Food Production Worker

Food Production Worker | Turn Great Preparation Into Exceptional Dining Are you an experienced food production professional who takes pride in quality, consistency, and keeping a kitchen running smoothly? We are looking for a Food Production Worker who can independently manage food preparation responsibilities, maintain high culinary standards, and help the team deliver exceptional meal service. In this role, you will coordinate assigned food production, prepare a variety of menu items, monitor quality and food safety standards, and help less-experienced associates succeed. You’ll play an important role in supporting Western States Lodging & Management’s mission of “Serving You Like Family.” What’s in it for you- Compensation & Benefits Competitive Pay - hourly. The starting rate is based on experience and qualifications. This position participates in our compensation program, which provides opportunities for future pay growth based on performance and career development. 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% Hotel discounts at select Western States Lodging & Management properties Eligible full-time associates are entitled to the following: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans plus Health Savings Account (HSA) options Optional supplemental benefits, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and other coverage options. Personal Time Off (PTO) and Vacation benefits What You'll Do Independently prepare a variety of food items according to standardized recipes, menus, production schedules, and established quality standards. Review menus and production requirements to determine the appropriate quantities of food, ingredients, and supplies needed for scheduled meal periods. Organize daily food preparation to ensure items are completed efficiently and ready for service on time. Monitor food throughout production for proper taste, texture, smell, appearance, portioning, and temperature. Identify potential production issues and communicate needed adjustments or substitutions to the Executive Chef. Coordinate assigned food preparation with meal serving hours to maintain freshness, quality, temperature, and presentation. Assist with portioning, plating, and serving food before and during meal periods. Follow and reinforce proper procedures for food storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control, and handling. Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, infection control, and loss prevention standards. Use food products, equipment, and supplies efficiently to help control costs and minimize unnecessary waste. Monitor assigned inventory and communicate anticipated shortages or production needs to culinary leadership. Maintain accurate menus, recipes, production records, temperature logs, and other required documentation. Support opening, closing, cleaning, and sanitation responsibilities within assigned food production areas. Assist less-experienced associates with recipes, preparation techniques, equipment use, sanitation procedures, and production expectations. Help identify opportunities to improve kitchen organization, production efficiency, food quality, and consistency. Communicate effectively with culinary and service teams to support smooth and timely meal service. Respond professionally to changing production needs, special requests, and service priorities. What Makes You Successful High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 1–2 years of experience in food preparation, cooking, or food production, preferably preparing a broad range of menu items. Demonstrated ability to independently follow standardized recipes and production schedules. Working knowledge of food preparation techniques, portion control, food safety, sanitation, and temperature requirements. Food Handler Permit or certification as required by state or local regulations. SERV Safe certification preferred or required based on property needs. Availability to work weekends, holidays, mornings, evenings, or other shifts as business needs require. Food production is organized, efficient, and consistently completed on schedule; meals meet established standards for taste, temperature, appearance, portioning, and quality; food safety and sanitation expectations are consistently followed; waste and unnecessary costs are minimized; and culinary associates look to you as a dependable resource who helps the entire team deliver an exceptional dining experience. Why Join Western States Lodging & Management? Western States Lodging & Management is a leading property management company with a diverse portfolio that includes nationally recognized hotel brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, Legacy Senior Living communities , and Nxt multifamily apartment communities throughout the western United States. Our mission is simple: Serving You Like Family. That commitment extends beyond our guests and residents—it defines how we treat our associates and business partners. We believe that great people build great communities, which is why we invest in our team through meaningful work, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for long-term career growth. At Western States Lodging & Management, we encourage every team member to serve as an Ambassador of our values, a trusted Consultant who brings knowledge and solutions, a Collaborator who builds strong relationships through teamwork, and a Coach who is passionate and empowers others to learn, grow, and succeed. Whether you’re launching your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find a workplace where your contributions are valued, your ideas are welcomed, and your potential is supported every step of the way. #J-18808-Ljbffr