Chef

Chef | Serve with Heart. Cook with Purpose.

Great food can make a meaningful difference in someone's day. As a Chef, you'll help create delicious, nutritious meals that bring residents together and make our community feel like home. From preparing daily favorites to accommodating special dietary needs, you'll play an important role in creating dining experiences our residents can look forward to.

If you have kitchen experience, take pride in the food you prepare, and enjoy serving others, we'd love to have you join our culinary team.

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

• Prepare high-quality meals using standardized recipes while meeting our standards for taste, appearance, portioning, temperature, and presentation.
• Prepare a variety of menu items while following established production schedules to ensure meals are ready and served on time.
• Assist with meal planning and determine the food, ingredients, and supplies needed to support daily menus.
• Retrieve and organize necessary food and supplies from storage areas in advance of meal preparation.
• Prepare meals according to established menus and obtain supervisor approval before making food substitutions.
• Prepare special meals and accommodate resident dietary needs as directed.
• Monitor food throughout preparation and service for quality, taste, aroma, appearance, and proper temperature.
• Follow recipes and portion guidelines to provide residents with consistent quality and presentation.
• Properly receive, store, rotate, label, and organize food products and supplies.
• Use food, supplies, ingredients, and kitchen equipment responsibly to help control waste and food costs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation environment.
• Follow proper food handling, sanitation, infection control, safety, and loss-prevention procedures.

What Makes You Successful

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Culinary arts education or training from a vocational school, community college, or similar program is a plus.
• 1–3 years of kitchen or culinary experience preferred, including experience as a cook, line cook, prep cook, or similar position.
• Experience preparing a variety of menu items in a senior living, healthcare, restaurant, hospitality, or similar food-service environment is a plus.
• Current Food Handler's Permit as required.
• Basic knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to providing consistently high-quality meals.
• Ability to communicate positively and professionally with residents, guests, supervisors, and fellow associates.
• Ability to safely lift and handle up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to frequently stand, bend, stoop, reach, and perform other physical activities required in a commercial kitchen.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

You Know You're Successful When…

Residents look forward to mealtime because the food is consistently fresh, flavorful, attractive, and prepared with care. Meals are ready on schedule, special dietary needs are handled accurately, the kitchen remains clean and organized, and food safety standards are followed every day. You work collaboratively with the culinary and dining teams, minimize unnecessary waste, and take pride in creating dining experiences that help residents feel comfortable, cared for, and at home.

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.