Food Production Worker

Food Production Worker | Turn Great Preparation Into Exceptional DiningAre you an experienced culinary professional who knows how to keep food production organized, efficient, and consistently high quality? We are looking for a Food Production Worker who can take ownership of complex food preparation, anticipate production needs, maintain exceptional quality standards, and serve as a trusted resource for the culinary team.In this role, you will help coordinate daily food production, troubleshoot operational challenges, support and mentor other associates, and ensure every meal reflects Western States Lodging & Management's commitment to quality and our mission of "Serving You Like Family."What's in it for you- Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive Pay - $16 – 18 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 propertiesMedical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans plus Health Savings Account (HSA) optionsOptional supplemental benefits, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and other coverage options.Personal Time Off (PTO) and Vacation benefitsWhat You'll DoIndependently prepare and execute a broad range of menu items according to standardized recipes, menus, production schedules, and established quality standards.Review menus, anticipated meal counts, recipes, and production requirements to determine appropriate quantities of food, ingredients, and supplies.Help coordinate daily food production priorities to ensure preparation is completed efficiently and according to service schedules.Anticipate production needs and proactively communicate shortages, timing concerns, equipment issues, or other challenges to culinary leadership.Monitor food throughout production for proper taste, texture, aroma, appearance, portioning, temperature, and overall quality.Troubleshoot food production and quality concerns and make appropriate adjustments within established culinary standards.Coordinate preparation with scheduled meal periods to maintain freshness, temperature, presentation, and service quality.Assist with executing special events, high-volume meal periods, special menus, and other complex food production needs.Ensure substitutions or significant changes to established recipes are reviewed and approved by culinary leadership.Monitor proper food storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control, handling, and sanitation practices throughout assigned production areas.Follow and reinforce food safety, sanitation, infection control, workplace safety, and loss prevention procedures.Promote responsible use of ingredients, supplies, and equipment to help control food costs and minimize waste.Monitor assigned inventory and communicate ordering, replenishment, or production needs to the Executive Chef.Maintain accurate recipes, menus, production records, temperature logs, and other required food service documentation.Serve as a resource to other food production associates regarding recipes, preparation methods, equipment operation, food safety, sanitation, and production standards.What Makes You SuccessfulHigh school diploma or equivalent preferred.3+ years of experience in food preparation, cooking, or food production, including experience preparing a broad range of menu items.Advanced working knowledge of food preparation techniques, standardized recipes, portion control, food safety, sanitation, and temperature requirements.Demonstrated ability to independently organize and execute multiple food production responsibilities.Ability to anticipate production needs and effectively troubleshoot quality, timing, and workflow concerns.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.You Know You're Successful When...Food production consistently runs smoothly and according to schedule; meals meet high standards for taste, temperature, appearance, portioning, and consistency; potential production challenges are identified and addressed before they affect service; food safety and sanitation standards are consistently maintained; waste and unnecessary costs are minimized; and culinary associates recognize you as a knowledgeable, dependable resource who helps elevate the performance of the entire team.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.Apply today and discover why thousands of associates have chosen Western States as the place to build a meaningful career.