Application Period: June 1 – August 31, 2026
Program Start Date: September 2026
Compensation: $22.50/hour
Program Length: 2 years
Location: Desert Mountain Club
Are you passionate about food and eager to develop your culinary skills in a professional kitchen environment? Desert Mountain Club is seeking motivated aspiring chefs to join our Culinary Apprentice Program.
This paid two-year program is designed to provide a well-rounded culinary education through both practical experience and academic study.
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Seven signature golf courses
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Seven unique clubhouses
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Multiple restaurants and banquet operations
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Mentorship from accomplished culinary professionals
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Leadership under Chef Bertrand Bouquin, Maîtres Cuisiniers de France
Apprentices gain exposure to a variety of cuisines, service styles, and kitchen environments while learning from experienced chefs.
As a Culinary Apprentice, you will support the culinary team while learning the fundamentals of professional cooking through hands-on training in food preparation, station setup, sanitation, and kitchen operations. You will rotate through kitchen stations and work closely with chefs to build technical skills, consistency, and professionalism, while gaining exposure to a variety of service styles and menu execution.
Apprentices will complete their coursework online through Escoffier outside of working hours. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will receive an Escoffier culinary diploma and a certification recognized by the State of Arizona.
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High School Diploma or GED
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Passion for culinary arts and delivering excellence
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Strong work ethic
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Positive attitude
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Ability to work effectively in a team environment
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1+ year of food service or kitchen experience
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Why you are interested in pursuing this apprenticeship
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What specifically attracts you to Desert Mountain Club
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The skills, qualities, and passion you bring to the role
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Why you believe you are a strong candidate for this opportunity
Your letter should be concise, well-structured, and reflect your genuine interest in developing your career as a chef.
Join one of the Top 10 Platinum Clubs of America and enjoy exceptional benefits and perks, including:
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Competitive pay
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PTO, Sick Pay, Holiday Pay, and Paid Parental Leave
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Annual Education Scholarship
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Professional Development Scholarship, Tuition Reimbursement
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Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
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Medical FSA and Dependent Care FSA
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FREE onsite medical clinic to all employees & their dependents
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Mental health, wellness, and virtual care resources
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FREE employee meals during shifts or meal stipend
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FREE golf and tennis
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Rosetta Stone
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Matching Retirement 401K Plan
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Retail discounts
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Pet insurance
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Employee uniforms provided
- Please note, benefits are dependent on your DOL Status (ex. Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal).
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Prepare hot and cold food items according to established recipes, standards, and chef direction.
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Complete daily prep and mise en place for assigned stations
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Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation at all times
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Follow all safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures
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Assist chefs with inventory, product rotation, and ordering processes
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Notify chefs or supervisors when product levels are low or stock is depleted
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Support service in a professional and efficient manner
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Participate in all required educational components of the apprenticeship program
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Attend school, training sessions, and related coursework as required
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Complete assigned academic work and maintain passing grades
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Demonstrate a willingness to learn, accept feedback, and improve skills throughout the program
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Work collaboratively with teammates and contribute to a positive kitchen culture
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Perform additional duties as assigned to support kitchen operations and overall learning experience.
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Required to work, days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
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Required to stand for long periods of time.
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Required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds – Frequently
Desert Mountain Club is one of the nations premier private clubs, located in the scenic foothills of North Scottsdale, Arizona. Spanning more than 8,000 acres, Desert Mountain features:
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Seven signature golf courses (six of which are Jack Nicklaus & a par 54 championship course)
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Seven distinctive clubhouses with unique dining and banquet experiences.
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An award-winning spa, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, and swim facility.
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Dozens of hiking and biking trails
What truly sets Desert Mountain apart is our people. We foster a culture built on care, respect, teamwork, wellbeing, and growth where teammates feel valued and proud to be part of the team.
Desert Mountain Club is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a workplace built on inclusion, respect, and opportunity for all teammates.
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