Chef

The Camp Chef is one of the core members of the Paintrock Canyon Ranch hospitality team and a leader in the Ranchlands food program. You are responsible for fulfilling your duties and expectations while also contributing to the overall performance of the guest service operation. You will be pivotal in building a strong, healthy, and happy culture at the ranch. Along with the Camp Hands, you will be the face of the Paintrock Canyon Ranch food program. You must be warm and gracious at all times, present a clean, smart appearance, and set an example for the rest of our team.  Safety is our first concern, followed closely by ensuring all our guests have the best vacation of their lives. You are challenged to ensure that every detail is attended to and that every task is considered and completedWe expect you to uphold a positive, encouraging, creative, and educational work environment for your team within the vision of Ranchlands.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute an outdoor dining experience that serves three high-quality meals with relevant foods and flavors, accounting for all dietary restrictions or preferences.

• All elements must be homemade, including dessert and breads.

• Cook elevated camping meals over the fire at the Basecamp and in the backcountry during Pack Trips.

• Lead and build upon a food program that identifies as Ranchlands.     

• Create an ordering system, place orders, and source groceries while tracking and sticking to a budget..

• Balance local/regional ingredients with those ordered from Shamrock 

• Submit the following week’s meal plan to the Hospitality Director one week prior.

• Build a seamless system in the kitchen that allows the smooth running of operations. This includes working alongside the Camp Hands to ensure they are educated on all ingredients and meals before prepping and serving it.

• Work closely with the Hospitality Director, who will provide you with details of all VIPs. They will also let you know of any last-minute additions or changes to arrivals and departures, plus specific details that need to be considered in preparation for a guest's stay (anniversaries, birthdays, etc.). Be accommodating and flexible with any last-minute requests.

• Exercise strong organizational skills. Keep the kitchen tent, freezers, storage, and your work areas (inside and out) clean and tidy at all times, as well as the grill clean and grease-free at all times. This helps us ensure a critter-free camp kitchen. 

• Create and follow a cleaning schedule.

• Be highly motivated, with a positive attitude toward guests and staff at all times.

• Address problems by communicating appropriately and professionally.

• Maintain a clean, professional appearance at all times.

CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS

• Be consistently guest-oriented, talk to and engage with guests daily, and be present before and after activities.

• Exceed guest expectations– go above and beyond to deliver an outstanding hospitality and dining experience.

• Fully support all colleagues in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations.

• Create solid and consistent working relationships with all off-ranch partners.

• Be flexible and ready to adjust schedules either to improve them or to accommodate guest needs better.

• Be a leader by exemplifying high standards of work ethic, commitment,  professionalism, and team participation while on and off duty. 

• Address conflict or issues by promptly communicating directly and professionally.

• Positively represent the business both on and off the ranch. 

• Be safety-oriented when driving ranch roads, in the presence of livestock, and cooking over an open fire.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Ability to deliver flavorful, thoughtfully prepared meals. 

• Ability to cook creative, diverse meals over a fire. 

• Proven interest in locally grown food.

• Warm, friendly, and excellent communicator with guests and staff.

• High standard of work ethic and professionalism.

• Ability to talk to and converse with all demographics.

• The desire to ensure each guest has the experience of a lifetime.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Cleanliness and attention to detail.

• Ability to live well in shared housing. 

• Experience with computer programs, including Asana, Slack, and Cloudbeds, is a plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year of professional cooking experience.  

• Possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle for getting to and from work with.

WORK SCHEDULE 

• This is a seasonal, full-time position that entails at least 40 hours per week with reasonable overtime expected. During Pack Trips, the Cook will spend four nights a week in the backcountry with guests and other staff.

• Specific work schedules are set weekly and vary according to the business's needs; staff must be willing and able to adapt to a flexible schedule.   

TIME OFF

• At least one day off per week during Ranch Vacations and Workshops, and two to three days off between Pack Trips are guaranteed, according to the weekly work schedule. Further time off will be allotted when possible.

• Each employee working the entire season will get a mid-season week off (July 5th-13th). Additional time off may be requested, but due to the busy nature of a seasonal job, it is not guaranteed to be approved.  

HOUSING

This position is required to be on-site and will have a residential room in one of the ranch buildings, which includes all utilities.

 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT 

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.