Prep Cook

Job Description

Job Description

JOB POSTING – PREP COOK

ROLE

Prep Cook

LOCATION

Trailborn Highlands

96 Log Cabin Lane, Highlands, NC 28741

ABOUT

TRAILBORN

Trailborn was founded on a simple idea: Life Should Be an Adventure . We build design-forward, experiential hotels to pull people out of the daily grind and into the great outdoors. Our locations are at the heart of our country’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations—from national parks to wine country, and snow-capped mountains to sun-soaked beaches.

With five properties located in North America’s most iconic outdoor destinations, including Trailborn Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado; Trailborn Highlands in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; Trailborn Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona; and Trailborn Surf & Sound in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Trailborn brings thoughtfully designed, boutique accommodations to regions where nature and adventure converge. Additionally, Trailborn has a robust pipeline of properties opening in 2025 and 2026 including Mendocino, California.

ABOUT OUR VALUES

We believe in HEART – Honesty, Excellence, Action, Results and Team

ABOUT OUR ROLE

We are seeking prep cooks to join our team at Trailborn Highlands - Highlands Supper Club. As a Prep Cook, you will work closely with the HSC Team to ensure that all ingredients for meals are prepared in a timely and efficient manner.  All cooks are key members of our culinary team, responsible for making sure dishes go to our customers efficiently and correctly. This role involves a want to learn, being able to keep up with demand of the business, and teamwork. The ideal candidates will have a passion for culinary excellence, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ultimately, you will help us deliver an exceptional dining experience to our guests

ABOUT OUR ROLE

We’re seeking a dependable and skilled Prep Cook to support our kitchen team with high-quality prep work and consistent execution. This role is perfect for someone who’s passionate about the fundamentals and takes pride in being the backbone of the line.

The ideal candidate will have: 2–4 years of prep cooking experience

• Strong knowledge of fish and meat butchery, sauce and dressing prep, and sandwich production
• The ability to multitask and stay focused under pressure
• A clean, organized, and professional work style
• A hardworking mindset and positive, can-do attitude

ESSENTIAL

FUNCTIONS

• Preparing ingredients for dishes according to standards. 
• Maintaining a solid menu knowledge.
• Attention to detail.
• Effectively communicating with management and staff.
• Working as a team towards a collective goal.  
• Ensure Quality and Consistency. 
• Maintain Cleanliness and Safety. 
• Assist others with Cooking and Preparation. 
• Having a Positive Attitude.
• Read, measure, and executing recipes.
• Follow kitchen policies, procedures, and service standards.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment as required.
• Work safely to ensure company equipment is secure.
• Complete required training programs.
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work as needed.

PHYSICAL

REQUIREMENTS

• Standing and Walking : Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, typically 8-10 hours per shift.
• Lifting and Carrying : Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds, including pots, pans, and boxes of supplies. 
• Bending and Stooping : Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching to access ingredients, equipment, and storage areas. 
• Manual Dexterity : Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for chopping, slicing, and other food preparation tasks. 
• Heat Tolerance : Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment, often near ovens, stoves, and other heat sources. 
• Mobility : Ability to move quickly and efficiently around the kitchen, including navigating tight spaces. 
• Visual Acuity : Good vision for reading recipes, monitoring food quality, and ensuring proper presentation. 
• Communication : Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members, both verbally and in writing. 
• Endurance : Physical stamina to handle long shifts, often involving repetitive tasks and high-pressure situations.

UNIFORM

A uniform top is provided by the company for this position with required uniform guidelines.

ABOUT OUR

BENEFITS

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance with company contributions.
• Secure Your Future: 401(k) plan with a company match.
• Recharge & Grow: Enjoy paid time off and learning programs to advance your career.

Join us and thrive in a workplace that values you!

SCHEDULE

Hospitality demands a flexible schedule that may require extended hours as the business requires coverage including seasonality– on any day at any hour, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

SALARY

$18-$20 per hour

JOB STATUS

Full Time

FLSA

Non-Exempt (Hourly)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Trailborn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please inform us during your application process.

The specific statements shown in each section of this Job Description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The job’s responsibilities/tasks may be modified and/or expanded over time without prior notice. The Company will try to give as much notice as practical when changes are made.