AM Line Cook - Horn & Cantle - Summer Season 2025

Lone Mountain Ranch (LMR), situated on 148 acres in beautiful Big Sky, Montana, was first homesteaded in 1915 and has long been recognized as one of the premier guest ranch resorts in the country. The property consists of 30 rooms located within 24 unique cabins as well as the Horn & Cantle Restaurant and Saloon, the Ranch Hall, the Outpost, equestrian facilities, event venues and meeting spaces. A National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, LMR is listed on the National Registry of the Historic Places, a member of the Dude Rancher’s Association, and once voted the #1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America by Cross Country Skier Magazine, LMR offers authentic luxury accommodations, genuine Montana cuisine, exceptional service, and a stunning array of outdoor recreational pursuits. Combine these attributes with proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort, as well as Bozeman Airport, and we believe the LMR guest experience is unlike any other in the American West.

LMR VISION

Lone Mountain Ranch is a destination where guests disconnect from the world, while connecting with others through unforgettable adventures in a natural setting. Moments are crafted through discovery, exceptional people, fun activities, and a breathtaking environment.

SUMMARY 

The AM Line Cook is essential to our breakfast and lunch operations, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience as our guests start their day. In addition to preparing plated dishes, this role also oversees the preparation and maintenance of breakfast and lunch buffets, ensuring that all offerings are fresh, visually appealing, and consistently stocked. The AM Line Cook’s role is vital in ensuring the kitchen is organized and ready for smooth, efficient service, delivering a memorable culinary experience from morning through midday. 

The ideal candidate will have a passion for breakfast and lunch cuisine and buffet presentation, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and cleanliness. Experience in high-end, full-service kitchens is preferred, especially in buffet-style service. This individual should be adept at managing early and midday service demands with poise, efficiency, and a welcoming attitude. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prepare and deliver high-quality breakfast and lunch items, including buffet offerings, following established menu specifications and presentation standards.
• Set up and maintain well-stocked breakfast and lunch buffets, ensuring all items are attractively displayed, replenished as needed, and maintained at safe serving temperatures.
• Coordinate line stations for plated service and buffets, keeping all areas well-supplied to ensure a seamless dining experience.
• Complete prep lists and organize supplies to maintain readiness for each meal period, as well as the following day’s early shift.
• Follow kitchen checklists and protocols for setup and transitions between breakfast, buffet, and lunch service.
• Work closely with servers and buffet attendants to ensure timely, accurate food service, addressing guests’ dietary needs, preferences, and allergies.
• Consistently adhere to portion sizes, cooking methods, and quality standards for both plated dishes and buffet items, using recipes and utensils accurately.
• Prevent food spoilage and contamination by following strict sanitation and health regulations, particularly on the buffet line.
• Conduct regular checks of food temperatures and presentation on buffets, as well as taste tests to ensure quality and consistency.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in kitchen facilities and buffet areas, especially during and after high-traffic breakfast periods.
• Participate in daily cleaning tasks, focusing on equipment and stations used during early shifts and buffet service.
• Promptly report maintenance or repair needs to the Chef de Cuisine or Executive Chef.
• Build positive relationships with kitchen and front-of-house team members, contributing to a supportive morning team environment.
• Participate in training and development programs to expand culinary skills, particularly in breakfast and lunch cuisine and buffet presentation.
• Interact professionally with guests and colleagues, contributing to a welcoming morning atmosphere.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and service standards throughout AM and midday service.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Culinary experience in high-volume, upscale breakfast and lunch service, with buffet experience preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Food handler certification.
• Proficiency in knife skills and morning-specific kitchen equipment.
• Ability to multitask effectively during breakfast and lunch rushes, particularly in buffet setup and maintenance, and build positive rapport with morning staff.
• Proficient in basic computer skills for kitchen operations, including email and kitchen-specific software.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a focus on efficiency and quality in early-day service.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Operate in a fast-paced kitchen environment, managing the unique demands of breakfast and lunch service and buffet upkeep.
• Adapt to task changes and interruptions during busy morning hours.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Physical requirements include the ability to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Seasonal employment may apply, with reapplication required at the end of the seasonal period if continued employment is desired.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time or without notice.  

Seasonal employees are hired to work for a pre-determined period of less than 12 months. At the end of the temporary period, employment is terminated. If a seasonal employee wishes to be considered for future employment, they may reapply but will be considered a new employee for all purposes. 

HOURLY EMPLOYEE & SEASONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

In addition to a great hourly wage, we think Lone Mountain Ranch offers more opportunities than most!

• Seasonal Bonus Program:
  • All hourly employees will be able to participate in our seasonal bonus program.  Each hourly employee will receive $1 per hour worked per season and $1.50 per overtime hour worked. Employees who are terminated or resign from their position before the end of each season, will not be able to participate in this program. If the season is cut short due to business levels, the employee will still participate in this program.  Positions that are contracted at a shorter term, like the Outdoor Youth Adventures program, this employee will be able to participate in this program.  All hours worked outside of these seasonal ranges will not apply to this bonus program. 
• Staff Cafeteria:
  • We also want to keep you hydrated and nourished. You will have access to our staff cafeteria which provides 3 meals a day, as well as a large selection of grab and go items to suit anyone’s day.
• Ranch Gratuity:
  • In addition to your hourly rate, you will receive a ranch gratuity unique to us.
• Ranch Wide Activities:
  • We also understand that every full work week requires a little me time. And what better way to unwind than to take advantage of the many summer activities the ranch has to offer? If there are openings, you have free access to the following in the summer season: horseback riding, Outdoor Youth Adventures Program, Yellowstone National Park Tours, yoga, and mountain biking.  During the winter months, you will have access to 50 Miles of world renown cross country ski trails right outside your back door.
• Discounted stay in the cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch: 
  • If you book a cabin in advance, you will receive 25% off the current best available rate. Alternatively, if you wait until 14 days before your stay, you can book at a special employee rate of $100 per room, per night, meaning a one-bedroom cabin costs $100 per night and a two-bedroom cabin costs $200 per night. Please note, this rate does not include taxes, fees, and gratuities. This discounted rate is exclusively for employees and applies to the Bed & Breakfast package. All requests will be reviewed by Auric Road. Requests will be reviewed Monday - Friday. Once approved, the employee will be contacted, and the booking will be processed with the Lead Sales & Reservation Agent. Requests are based on availability. Blackout dates do apply. 
• Arrival
  • While we know that we are in one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in America, we also know we are a little off the beaten path. The ranch will provide complimentary transportation to and from the airport, should you come to us by air. 
• Uniforms:
  • Receive free uniforms from the ranch and you’re ready to become a valuable member of the Lone Mountain Ranch team!
• Opportunity to move to Full-Time, Regular Status and receive additional benefits.
  • If you remain with us for 1 full year and worked a minimum of 1560 hours during our 12-month lookback period (that takes place at the end of each year), you are eligible to move to full-time status. Full-time status means Vacation and Sick pay, medical, dental, life and vision insurance. This will be effective the first of the month following 30 days of your full-time employment hire date or status. The Ranch will pay for 80% of the premiums for employees and any dependents. Employees will be responsible for paying the remaining 20% of the premiums. Payment is deducted automatically from the employee’s semi- monthly paycheck at a pre-taxed rate.