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Ranch Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Big Sky, MT

$55K - $74K/yr

Lone Mountain Ranch Located in Big Sky, Montana, Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch ... As Sous Chef, you'll work alongside the Executive Chef to lead daily kitchen operations, develop an ...

Sous Chef

Philipsburg, MT · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The Sous Chef is a key leader in upholding The Ranch's commitment to culinary excellence, staff development, and guest satisfaction. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Directs and manages all phases of daily ...

Head Chef / Kitchen Manager - Lucky T Ranch Restaurant Lucky T Ranch Restaurant | Gustine, TX Full-Time | Competitive Salary Job Summary Lucky T Ranch Restaurant is seeking an experienced Head Chef ...

Sous Chef

Lenox, MA

$28 - $29.12/hr

Canyon Ranch has imparted integrative expertise to millions of guests, with established wellness ... Demonstrated experience in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role, ideally within a hospitality ...

Chef de Cuisine

Napa, CA

$86K - $118K/yr

Stanly Ranch - a land that was established with legacy in mind and furthers its progression now ... The CDC works closely with the Executive Chef to bring Bear's culinary vision to life while ...

As a member of the Post Ranch Inn and Sierra Mar Management Team, the Chef de Cuisine helps lead the culinary operations and menu development that support an exceptional dining experience. This role ...

As a member of the Post Ranch Inn and Sierra Mar Management Team, the Chef de Cuisine helps lead the culinary operations and menu development that support an exceptional dining experience. This role ...

On-Call Chef

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Wing & Barrel Ranch is a privately-owned hunting and sporting lifestyle club located on 1,000 acres ... For more information, visit The on-call Chef supports the culinary team by assisting with food ...

Ranch House Restaurant, offering a refined dining experience grounded in rustic elegance, local ingredients, and seasonal innovation, and mountain-style warmth. Both restaurants are cornerstones of ...

Overview Canyon Ranch has been redefining wellness travel and transformative hospitality for more ... Demonstrated experience in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role, ideally within a hospitality ...

Sous Chef

Lenox, MA

$28 - $29.12/hr

Canyon Ranch has imparted integrative expertise to millions of guests, with established wellness ... Demonstrated experience in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role, ideally within a hospitality ...

Sous Chef

Philipsburg, MT · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The Sous Chef is a key leader in upholding The Ranch's commitment to culinary excellence, staff development, and guest satisfaction. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Directs and manages all phases of daily ...

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Ranch Chef information

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$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do ranch chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for ranch chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ranch Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ranch Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning experience, and knowledge of food safety regulations, often supported by relevant culinary certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and sometimes outdoor cooking tools is highly beneficial. Excellent organizational skills, adaptability, and clear communication are essential for handling diverse tasks and coordinating with ranch staff. These skills ensure efficient meal preparation, high food quality, and smooth operations in a rural, often resource-limited environment.

What is a Ranch Chef job?

A Ranch Chef is responsible for preparing meals on a ranch, often cooking for ranch owners, staff, and sometimes guests. They create hearty, nutritious dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often in a rustic or outdoor setting. Duties may include menu planning, sourcing ingredients, cooking, and maintaining a clean kitchen. Some Ranch Chefs also cater to dietary needs and seasonal availability. The role requires culinary skills, adaptability, and an understanding of ranching culture.

What are the main challenges a Ranch Chef might face in a ranch setting?

Ranch Chefs often work in remote locations where supplies and resources may be limited, so creative problem-solving and flexibility are essential. You may need to adapt menus based on seasonal availability or unexpected deliveries and be prepared to serve hearty meals to large groups at variable times during busy seasons. The work environment can require long hours and multitasking, especially during special events or roundups. However, this role also offers close collaboration with ranch owners and staff, fostering a strong sense of community and a unique, rewarding culinary experience.

More about Ranch Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Ranch Chef jobs? Cities with the most Ranch Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ranch Chef jobs? The most popular types of Ranch Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Ranch Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Ranch Chef jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ranch Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Ranch Chef - Oasis at Death Valley

Xanterra Travel Collection

Death Valley, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Xanterra Travel Collection rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 108 rated hotels


Job description

Overview

Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Food & Beverage team at the Oasis at Death Valley!


The Oasis at Death Valley is situated in a lush, spring-fed desert oasis, surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park. The Oasis operates the historic AAA Four Diamond Inn and Ranch, restaurants, gift shops, and the world's lowest elevation golf course. Both hotels are open year-round and feature swimming pools fed by naturally warm local springs.

We’re hiring a Chef to Live. Work. Explore. in Death Valley National Park!

Job Summary:
The Oasis at Death Valley is seeking an experienced Chef to lead culinary operations across multiple outlets at The Ranch location within this iconic resort and national park setting. This role is ideal for a chef with prior experience in a resort, hotel, or national park environment who thrives in a multioutlet operation and enjoys leading teams through both guidance and example. While the position includes administrative and operational responsibilities, success in this role requires a chef who is highly visible in the kitchens coaching, mentoring, and motivating cooks and sous chefs on a daily basis. Reporting to the Director of Food & Beverage, this is a handson leadership opportunity for a chef who values quality, consistency, and team development in a highvolume, destination hospitality environment.

The Details:
Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round

Employee housing and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style) provided at low cost. 

Pay: $70,720-$85,400/yr.
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40-50 hours, 5 days per week (will include weekends, evenings, and holidays)

Why the Oasis at Death Valley?
Death Valley National Park is in the northern Mojave Desert in California and is the largest National Park outside of Alaska. With incredibly diverse ecosystems, sand dunes, mountains, and America's lowest elevations, Death Valley is an incredible place to call home. We are a welcoming community who work hard, share a real passion for the environment, and enjoy crafting memorable experiences for our guests.

Life at the Oasis:

  • Employee housing and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style) provided at low cost. 
  • Free on-site laundry facility, Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth)
  • A fast-paced, exciting work environment with plenty of upward mobility and growth opportunities
  • Meet people of all ages from all over the country and world!

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401k with match
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Programs
  • Learning and Development Programs

Perks:

  • Free Death Valley National Park pass
  • Free access to pool, golf course, rec center, gym and sports court
  • Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
  • Planned employee trips and activities
  • $350 Referral Bonus Program
  • The adventure of a lifetime!

Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee all food preparation while consistently delivering high standards of quality, flavor, and presentation
  • Manage food and labor costs in alignment with established Food & Beverage budget expectations
  • Supervise, train, schedule, and motivate kitchen staff, assigning duties and monitoring performance to ensure operational success
  • Maintain exceptional sanitation, hygiene, and food safety standards across all kitchen and storage areas
  • Ensure proper labeling, storage, handling, and rotation of food and supplies; routinely inspect equipment and facilities for safe use and cleanliness
  • Provide strong, handson leadership and address operational or employee concerns in a professional and solutionoriented manner
  • Assist with menu development, recipe refinement, and continuous improvement of culinary offerings
  • Partner effectively with frontofhouse teams and demonstrate a servicefocused mindset that supports both internal teams and guests
  • Produce a diverse range of highquality, visually appealing menu items while exercising thoughtful culinary judgment related to product availability, par levels, and food utilization
  • Develop, implement, and maintain kitchen standards and reference materials, including recipes, plating guides, cleaning schedules, and operational manuals
  • Promote awareness of environmental and sustainability best practices and ensure kitchen teams understand their role in supporting responsible operations
  • Consistently model professional, respectful, and courteous behavior with guests and team members through all interactions

Qualifications
  • Minimum of five years of progressive culinary experience with handson involvement in food production, preparation, cost controls, and presentation, preferably within a hotel, resort, or destination hospitality setting.
  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or a related field perferred; equivalent professional culinary training and experience will be considered
  • Demonstrated knowledge of food and labor cost management within a highvolume kitchen or multiunit operation
  • Working proficiency with basic computer systems and kitchenrelated software, including scheduling, payroll, or inventory tools
  • Proven leadership capability with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and adapt scheduling to support a fastpaced, multioutlet environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead teams clearly and professionally
  • ServSafe certification and applicable food handler certification, or the ability to obtain required certifications within a short timeframe after hire

Physical Requirements include:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to extreme conditions which include extreme hot conditions in the Summer.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum of five years of progressive culinary experience with handson involvement in food production, preparation, cost controls, and presentation, preferably within a hotel, resort, or destination hospitality setting.
  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or a related field perferred; equivalent professional culinary training and experience will be considered
  • Demonstrated knowledge of food and labor cost management within a highvolume kitchen or multiunit operation
  • Working proficiency with basic computer systems and kitchenrelated software, including scheduling, payroll, or inventory tools
  • Proven leadership capability with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and adapt scheduling to support a fastpaced, multioutlet environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead teams clearly and professionally
  • ServSafe certification and applicable food handler certification, or the ability to obtain required certifications within a short timeframe after hire

Physical Requirements include:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to extreme conditions which include extreme hot conditions in the Summer.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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