1

Amtrak Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Goleta, CA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Reach the airport, Amtrak station, and University of California-Santa Barbara in less than 10 ... As a Line Cook, you will deliver exceptional Guest Services as part of our Food & Beverage ...

Cook

Goleta, CA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Reach the airport, Amtrak station, and University of California-Santa Barbara in less than 10 ... As a Line Cook, you will deliver exceptional Guest Services as part of our Food & Beverage ...

Kitchen Supervisor

Goleta, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Reach the airport, Amtrak station, and University of California-Santa Barbara in less than 10 ... Cooking background preferred * Free-standing restaurant experience * Lead cook experience

Kitchen Supervisor

Goleta, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Reach the airport, Amtrak station, and University of California-Santa Barbara in less than 10 ... Cooking background preferred * Free-standing restaurant experience * Lead cook experience

Amtrak Cook information

What is an Amtrak cook?

An Amtrak Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals for passengers aboard Amtrak trains. They follow set recipes, ensure food quality and safety, and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen area. Cooks must work efficiently in a fast-paced, confined space while adhering to Amtrak's food service standards. Additionally, they may assist with inventory management and customer service to provide a positive dining experience for passengers.

What is a typical workday like for an Amtrak cook, and how does the onboard environment affect the role?

As an Amtrak Cook, your workday involves preparing and cooking meals for passengers while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety in a compact, moving kitchen. You'll collaborate closely with kitchen staff and onboard service crew to ensure meals are served efficiently and meet Amtrak’s quality standards. The train environment requires you to be especially adaptable, as you may encounter shifting schedules, limited storage, and the need to multitask during periods of high demand. This dynamic setting offers a unique mix of culinary challenges and customer interaction, making every day different and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Amtrak cook?

To thrive as an Amtrak Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience in high-volume food preparation, typically supported by a food handler’s certification or relevant hospitality training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and safe food storage techniques is important. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and excellent customer service help you stand out in this fast-paced, passenger-focused environment. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently while maintaining service quality in a unique, mobile setting.

Does Amtrak pay well?

Amtrak cooks typically earn wages that are competitive with similar food service roles in the transportation industry, with starting pay often around minimum wage and increasing with experience. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and union agreements, and benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans are usually included. Overall, pay for Amtrak cooks is considered moderate and reflects industry standards for passenger rail service positions.

What are popular job titles related to Amtrak Cook jobs in California?

For Amtrak Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Amtrak Cook jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Amtrak Cook jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Amtrak Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$21 - $27/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Craft dishes according to standard recipes or guest specifications.

  • Ensure proper product storage, portion control, and minimize spoilage and waste.

  • Maintain cleanliness and functionality of refrigeration, storage, and work areas.


Job description

Along Highway 1, our boutique hotel is 15 minutes from beaches, hiking trails, and downtown Santa Barbara. Reach the airport, Amtrak station, and University of California-Santa Barbara in less than 10 minutes. We’re a short drive from Sandpiper Golf Club, Lake Los Carneros, and Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove.

SPIRE Hospitality is a management company specializing in creating memorable guest experiences and delivering best-in-class service at our hotels and resorts across the country. We ensure you have the support, tools and opportunities you need to get the job done, grow as an individual, and excel in your hospitality career.


We offer a comprehensive full-time benefits package consisting of EARLY PAY OR EARNED WAGE ACCESS get paid before payday, dental, vision, pet discount program, identity theft protection, pre-paid legal support, flexible spending accounts, matched 401K, life, critical accident or illness, short- & long-term disability, paid time off, wellness programs, wonderful hotel discounts and much more.

As a Line Cook, you will deliver exceptional Guest Services as part of our Food & Beverage – Culinary team, responsible for all food preparation at the hotel. The Culinary team will play a crucial role in ensuring guest satisfaction by crafting unparalleled experiences from the moment guests enter the dining area. Your dedication to providing a visually appealing and delicious culinary experience will create memories that guests will cherish.

Essential Job Functions:
• Crafts dishes according to standard recipes or guest specifications
• Ensures meticulous product storage and precise portion control for each dish
• Minimizes spoilage and waste through effective product rotation
• Monitors food, produce, and cooking supply levels to facilitate timely reordering
• Maintains impeccable cleanliness and functionality of refrigeration, storage, and work areas

Compensation: $21 - $27/Hr depending on experience

Must be able to work AM and PM shifts.

Physical Demands:

• Lift, carry, push, or pull heavy loads weighing up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Sufficient manual dexterity to grasp and use all kitchen equipment

Qualifications:
Education:
• High school diploma or its equivalent
• Completion of Culinary or Apprenticeship Program preferred

Experience:
• Minimum of 1 year cook experience in hotel preferred
• Minimum of 1 year cook experience in a similar role, size of operation required
• Managers Food Handlers Certification required

*Spire Hospitality participates in E-Verify*


Spire Hospitality, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)


SPIRE HOSPITALITY logo

About SPIRE HOSPITALITY

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Spire Hospitality, situated in Irving, Texas, U.S, is recognized for its successful foray into the hospitality industry. It operates within the segment of hotel asset management, with a focus on renovating, rejuvenating and repositioning hotels. With roots stretching back to the formation of Lane Hospitality in 1980, the company officially took on the name Spire Hospitality in 2012. It boasts a diversely stocked portfolio of unique brands and independently recognized hotels spread across the U.S. The company's website, spirehotels.com, serves as a key interface for connecting with clients and communicating their commitment to creating exceptional environments for guests.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1986

Social media