Spend your winter working under the blue skies of Arizona at our Historic Guest Ranch

The Ranch Cook position at Circle Z for our season 2026/2027 begins September 29,2026 and ends late-April 2026.

Circle Z Ranch is seeking a Ranch Cook that can meet our high standards of delicious, homemade meals while incorporating their own recipes and flair. We serve a variety of cuisines and special diets including, but not limited to, Hypoallergenic, Vegan, Vegetarian, Asian, Mexican, and Italian. We provide an assortment of tried and true Circle Z recipes that are the building blocks for your weekly menus.

The Ranch Cook position will require exceptional communication and organization skills, as well as the ability to perform multiple culinary tasks including cooking, baking, prepping, and planning.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare meals for ranch guests and staff (30 - 45 individuals)

• Prepare baked goods for guests

• Prepare food for cantina and cookout rides

• Prepare other assigned meals as directed

• Ensure proper presentation of meals

• Serve meals to guests and answer food inquiries

• Communicate goals and expectations with other kitchen staff

• Plan menu with supervisor

• Comply with Santa Cruz County Health Department requirements

• Review food costs with supervisor and maintain budgetary expectations

• Plan and communicate inventory needs with cooks and supervisor

• Check the quality of food and supplies

• Responsible for kitchen cleanliness including washing of pots and pans in cook cleaning station

• Keep walk-in and dry storage organized and clean

• Leave kitchen clean and ready for the next shift

• Efficiently adjust to last-minute changes

• Attend staff and department meetings
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Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED

• 3-5 years of experience cooking as a lead or second cook in guest ranches or restaurants

• Culinary Arts certificate

• Catering experience

• Ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing

• Ability to use technology to communicate, plan, and order provisions

• Excellent physical condition and stamina to work irregular and long hours

• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs

• Food Handler’s Certificate (Circle Z Ranch will provide this training if hired)

Working Conditions for the Cook position include:

• Standing for long periods of time, lifting, reaching, stooping

• Working with and around sharp kitchen implements, appliances, and equipment

• Working with and around high temperatures from ovens, stoves, grills, and other kitchen appliances

• Working weekends, nights, and holidays

• Extended periods of work without time off may be required

The specific requirements, duties, and skills set forth in this job description are intended to be all-inclusive as of date this document is prepared. Circle Z Ranch reserves the right to modify this job description at any time. This job description may not contain all the duties you may be asked to perform during the period you work at the ranch. Further, the job description is not a guarantee that you will perform any of these duties.

Job Type: Seasonal