Sous Chef - 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 

We are seeking an accomplished and driven Sous Chef to collaborate closely with our Executive Chef in leading the culinary team and delivering exceptional dining experiences. The ideal candidate will possess a strong culinary foundation, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for creating innovative, high-quality dishes that delight our guests. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to upholding the highest standards, the Sous Chef will play a pivotal role in menu development, kitchen management, and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment. 

Our ideal Sous Chef thrives in a dynamic kitchen setting, inspires excellence in their team, and excels under pressure. They possess the ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a positive attitude and a focus on quality and efficiency. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist the Executive Chef in menu planning and design, ensuring the creation of dishes that showcase exceptional flavor, presentation, and quality.
• Oversee and supervise kitchen staff, including cooks and dishwashers, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Provide hands-on training to kitchen staff, modeling proper techniques and procedures.
• Manage food preparation and production to ensure consistent portion sizes, adherence to recipes, and timely service.
• Monitor kitchen operations to ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Maintain organized and adequately stocked kitchen stations, restocking as necessary to avoid disruptions during service.
• Conduct daily inspections to ensure cleanliness and proper maintenance of equipment, reporting any issues to the Executive Chef.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on inventory management, ordering supplies, and minimizing waste.
• Prepare prep lists and ensure kitchen checklists are completed accurately by the end of each shift.
• Address and accommodate special dietary requests, allergies, and guest preferences with care and precision.
• Uphold consistent quality by regularly tasting dishes, checking temperatures, and adjusting as necessary.
• Assist in creating and maintaining cleaning schedules, ensuring thorough cleanliness throughout the kitchen and storage areas.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and professionalism within the culinary team.
• Actively participate in training and development opportunities for continuous growth and improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Proven culinary experience, preferably in a high-volume, full-service restaurant or completion of a recognized culinary program.
• Food handler certification and strong knowledge of food safety standards.
• Proficiency in knife skills and operation of kitchen equipment.
• Exceptional multitasking abilities and composure under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with diverse personalities.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, including preparing reports and engaging with team members and guests.
• Competence in basic computer programs, including email and kitchen management software.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Fast-paced kitchen environment requiring flexibility, focus, and the ability to manage interruptions.
• May require working nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
• Must handle constructive feedback professionally and adapt to evolving operational demands.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

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.