Experienced, full-time chef wanted for large, private ranch in the Madison Valley in Montana.
We are a working ranch in the Madison Valley in Montana that used to operate as an eco-hotel, but now is strictly a private ranch for the recreational use of three partners, their family and friends. We do not have any paying customers, but try to operate as a five-star retreat. Our guests come to hike, look at wildlife, fly-fish, ride horses, sit in our hot springs, shoot the clay course, hunt or just relax.
The kitchen was remodeled to a commercial standard a few years ago for the former hotel operation and is an amazing set up. The meals prepared by the chef would be varied. For example, while great steaks and grilled vegetables would be the menu some nights, we would expect creativity on other meals or in the appetizers and desserts. Food is an important part of the overall experience here at the ranch and we see the chef as an integral part of the team. The partners have come to expect the best from the meals at the ranch and we want to continue that tradition.
On average our groups are in sizes from two to 18. As the groups get larger, the chef would be able to hire an assistant chef on an as-needed basis. We plan on three meals a day, with appetizers before dinner and snacks some afternoons. Some of the breakfasts would be continental. We have our own service team and the chef would be responsible for wait staff coordination, kitchen preparation and cleaning. We would count on the chef to be in charge of finding the outside help needed, with our assistance. The size and timing of groups varies, so flexibility and adaptability is a must. There will be schedules of groups, but the timing and number of meals varies depending on the guests’ activities that day and being able to adjust quickly and with a positive attitude is a must.
When there are no visitors at the ranch, we would want the chef to cook meals for staff some of the time, to try out new dishes, to practice and as a little benefit to the other people working out there. The chef’s priority is the kitchen but we are looking for someone who is willing to pitch in when needed in other areas. Just as people from other areas of the operation would help with picking up groceries and handling deliveries from time to time, we would expect the chef to lend a hand wherever needed. This could mean assisting in lodge management, taking people fishing, organizing activities, etc. Everyone helps everyone else and we want the kind of person who is willing to be a team player. We are looking to put together a group at the ranch for the long-term and are well on our way. Our objective is to create the best possible work environment for everyone…a great chef would be the final piece of the puzzle.
This is a great job opportunity for someone who enjoys the outdoors. In your free time, there is easy access to fishing and hiking, both on and off the ranch. We have all types of horses that need to be ridden. Yellowstone Park is about a half hour away. While it feels remote here, Ennis is 30 minutes up the road and Bozeman is an hour and half away.
With initiative, the chef has the opportunity to take on as much responsibility as desired.
These are not the only duties to be assigned. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties assigned as required.
• Be comfortable preparing different styles of food: French country, American BBQ on an outdoor grill and classic Mexican are all popular on certain occasions.
The position is full-time from May through the end of November, with the possibility of a retainer paid during the winter to return for the next season, based on the year’s performance. We pay a fair wage and provide comfortable housing in a beautiful setting.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact Clark Adkerson at [email protected] or by phone at (406) 570-5947.