Cook

About the role

This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center, a mission-based family and group conference and retreat center serving more than 150,000 guests annually. The Cook is primarily responsible for shift management of all kitchen and back-of-house food service operations, including menu planning, food preparation, ordering, and kitchen cleanliness, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and county health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Train, schedule, supervise, and lead up to 15 seasonal staff and volunteers
• Demonstrate excellent time management, organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Work holidays, weekends, and morning or evening shifts
• Direct all aspects of food production, including ordering, storage, preparation, cleaning, portion control, inventory, and record-keeping
• Ensure organizational standards for preparation, presentation, health department regulations, and cleanliness
• Oversee and coordinate daily scheduled meals and event orders
• Collaborate with all Food Service areas to ensure consistency and efficiency
• Step into various kitchen roles to support operations as needed
• Possess a valid, USA state-issued driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and comply with YMCA driving rules to operate YMCA vehicles on and off the property
• Uphold and reflect YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith
• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program and promote safe work practices
• Foster a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere in a diverse community
• Meet acceptable criminal background check standards

Requirements

• Basic food preparation and sanitation knowledge
• Bilingual preferred
• Operational knowledge of a wide variety of Food Service equipment
• Minimum of two years experience in high-volume food service operations
• Management experience preferred
• ServeSafe or equivalent certification (or completion upon hire)
• Excellent customer service skills: friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Regularly lift up to 70 pounds to standard table height
• Move about the property as needed
• Function in loud, fast-paced environments
• Stand on concrete floors for extended periods of time

Benefits

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Generous PTO and vacation
• Participation in YMCA Retirement Fund (12% contribution by YMCA after 2 years of employment)
• Employer-owned rental housing may be available nearby
• YMCA of the Rockies membership
• Discounted childcare, summer day camp, and summer overnight camp
• Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges for friends and family
• Ski passes to nearby resorts
• Free or discounted gear rentals for outdoor adventures