Cook III – Mozen

The Cook III – Mozen is responsible for preparing basic food items including soups, sandwiches, and simple entrées. This entry-level culinary position supports overall kitchen operations by ensuring timely, clean, and consistent food preparation while following health and safety standards. The Cook III works under the direction of the Sous Chef and senior culinary staff to support the kitchen team in delivering a quality dining experience. The Cook III plays an essential role in supporting overall kitchen operations, learning proper techniques, and contributing to a smooth and efficient dining experience for team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares assigned food items, including basic entrees, soups, and sauces, in accordance with established recipes and standards.
• Cuts and dices meats, vegetables, and other ingredients as directed.
• Reads and completes food order tickets written in English to ensure accuracy of preparation.
• Follows proper portion control, food presentation, and recipe guidelines as set by the Food & Beverage Department.
• Assists with restocking workstations and maintaining ingredient availability throughout the shift.
• Helps maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas, including prep stations, walk-in coolers, and storage areas.
• Follows all food safety and sanitation procedures during food preparation and storage.
• 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:

• Basic knife handling and cooking skills.
• Understanding of food preparation techniques and kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Culinary coursework or on-the-job kitchen training is a plus.
• Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in a fine dining or upscale environment.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, ingredient handling, and kitchen safety standards.
• Ability to follow instructions, portion food accurately, and assist with prep and line duties.
• Familiarity with sanitation procedures, food storage, and cleanliness protocols.
• Dependability, willingness to learn, and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Prior experience in a casino, resort, or high-end dining setting 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.