Seeking Experienced Assistant Chef for High-End Guest Ranch and Hunting Lodge This Fall

Location: Branded Rock Canyon Ranch, Main Lodge, 4410 County Rd 209, DeBeque, Colorado 81630. Do not apply for this position if you are unable to relocate to the immediate vicinity.

Reporting to: Lodge Manager, General Manager, Owners

Travel Required: The worksite is in a remote location on county-maintained gravel roads, and requires employee to have access to reliable vehicle transport. AWD or 4x4 capabilities are highly advised.

Compensation: Hourly, Starting at $20/hr or Based on Experience. Bi-weekly paychecks are issued the week following the end of the pay period. Overtime in excess of 40 hours per week is 1.5x hourly rate, and holiday overtime is 2x hourly rate.

Part Time/Contracted/Seasonal, 30+ hours per week when guests are onsite, with the expectation of overtime during the busy season--October-November. Time off when no guests are onsite or our "off season", Dec-April.

Other Benefits:

• Staff housing is available for part time/contracted/seasonal employment during working weeks/season but is not available on a full time basis. No pets allowed.

• Fractional gratuity from paying guests. General tip pool is calculated by number of hours worked during course of guest group dates.

• Staff discount on ProShop retail items (non-firearm).

Starting Date: August 2026

Worksite Description: Branded Rock Canyon is a 15,000 acre private guest ranch in western Colorado. We offer world class luxury accommodations and superb western hospitality for our guests. The ranch is a popular destination for corporate and private group retreats. Our activity program includes precision shooting and hunting courses, fishing, 4x4 touring, horseback riding, wingshooting, and other outdoor activities. Typical group sizes are 15-30 guests, averaging 4 nights. Busy season runs early April - end of December, with winter months reserved for smaller groups, time-off, and maintenance.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are searching for a skilled, driven, and creative Head Chef to deliver 5-star quality meals to guests and owners visiting our luxurious private guest ranch. Meals are typically served family-style and are pre-selected in advance of guest arrival. We do not offer selections from a standard “restaurant” short-order menu. Duties of this position include:

• Responsible for food production during their scheduled shift with the oversight of the Head Chef and Lodge Manager. This includes preparing meals in a timely manner and completing prep support as needed.

• Collaborate with the Head Chef on food menus and ingredients. 

• Prioritize fresh food preparation for each meal.

• Provide well-portioned and beautifully presented plated meals, or decorative buffet meals, depending on group size and requests.

• Possess the ability to be flexible with meal times, guest head count, dietary or allergy requirements, and special requests.

• Maintain compliance of kitchen, food prep, and cold/dry storage with all local and industry standards of highest professional food quality, sanitation, and health codes.

• Uphold the kitchen's exceptional food preparation, service, cleanliness, and guest hospitality.

• Within 2 weeks of training with the Head Chef be able to 1. fully accommodate scheduled meal services and guest requests independently of head chef's oversight within a 2 week time frame, 2. uphold all kitchen safety, sanitation and strict cleanliness standards, 3. maintain/are aware of all inventory levels of kitchen and food products, 4. utilize all kitchen equipment in a safe and appropriate manner, 5. provide quality meal services in a timely manner, 6. articulate menu and food preparation to guests as requested.

• Ensure safety of team members and cleanliness of facility and equipment, in regards to the kitchen.

• Monitor inventory of food, beverages and supplies, and assist Head Chef in preparing purchase orders with vendors to fulfill inventory and event needs.

• Maintain strict punctuality. Show up on time and ready to work. 

• Ensure all food and equipment store areas and refrigerators and freezers are organized, clean and in compliance with Colorado Food Safety requirements.

• Deep clean kitchen and food store areas before, and after guest groups and when asked by Head Chef. 

• Provide the highest quality of customer service to guests and owners at all times, to ensure customer satisfaction and highest product quality.

• Perform other tasks as assigned by Ownership and Managers.

• Answer directly to Lodge Manager and Head Chef as primary supervisors.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluency in English (spoken, written, and read) is required; Spanish is a plus but not necessary.

• Perform mathematical calculations including but not limited to conversion of recipes, inventories etc.

• Kitchen terminology required.

• Advanced culinary skills, cooking methods, butchering, soups, consommés, stocks, sauces, basic pastries, garde manger, product identification.

• Maintains proficiency across all cook stations, with the ability to relieve and support any position within the outlet.

• Maintain high personal hygiene standards. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Minimum high school level or equivalent education

• Culinary degree or related certification

• 2+ years experience in similar capacity/function as a head chef, or assistant chef at high end property.

• Current Colorado Food Protection Manager certification, or ability to qualify immediately.

• Possess exceptional people skills, with an energetic and outgoing positive attitude. Able to work long hours and maintain a flexible schedule during our busy season, to perform job duties as required for guests and owners.

• Strong communication, leadership, organizational skills, and attention to details.

• Ability to use MS Word & Excel (or Mac Pages/Numbers), email, and phone skills to complete your tasks and communicate.

• Proof of USA citizenship. If you are not a citizen of the USA, you must provide proof of Green Card or work VISA.

• Must be able to effectively communicate oral and written English language.

• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation suitable for area roads and weather conditons.

• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds

• Disqualification: Any Felony convictions.

Desired Skills:

• Great Teamwork Skills

• Ability to Multi-task and switch "hats" quickly and easily

• Work schedule flexibility

• Maintain a level-headed demeanor in stressful situations

• Attention to detail - maintain high standards

• Exceptional time management and prioritization skills

• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully

• Interpersonal skills with fellow employees and guests

• Problem Solving skills - ability to find solutions to problems

• Ability to receive and adhere to feedback from supervisors

• Hazard Awareness

• The desire to join a fun and rewarding property and hospitality team, and to dedicate your time and energy to turning our guest ranch into an award-winning facility!