50 lbs. 75% Walk, stoop, kneel, bend, lift and reach 100% Use hands for chopping food, prep work, and equipment operations 90% Work in indoor kitchen 90% Stand, prep food, and cook for extended periods 100% Work outdoors tending to small garden 10%