Sous Chef - Mozen

The Sous Chef – Mozen supports the Assistant Executive Chef in leading daily back-of-house operations, supervising kitchen staff, and overseeing the preparation and execution of high-quality dishes. This position ensures food is consistently prepared and presented according to recipe and standard, maintains sanitation and safety protocols, and plays a vital role in staff development, kitchen organization, and service execution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees kitchen staff during food preparation, portioning, and garnishing to ensure standards are met.


• Provides training and instruction on cooking techniques, safety, and food handling procedures.


• Ensures proper labeling, rotation, and storage of all food products and supplies.


• Coordinates and participates in ordering and inventory of food and supplies.


• Inspects kitchen equipment and workstations to ensure safety, sanitation, and functionality.


• Maintains strict adherence to food safety regulations and internal sanitation protocols.


• Prepares and carves meats, sauces, and specialty dishes during high-volume periods and events.


• Upholds and enforces company policies and kitchen procedures.


• Assists with scheduling, performance reviews, and staff accountability.


• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides daily direction and leadership to the culinary team.


• Recruits, trains, and mentors kitchen staff while creating a professional and growth-oriented environment.


• Monitors staff performance and enforces grooming, safety, and behavior standards.


• Delivers coaching and counseling, as well as disciplinary action when required.


• Ensures compliance with departmental policies and productivity expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in a wide range of culinary techniques and professional knife handling.


• Strong understanding of kitchen equipment, inventory management, and production scheduling.


• Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.


• Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills.


• Ability to supervise and inspire culinary staff in a high-volume kitchen environment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.


• Additional coursework in hospitality or food and beverage service is a plus.


• Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire.


• Minimum of 2–3 years of serving experience in a fine dining or upscale restaurant environment.


• Strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards, wine and cocktail pairing, and formal table service etiquette.


• Proven ability to deliver exceptional guest service with attention to detail, professionalism, and poise.


• Experience using POS systems, handling cash and credit transactions, and managing multi-course service.


• Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.


• Prior experience in a casino, resort, or luxury dining venue is strongly 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 effectively with culinary staff, front-of-house managers, and senior leadership; responsible for directing prep and line operations, providing instruction, enforcing sanitation and safety standards, and ensuring high-level food quality and presentation.


• Lifting and Carrying: Frequently lifts and carries large stock pots, food containers, sheet pans, and kitchen equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; may require overhead lifting or maneuvering through tight prep and service areas.


• Manual Dexterity: Constantly uses hands and fingers to handle knives, utensils, and precision plating tools; must be able to execute detailed preparation and finishing work with consistency and speed.


• Mobility: Continuously moves throughout the kitchen, walk-ins, storage rooms, and service lines; requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching for extended periods during high-volume service and production.


• Stationary Work: Rarely remains seated; duties are performed primarily while actively supervising, prepping, and managing kitchen workflow.


• Tool Operation: Frequent use of commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, steamers, fryers, mixers, slicers, and knives; responsible for safe operation, training, and ensuring maintenance and cleanliness of all tools.


• Visual Acuity: Requires both near and far vision to inspect food quality and consistency, read prep lists and tickets, monitor plating standards, and maintain kitchen organization and cleanliness.


• Working Conditions: Routinely works in a high-volume, high-pressure kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, sharp tools, food allergens, and cleaning chemicals. 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