Culinary Host - Salt Lake City (Seasonal Full Time, April to November)

Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, unforgettable rail experiences in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Since 1990, we have grown to become the largest privately-owned luxury rail company in the world, having welcomed over 2.4 million guests onboard. We are committed to living our values: Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes. We foster a work environment of respect, integrity, and honesty; where diversity is valued, and talent is developed to support the growth of our team members and our company.

Purpose

Reporting to the Onboard Management Team, the Culinary Host delivers exceptional guest service and life changing experiences through preparing upscale meals, organizing and maintaining a clean galley, and ensuring precisely executed food presentations for guests in the Signature and Premium railcars over a three (3) day rail journey from Salt Lake City, UT to Denver, CO.

We are looking for exceptional Culinary Hosts to join our Onboard team who can be role models and champions of our values and culture. Team members who can deliver service excellence and upscale meals to our guests.

This position is deemed Safety Alert since regular access to an active railway area is required. The Culinary Host is part of the Onboard team, responsible for the health and safety of colleagues, guests, the public, property, and the environment.

Key Areas of Accountability

Guest Engagement and Food Preparation duties

• Comfortable engaging and interacting with guests to ensure their understanding of the menu and proper order taking.
• Execute preparation of dishes and ensure all items served to our guests follow Canyon Spirit (CS) pre-established recipes, plating specifications, and menus while completing service in a timely manner.
• Provide fast and efficient sanitation of all dishes and equipment to support daily services.
• Organize the process of food preparation so that everything runs smoothly. Work with Train Manager and team to coordinate appropriate service timing.
• Maintain inventory of food, supplies, products, and equipment according to procedures.
• Ensuring food delivery matches inventory requirements.
• Document and communicate food quality, presentation, packaging consistency and variations through food audits and communication with leadership. Manage time, the completing of tasks, and inspecting food presentation before serving.
• Ensure the galley runs efficiently, in an organized manner, and remains clean.
• Able to understand and follow up with guests regarding food allergies and dietary preferences.
  
  

High level of awareness for the health and safety of both guests and team members

• Adhere to all Canyon Spirit's safety and security standards.
• Adhere to food safety and proper food handling procedures and HACCP guidelines.
• Understanding of dietary needs, considerations and requirements.
• Adhere to Canyon Spirit policies and procedures for the wearing, removal, and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to hazards and other health risks.
• Abide by best practice standards for: cleaning procedures, slicing techniques, equipment maintenance, utensil sanitizing, proper refrigeration, heating requirements, hand washing, preventing cross-contamination, spoilage, temperature guidelines, and disposal.
• Follow the company’s, Colorado’s, and Utah’s policies when serving alcoholic beverages and food services.
• Report safety issues to your supervisor in a timely manner.
  
  

Collaboratively work in a team environment

• Maintain a positive attitude with the team to create meaningful moments and achieve extraordinary outcomes.
• Adapt, if required to work in multiple railcars with varying teams over a 3-day rail journey.
• Work closely with other hosts to provide seamless services and address any guest issues.
• Help your team members as required and communicate regarding inventory, cleanliness, safety, and equipment maintenance.
• Look for efficiencies within the operations.
• Facilitate the training of new team members
• Demonstrate strong time management skills.
• Work with the Guest Services and Train Manager and Leadership team on reducing waste.
• Clean and stock railcars, galleys, and washrooms to set standards at the end of each leg of the journey.
• Maintain correct inventory levels and reconcile as required at the end of each journey.
• Assist with the composting initiatives in your work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Onboard Leadership team.
• Actively engages with the various communication tools used across the company (i.e.: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Connecteam, and Sharepoint).
  
  

Qualifications

Education / Certifications / Knowledge 

• High School Diploma or GED
• Fluency in the English language is required
• Current or past certifications in food handling, alcohol service, or first aid is considered an asset
• If not in possession of food handling and alcohol certifications, it will be a requirement to obtain once hired.
• Proficiency in a second language is considered an asset
  
  

Experience/Skills

• A commitment to food safety a must
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills, comfort in talking on microphone to large groups of people and to individuals.
• Attention to detail
• Solid serving and hosting skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite
• Prior cooking/culinary experience is a strong asset
  
  

Work Environment 

• Must be over 21 years old
• Exceptional physical endurance and emotional resiliency with the ability to work long days
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Able to travel away from home base for up to 4 to 8 days at a time
• Able to work weekends and holidays
• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States through the end of November 2026
  
  

Attributes  

• Empathetic and compassionate when interacting with guests
• Professional and polished presence
• Energetic, motivated, hardworking, and committed to delivering excellent guest service
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Professional, accountable work ethic, and self-motivated
  
  

Compensation

• Salary: $21.25 USD an hour PLUS service fees. All service fees are reported and taxed per federal and state laws.
  
  

Eligible Benefits

All team members regularly working 30 hours per week will be eligible for our group benefits plan, which includes: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision care, and Life Insurance 
• Canyon Spirit is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits. For more information regarding the benefits of the RRB, visit the Railroad Retirement Board website at rrb.gov.
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance 
• Business travel accident insurance and business travel emergency medical insurance 
• Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay
• 401(k) plan (employee contributions only)
• Friends and family rail tickets and packages discount
• Two annual complimentary rail pass (beginning your 2nd season)
• Seasonal wage increases
• Growth opportunities
• Fun and inclusive team environment
  
  

We use E-Verify as part of our hiring practices to comply with having a lawful workforce.

The company is an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of Creating Meaningful Moments, Being One Team, and Achieving Extraordinary Outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. If you require any accommodation during the application process or throughout your employment, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met and to create a supportive environment.

Please ensure to opt-in for text messages when you apply in order to receive interview updates.

This job description is not exhaustive of all duties and will encompass additional duties assigned. Responsibilities, title, reporting structure and duties may be changed in response to business requirements. 

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