Culinary Externship

Are you a culinary student seeking hands-on experience in an upscale kitchen? Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa offers a unique Culinary Externship Program, providing aspiring chefs the opportunity to train in a high-end, real-world environment. Situated on 6,500 acres of pristine Colorado wilderness, our resort features multiple dining venues, including Heck's Tavern, Ranch House Restaurant, Volario's, Café Giocondo, and our Banquets team. Externs will gain invaluable knowledge while enjoying the breathtaking mountain lifestyle, with access to year-round outdoor activities. Subsidized staff housing is available to qualified candidates.

Principle Purpose of Job

As a Culinary participant, your primary responsibility is to support our kitchen operations while gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of our experienced culinary team. You will rotate through various kitchen stations, assisting in food preparation, mise en place, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. This program is designed to develop your skills, broaden your culinary knowledge, and prepare you for future success in the hospitality industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with mise en place, including ingredient preparation, station setup, and organization.
• Support Line Cooks and Chefs in food preparation, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace, adhering to proper food safety and sanitation standards.
• Follow recipes and assist in plating dishes according to presentation guidelines.
• Properly store, date, and label ingredients to maintain freshness and compliance with health codes.
• Assist in inventory management and stocking of kitchen supplies.
• Participate in kitchen training sessions, learning techniques and skills from our culinary leaders.
• Work collaboratively with the kitchen team to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Complete assigned opening and closing side work duties.
• Uphold the Ranch’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.

• Currently enrolled in a culinary program or recent graduate seeking hands-on experience.
• ServSafe certification preferred but not required.
• Passionate about food and eager to learn in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to take direction.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to lift 20-30 lbs and stand for long periods of time.

Compensation Description:

$18.00 – 20.00/hr Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits and Perks:

• 152 hours of Paid Time Off if FT, Year-Round employment status.
• Affordable housing options are available for employees working a minimum of 35 hours per week, based on availability.
Health, Dental & Life & Vision Insurances, plus 401k Employer Match of up to $2,000 annually
• -if FT, Year-Round employment status.
• Wellness Program opportunities including meditation, complimentary daily Yoga, trail running, and mountain-biking workshops.
• 25% discounts at all Devil's Thumb Ranch restaurants, activities including Trail Rides, and Spa Treatments.
• Discounted Winter Park Ski Resort season pass (available annually in season) or 1/2 price Grand Park Rec Center Pass.
• Referral bonus of $250 if we hire someone you refer.

Due to the nature of our 24-hour operation, there is no guaranteed work schedule. Managers will try to accommodate specific schedule requests, but they are never guaranteed if business volume prohibits.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.