Cook I - Mozen

The Cook I – Mozen is an experienced cook responsible for preparing complex entrées, daily specials, soups, sandwiches, and other medium-complexity dishes. This position upholds high culinary standards, supports junior kitchen staff, and ensures food quality, consistency, and presentation meet departmental guidelines. The Cook I plays a key role in the efficient operation of the kitchen while maintaining cleanliness and food safety. This role helps ensure food quality, presentation, and sanitation standards are consistently upheld, setting the example for teamwork, organization, and professionalism within the kitchen.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares all assigned food items accurately and in a timely, sanitary manner.
• Creates and executes daily specials in accordance with seasonal offerings and guest preferences.
• Cooks and assembles dishes using various techniques including grilling, sautéing, and roasting.
• Assists with training and mentoring Cook II and Cook III team members.
• Cuts, trims, and dices meats, vegetables, and other ingredients using proper techniques.
• Reads and fulfills order tickets in English and ensures accuracy of dishes prepared.
• Follows standard recipes, portion control guidelines, and plating specifications set by the Food & Beverage Department.
• Restocks workstation throughout the shift to ensure continued kitchen productivity.
• Assists with cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment, storage areas, and workstations.
• Maintains compliance with food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness procedures.
• 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:

• Proficiency in professional cooking techniques and knife handling.
• Solid knowledge of food preparation, kitchen equipment, and recipe adherence.
• Strong understanding of sanitation, food safety standards, and kitchen organization.
• Ability to train, support, and lead less experienced cooks in daily operations.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Completion of a culinary arts program or formal kitchen training is preferred.
• Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with at least 1 year in a fine dining or upscale restaurant environment.
• Proficient in advanced cooking techniques, food preparation, and plating in accordance with high culinary standards.
• Ability to work multiple stations and execute complex recipes with consistency and efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, proper storage, and sanitation practices.
• Experience collaborating with a culinary team to maintain quality and timeliness during service.
• Prior experience in a casino, resort, or luxury dining venue 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.