Chef de Cuisine - Game Day Grill and Fiesta Taco

Job Description

Job Description

The Chef de Cuisine – Game Day Grill & Fiesta Taco is responsible for managing all back-of-house (BOH) operations for these dining venues. This leadership position ensures high-quality food preparation, strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards, and team performance through hands-on guidance and operational oversight. The Chef de Cuisine plays a key role in maintaining consistency, efficiency, and excellence across all kitchen functions while supporting overall team development and guest satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises kitchen operations to ensure food is prepared, portioned, and presented in accordance with established recipes and portion guidelines.
• Instructs culinary team members in new cooking techniques, preparation methods, and updated procedures.
• Ensures all food items and supplies are properly labeled, stored, and rotated to meet health and safety standards.
• Participates in the coordination and preparation of food and supply orders based on business needs.
• Inspects kitchen equipment and work areas to ensure proper use, maintenance, and sanitation.
• Enforces maximum standards of cleanliness, safety, and food handling across all BOH areas.
• Provides on-the-line support during peak service periods to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruits, hires, orients, and trains BOH team members to ensure operational excellence and service standards.
• Maintains a safe and legally compliant work environment for all staff.
• Clearly communicates performance expectations and grooming standards.
• Monitors team performance through coaching, evaluations, and disciplinary action when needed.
• Develops, implements, and enforces kitchen systems, policies, and productivity standards to improve workflow and food quality.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong culinary skills with proficiency in knife handling, cooking methods, and food presentation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices, and BOH operations.
• Ability to lead and mentor kitchen staff while maintaining a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment care, inventory management, and supply handling.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or a related field required.
• Certification from an accredited culinary institution preferred.
• Food Safety Manager Certification required or must be obtained upon hire.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or head chef role.
• Proven experience in managing kitchen operations in a fast-casual, high-volume environment.
• Skilled in developing menus, standardizing recipes, and maintaining food quality and consistency.
• Strong knowledge of food cost control, inventory management, and labor efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
• Prior experience in a casino, resort, or high-volume food service operation is strongly 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, confidently, and professionally with culinary staff, front-of-house managers, support departments, and upper management; responsible for giving direction, mentoring team members, and ensuring operational and food quality standards are met.
• Lifting and Carrying: Frequently lifts and carries heavy pots, food products, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds; assists with inventory receiving, stock rotation, and setup of prep and service lines.
• Manual Dexterity: Continuously uses hands and fingers to prepare food, handle knives, operate kitchen tools, and manage food presentation with consistency and accuracy.
• Mobility: Continuously moves throughout kitchen, storage areas, and service lines; requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and stooping for extended periods, particularly during peak service hours.
• Stationary Work: Occasionally remains in one position during food preparation or administrative tasks such as scheduling, inventory entry, and ordering supplies.
• Tool Operation: Regular use of commercial kitchen equipment including slicers, ovens, grills, fryers, mixers, food processors, and office tools for communication and reporting.
• Visual Acuity: Requires sharp near and far vision to assess food quality, monitor line operations, inspect cleanliness, and verify compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Working Conditions: Routinely works in a high-temperature, fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to steam, heat, flames, sharp tools, and cleaning agents. Regular exposure to a smoking environment when transitioning through casino or guest service 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.