Cook

Job DetailsJob Location: SANTA MONICA, CA 90403Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $24.00 - $27.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: AnyJob Category: Restaurant - Food ServiceBring 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.

QualificationsRequired 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.