Lead Cook

Job Title: Lead Cook

Department: Food & Beverage- Outlets: Eagle View, Alpine Cafe, Raven Lodge, Ted's Bar and Grill

Location: Mt. Washington, Comox Valley

Employment Type: Seasonal / Year-Round

Wage Rate: $20-$25

Reports to: Executive Chef / Sous Chef

About Mount Washington

At Mount Washington Alpine Resort, we’re more than a workplace. We’re a mountain community brought together by a shared love of adventure, the outdoors and creating unforgettable experiences. Guided by our vision of Adventure with Purpose, we put people first, look out for one another and have plenty of fun along the way. Our values of Passion, People First, Accountability, Teamwork, Fun and Resilience shape everything we do. If you’re ready to bring your energy, embrace the mountain lifestyle and help create a place where both our team and guests can thrive, there’s a place for you here.

What We Offer

• A FREE Seasons Pass for you and family passes
• Bonuses for referring new staff
• Daily staff shuttle bus during winter season December to April, from town and the base for easy transportation
• Resort discounts, including retail, rentals, lessons, and food
• Access to pro deals and other ski resort reciprocal ticket deals

Job Summary

Love the idea of working where the air is fresh, the views are unreal, and your “commute” includes snow-capped peaks? At Mount Washington Alpine Resort, you can spend your days surrounded by adventure — and get paid for it.

As a Lead Cook, you’ll help oversee kitchen operations while supporting a team of cooks and dishwashers. You’ll play an important role in ensuring high-quality food preparation, consistent presentation, and an efficient kitchen workflow.

If you’re an experienced culinary professional with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, this is an opportunity to help drive kitchen efficiency and excellence in a fast-paced food service environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations to ensure an efficient and organized work environment
• Guiding and supporting cooks, dishwashers, and other kitchen team members
• Assigning tasks and coordinating kitchen workflow to meet service demands
• Supervising, training, and mentoring kitchen staff
• Supporting menu planning and the preparation of menu items
• Assisting with recipe development and ensuring recipes are followed consistently
• Monitoring food preparation to ensure high standards of quality, freshness, and consistency
• Ensuring food is prepared, portioned, plated, and presented according to established standards
• Maintaining consistency in food presentation and plating
• Assisting with inventory management, including monitoring supplies and communicating ordering needs
• Ensuring food products and kitchen supplies are properly organized and stored
• Maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene
• Following established procedures for safe food handling, preparation, storage, and service
• Monitoring kitchen workflow and adjusting priorities as needed during busy service periods
• Communicating operational needs, supply concerns, and kitchen issues to the Chef or Culinary Manager
• Pitching in wherever needed — because teamwork makes the mountain run smoothly
• Upholding high standards of health, safety, cleanliness, and food quality

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a professional kitchen or food service establishment
• Experience leading, supervising, or supporting a team in a kitchen environment
• Strong culinary and food preparation skills
• Knowledge of menu planning, recipe execution, and food presentation
• Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Ability to assign tasks and monitor kitchen workflow effectively
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistent food quality
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and safe kitchen practices
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to train, mentor, and support kitchen staff
• Inventory management experience would be an asset
• Culinary education or formal food service training would be an asset

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Comfortable lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and performing repetitive kitchen tasks
• Ability to work in a busy, fast paced, and physically demanding kitchen environment
• Able to safely work around heat, steam, sharp tools, wet floors, and kitchen equipment
• Ability to move efficiently during busy preparation and service periods
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak operational periods

Resort Conditions

Working at a Winter Resort means no two days are the same, and that's part of the adventure! You’ll get to experience a variety of unique locations, from cozy lodges to scenic mountain-top venues only accessible by chairlift. Be prepared to embrace the elements; whether it's bluebird skies, fresh snowfall, or the infamous coastal rain. Expect to navigate multi-level lodges, steep stairways, and outdoor areas where the terrain can be sloped, snowy, muddy, or slippery, so good footwear is essential, indoors and out. Walking through large, icy parking lots is also part of the daily journey. If you love fresh air, stunning views, and a workplace that keeps you on your toes, this is the spot for you!

Mt. Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort and help create exceptional experiences that our guests will cherish for a lifetime!