Cook II
Company : Highgate
Location : Las Vegas, NV, 89169
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
As the largest smoke-free, non-gaming hotel in Las Vegas, the 548-room Renaissance is a fresh, welcoming alternative for business and leisure travelers. Sleek and stylish, the hotel delivers modern design and sophisticated details throughout their guest rooms, social venues and the signature restaurant, ENVY Steakhouse. The hotel offers exciting programming including 50-minute fitness classes, Kona Craft Beer, and an in-room amenity upon arrival, all complimentary to the guest.
Overview
The Cook II (Full-TIme) is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for the Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria and Banquets, while maintaining the highest standards to produce an appealing and appetizing product. He/she is also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen and work areas while minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.
Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
- Complete necessary food and station preparation prior to the opening of the restaurant in order to ensure that guests are served promptly and efficiently during the Restaurant and Room Service operating hours.
- Prepare and display buffet food items according to the hotel standards.
- Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, and dairy and meat products.
- Maintain clean and sanitary environment with knowledge of proper handling, storage, and sanitation.
- Prepare food for Banquets, ad required, following specifications on Banquet Event Orders.
- Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Prepare all foods following hotel standard recipes. Preparation of specials will be under the direction of the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Breakdown buffets and kitchen line, storing food and equipment properly at the end of each meal period.
- Work banquet food station as scheduled by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment.
- Practice safe work habits at all times to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
- Use Production Charts as specified by hotel’s standards.
- Be able to support any position in the Kitchen that is in need of help.
- Follow all Health Department and Company regulations in regards to food and storage standards and safety.
- Be able to operate and maintain cleanliness of all kitchen equipment.
- Maintain a “Clean As You Go” policy.
- Assist in storage and rotation of food items according to hotel procedures.
- Sign keys out and back in under supervision as needed.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- Culinary experience required.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift
- Ability to withstand temperature variations both hot and cold.
- Have thorough knowledge of menus and the preparation required, according to hotel standards.
- Proficiency in the following cooking techniques: charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sauté, braising, roasting and par-cooking.
- Knowledge of herbs and spices and proper use of each.
Salary Range: $21.00/hour
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Frequently asked questions
Las Vegas boasts a bustling hospitality industry with steady demand for skilled cooks. However, the competition can be keen, especially for positions at established companies like Highgate. Candidates with diverse culinary skills and experience in banquet and restaurant settings often have an edge in this dynamic market.
Working as a Cook II in Las Vegas hospitality means adapting to a fast-paced environment with varied temperature extremes. Shifts often involve standing for long hours and managing large volumes of food prep, especially during busy banquet events. Physical stamina and kitchen safety awareness are crucial for success.
While not always mandatory, completing a ServSafe Food Handler or Manager certification is highly recommended in Las Vegas. Many employers, including Highgate, value these credentials as they demonstrate knowledge of local health codes and enhance kitchen sanitation standards.
Mastery of techniques like sautéing, braising, roasting, deep-frying, and poaching is essential for a Cook II. Additionally, understanding proper use of herbs and spices helps craft flavorful dishes that meet hotel standards, boosting both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Starting as a Cook II can lead to supervisory roles or specialized chef positions. Gaining expertise in kitchen management, banquet coordination, and menu development often opens doors to more senior culinary opportunities within hotel chains or independent restaurants.
Highgate’s Cook II role combines the challenge of maintaining high food quality with the perk of working at the largest smoke-free, non-gaming hotel in Las Vegas. Employees benefit from a modern workspace and opportunities to engage with diverse culinary styles across the company’s global portfolio.
Highgate emphasizes continuous learning through exposure to innovative hotel brands and contemporary culinary programming. Cook IIs can refine their skills using industry-leading revenue management tools and benefit from mentorship by seasoned hospitality leaders.
Cook II positions at Highgate in Las Vegas typically start around $21.00 per hour. This rate aligns with local hospitality pay scales, reflecting the role’s demands for culinary proficiency and physical endurance in a high-volume kitchen setting.
Flexibility is key, as Highgate’s Cook II may face varying shift lengths and weekend hours to meet guest dining demands. While this can challenge work-life balance, it also offers opportunities for overtime and shift variety in a vibrant hospitality environment.
Las Vegas Cook IIs frequently handle larger banquet events and diverse guest cuisines due to the city’s tourism focus. The non-gaming, smoke-free hotel setting at Highgate’s Renaissance property also influences kitchen operations, emphasizing a clean and modern cooking environment.