Job Description

Job Location: SANTA MONICA, CA 90403,

Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School,

Salary Range: $25.00 - $26.00 Hourly,

Travel Percentage: None,

Job Shift: Any,

Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service, Bring your passion for food to the coast.

Step into a rewarding culinary role at Hotel Oceana Santa Monica, ranked the #1 hotel in Los Angeles by Travel + Leisure. Following a $35 million transformation, our intimate, all-suite oceanfront hotel continues to set the standard for refined luxury and personalized service.

We’re seeking a skilled and motivated Cook who takes pride in delivering exceptional dining experiences—from our restaurant to in-room service. If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen and value quality, creativity, and teamwork, we’d love to meet you.

About the Role

As a Cook, you are essential to our kitchen operations, ensuring every dish meets our high standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and standards
• Set up, maintain, and clean workstations throughout service
• Operate kitchen equipment safely (grills, ovens, fryers, etc.)
• Execute orders accurately and efficiently in a high-volume environment
• Plate and present dishes with attention to detail
• Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards
• Assist with inventory management and proper food storage
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations
• Contribute ideas for menu enhancements and seasonal specials

What You Bring

• Minimum 1 year of cooking or prep experience
• Passion for food quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction
• Ability to stay organized and perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Reliable, punctual, and professional demeanor
• Valid California Food Handler Card (required)
• Hotel or fine dining experience (preferred)

Schedule & Expectations

• Full-time schedule based on business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Maintain a professional appearance in accordance with hotel grooming standards

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Basic life insurance
• 401(k) with auto-enrollment after 60 days
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave and holidays*

Why Oceana

Hotel Oceana Santa Monica offers a boutique environment with hands-on leadership, personalized service, and opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and excellence. If you take pride in delivering thoughtfully executed luxury hospitality, we invite you to apply.

Apply today—and watch your phone and email for next steps in our hiring process.

*New employees accrue 40 hours of vacation in the first year and earn 80 hours of paid sick leave per year. Eligible employees also receive holiday pay (if working) or paid holidays (if scheduled off) for six holidays each year.

Qualifications: Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong commitment to food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks
• Clear communication and teamwork skills
• Reliability, punctuality, and accountability
• Professional conduct with integrity and respect for others

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of one year of experience as a cook, prep cook, or similar role
• Valid California Food Handler Card or equivalent certification required
• Hotel or fine dining experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Expected work hours: Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed
• Travel: None
• Work environment and physical demands:
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to push or pull equipment up to 100 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work in varying temperatures (e.g., freezers and hot kitchens)
• Manual dexterity to operate kitchen tools and equipment
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs as needed
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position is classified as nonexempt and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The company complies with all wage and hour laws, including those related to meal and rest periods.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties or responsibilities. Responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Hotel Oceana Santa Monica is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics under federal, state, and local law. We consider all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable laws, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.