Culinary Specialist

Culinary Specialist

FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER invites applicants for the position of Culinary Specialist. This position requires a high-impact, hospitality-focused culinary professional responsible for creating exceptional dining experiences for overnight guests staying at the Lodge and Safari Camp. The Culinary Specialist is responsible for preparing the complimentary continental breakfast offerings, lunches, elevated buffet or plated dinners, and special event meals while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and food safety. Working collaboratively with the Lodgings leadership team, this position oversees the day-to-day culinary operation including menu development, inventory management, purchasing, food safety, and the continuous improvement of the dining program. The Culinary Specialist is responsible for ensuring all food is prepared, stocked, and ready for service.

Essential Responsibilities

• Culinary Operations
  • Plan, prepare, and execute high-quality breakfast, lunch, dinner and special event meals based on occupancy forecasts, guest counts, dietary needs, and operational requirements.
  • Prepare and stage the complimentary continental breakfast for service.
  • Develop and continuously improve seasonal menus and culinary offerings that complement the overnight guest experience.
  • Coordinate menus and meal service with the Lodgings Manager for VIP guests, buyouts, special events, and seasonal programming.
  • Accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and special requests.
  • Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and portion control.
• Food Safety
  • Possess or obtain Texas Food Manager Certification.
  • Maintain compliance with all applicable health, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure proper food temperatures, storage, preparation, and service procedures.
  • Maintain clean and sanitized kitchen, workstations, equipment, utensils, and serving areas.
  • Be actively involved with Fossil Rim's Food Safety Committee.
• Guest Experience
  • Deliver a dining experience consistent with Fossil Rim's hospitality standards.
  • Professionally engage with guests and respond to questions, requests, and dining concerns.
  • Support celebrations, VIP experiences, and special occasions.
  • Evaluate guest feedback and recommend improvements to menus, presentation, and service.
• Department Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with the Lodgings Manager and other department leaders.
  • Participate in daily operational planning, occupancy discussions, and special event coordination.
  • Communicate inventory needs, purchasing requirements, and operational concerns proactively.
  • Participate constructively in meetings, planning sessions, and departmental initiatives.
  • Assist in training culinary support staff as assigned.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and support of Fossil Rim's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and departmental goals.

Other Responsibilities

• Present world-class customer service through professionalism, helpfulness, and hospitality.
• Maintain current knowledge of Lodge operations, Safari Camp operations, special events, and departmental procedures.
• Ensure adherence to the Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, departmental SOPs, and all Fossil Rim policies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding guests, staff, and organizational operations.
• Be a part of Fossil Rim's Food Safety and Health Standards Committee.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualities Required

• Previous culinary experience in a hotel, resort, restaurant, catering, country club, or similar hospitality environment preferred.
• Texas Food Manager Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
• Experience preparing meals for groups of up to 70 guests preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety, inventory management, purchasing, and food cost control.
• Creative approach to menu planning and food presentation.
• Professional appearance, dependability, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a leadership team.
• The availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

Physical Requirements

• Be able to stand for extended periods.
• Be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Be able to bend, kneel, reach, and climb stairs as necessary.
• Work safely around commercial kitchen equipment, hot surfaces, cleaning chemicals, and outdoor serving environments.

Position Specs

A full-time exempt position, typically requiring a minimum of a 40-hour work week. Flexibility is required based on occupancy, special events, and operational needs. Additional hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required to support the operational needs of the Lodgings Department.