Seasonal Cook at Hunting Ranch - Wheaton Creek Ranch

Who We Are

Wheaton Creek Ranch (WCR) is a family-owned working ranch that has been managed primarily for wildlife for more than thirty years. We offer our retreat facilities to the public as well as all inclusive services for hunting for elk, deer, antelope, and bear. We care about sustainable ranching, ethical hunting, and thoughtful conservation.

Our wild, natural habitat is situated in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Region of Northern New Mexico. The area teems with wildlife, stretching over 37,000 acres (15,000 private and 22,000 State Trust) in the Rocky Mountains.

Aside from the ranch's vast beauty, we have facilities and cottage industries that support our community, including cattle ranching, hunting, forestry, lumber milling, lodge and room rentals, retreats, camping and more.

We are a community of people who value remote living in the natural world. We are committed to living in harmony with each other and the abundant plant and animal life here. Our values include, but are not limited to, Humility, Hospitality, Honesty, and Happiness. As we’re growing our team/community, we’re seeking folks who not only share these values but are also positive, hard-working, team players. 
 

Position Summary

As the Seasonal Cook at Wheaton Creek Ranch, your primary responsibility will be providing high-quality meals and exceptional dining experiences for guests, hunters, and staff. Alongside preparing and cooking meals during the hunting season and other seasonal retreats, you will also carry out food ordering and collaborate with other staff members to ensure a positive guest experience. Additionally, when not engaged in cooking or meal management, you may be tasked with supporting other customer service duties, such as welcoming guests to the Ranch.

 A more detailed description of our unique operation:

During hunt season September to end of January, we operate a small but quality hunting lodge. We host 4-6 hunters at a time, their guides 2-6, and at times, family and friends that accompany the hunters. Groups can range from 6 to 16 ( on a few occasions we can have more ), Average is about 12 per group( but we cook more to entice community members to help in the kitchen.) 

We serve brunch and dinner meals with serve yourself continental breakfast and soup and bread type snack mid day -. Guides assist with serving and cleanup. 

It is a small operation. For an experienced and organized cook/chef it goes very easily. Your job would be to fully care for the guests food needs. This includes creating the menu, shopping, cooking, and serving. Guides and other staff generally assist with serving and cleanup when needed. We work as a community and pitch in to help each other

A day looks pretty much like this. Arrive in the morning in time to clean up after the continental breakfast, prepare and serve brunch around 10:30 and clean up. Prep for dinner to be served around 8pm. (This changes according to time of year. September is around 9, January around 6;30). Take a break sometime between 1 and 5 and return to cook and serve dinner. Guides help serve, clean up and put out the continental breakfast. They assist the hunters in the early morning so you can sleep in. Then repeat. 

Basically, you are providing 2 main full service meals each for 6 to 15 people a day with self service breakfast and lunch snack/soup. Hunters often leave once they kill out and most of the time you are cooking for less and less folks as the hunt progresses. January hunts are 3 day cow hunts and those kill out the quickest. 

Compensation is mostly tip generated that generally range from $1000 - $2000 a 5 day hunt. We have 3 to 4 hunts a month, except January cow hunts which we have 5, tips are less per group, but generally evens out with greater numbers with the benefit that many leave pretty quick.  Base salary is $2,000 a month with quality lodging, utilities and fiber optic internet. If you are good at what you do and hunters feel well taken care of, tips can be generous! Expect $6,000 Total a month and be happy for much more if you do a great job.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare menus, taking into account dietary preferences, allergies, and special requests.
• Order and purchase food supplies, ingredients, and kitchen equipment as needed.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and preparation of food items to maintain quality and safety standards as well as minimize waste.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and dining areas, adhering to health and sanitation regulations.

• Coordinate meal service timing to ensure timely delivery of meals.
• Ensure food quality and presentation, making adjustments as necessary to meet standards.

• Provide exceptional guest experiences by delivering friendly, attentive, and efficient service.
• Anticipate and fulfill guest needs and preferences, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction.

• Work collaboratively with other staff members, including hunt guides that can help with serving and cleanup, to ensure smooth operation of meal service.
• Communicate effectively with ranch management and staff to coordinate schedules, menus, and special events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a cook or chef in a restaurant, lodge, or similar hospitality setting preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of cooking techniques, recipes, and menu planning.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
• Comfort working in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, and noise.

Living On the Ranch

With access to 36,000 acres of wilderness, we see living at the ranch as a privilege! As part of our team, you’ll get:

• Year-round quality housing & utilities including high-speed internet
• Food provided during  hunts you are guiding or assisting with
• Access to the wilderness for personal recreation, including mountain biking, hiking, camping, etc. 

Please note that we operate as a drug free/smoke free workplace. Smoking is not allowed on the Ranch property. While we have vehicles for the Ranch, employees must have their own personal vehicle to travel from the ranch to the local town for personal needs.
 

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. 

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

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