Line Cook

Smith Fork Ranch is an upscale guest ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  Smith Fork Ranch is known for its fine dining, described in Town & Country Travel Magazine as haute western cuisine, its excellent service, extensive wine cellar and luxurious guest accommodations in the rustic style.  Our main activity offerings are trail riding and fly fishing, with other activities that include hiking, archery, team penning cattle on horseback, and a very active children’s program.  With a capacity of 26-28 guests per week and a staff of approximately 27, SFR employs energetic, hardworking and flexible individuals who understand the main goal is to give guests a wonderful and memorable vacation.

Job description:

The kitchen staff is responsible for the dining pleasure of our guests.  Our chef and cooks prepare gourmet meals each day, from special local ingredients of Colorado’s North Fork Valley – lamb, beef, game, fish and some of the country’s best fruits and vegetables.  A full ranch breakfast is served in the Dinner Bell Cookhouse; for lunch, each family, group, or individual picks up a picnic basket with their pre-selected lunch items for a picnic at streamside, on a cabin porch or next to a pond.  Dinner is a special event and is served on the pavilion of the old Elk Lodge in full view of the mountains.  Other specialty meals during summer peak season include a breakfast cooked over a campfire during an early morning trail ride and a weekly cookout at a site near the river.  Prepping, cooking, baking, plating and working quickly and with humor are experienced daily in our kitchen.  Kitchen staff members work morning or evening shifts and are able to spend the other hours resting or enjoying the rugged Colorado outdoors.  A typical work week is approximately 60 hours- some weeks more, some weeks less.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist the Chef with the overall operations of the kitchen
• Execute breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests and staff
• Baking skills – pastries – breads – cookies (at high altitude)
• Must be able to work in and maintain a clean environment
• Able to deal with last minute changes
• Prep and execute all off site meals (cookouts, overnights, breakfast rides)
• Wash dishes, pots and pans
• Clean work areas, floors, equipment and refrigerators
• Make sure food items are put out at appropriate times
• Able to receive, store & rotate  product and assist in ordering
• Contribute to the whole guest ranch experience with participation in weekly events such as Staff/Guest luncheon, Saturday night cookout, campfire, and dances, and other special events
• Maintain a level of dedication and pride in the work at Smith Fork Ranch by helping out in times of need and completing each job to the best of your ability
• Be a part of the SFR team, contributing talents, input, and enthusiasm

Requirements:

• Fine dining experience necessary
• Wine & food pairing knowledge a plus
• Cooking experience necessary
• Must be able to cook meats to proper temperatures
• Must be at least 19 years old
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be thorough and have attention to detail
• Must wear the proper uniform