Reports to: Executive Chef / Outlet Chef
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
The Wood-Fired Culinary Specialist is a specialized culinary professional responsible executing wood-fired culinary offerings, including pizza, small plates, and roasted items, utilizing high-temperature wood-burning ovens and open-flame cooking techniques. For pizza making, this includes responsibility for the entire pizza-making process—from dough fermentation to managing a high-temperature wood-burning oven.
The ideal candidate is highly skilled in wood-fired cooking, comfortable working in an outdoor environment, and capable of maintaining precision, speed, and consistency in a fast-paced, guest-facing setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Wood-Fired Cooking & Oven Management:
- Build, maintain, and monitor wood fires to keep ovens at optimal temperatures (typically 700°F–900°F).
- Maintain high heat (700°F+) for rapid pizza baking while utilizing lower-heat zones or residual heat (450°F–600°F) for roasted items.
- Rotate pizzas and other products for even cooking and proper crust development.
- Monitor flame intensity and adjust heat levels to maintain consistent cooking results.
Pizza & Dough Execution:
- Prep, ferment, and hand-stretch dough to specific and established standards (e.g., Neapolitan), ensuring consistent thickness and texture.
- Execute consistent pizza builds with proper portioning and ingredient placement.
- Maintain consistent thickness, texture, and presentation across all pizzas.
- Ensure pizzas are cooked and delivered within established service time standards (8-10 minutes from ordering).
Ingredient Preparation & Station Management:
- Prepare sauces, toppings, and garnishes according to culinary standards.
- Ensure proper chopping, portioning, and storage of vegetables, meats, and accompaniments.
- Maintain clean, organized, and stocked workstation throughout service.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate product needs to culinary leadership.
- Prepare wood-fired small plates, roasted vegetables, and specialty items using open-flame techniques.
- Execute seasonal and rotating offerings using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Utilize cast iron, roasting pans, and wood-fired surfaces for varied menu items.
- Maintain consistency in seasoning, texture, and presentation
Menu Execution & Fire Cooking:
Service & Operational Support:
- Coordinate with service staff to ensure timely delivery of orders.
- Maintain strong communication with culinary and front-of-house teams.
- Ensure all items are presented attractively and meet quality standards.
- Support a smooth flow of service in high-volume environments.
Outdoor Cooking Operations:
- Operate safely in outdoor cooking environments and varying weather conditions, including but not limited to fire pit safety and equipment maintenance.
- Follow fire safety procedures and proper handling of wood, embers, and cooking equipment.
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of outdoor cooking station.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with wood-fired ovens, stone ovens, or open-flame cooking required.
- Strong understanding of dough fermentation, hand-stretching, and pizza execution.
- Experience with roasting, cast-iron cooking, or fire-based culinary techniques preferred.
- Ability to work efficiently in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
- Strong attention to detail and consistency in execution.
- Valid Food Handler Certification required.
- ServSafe Certification preferred.
Schedule & Physical Requirements:
- Flexible availability required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to work in high-heat and outdoor cooking environments.
- Ability to stand for extended periods during service.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, including wood, flour bags, and equipment.
- Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive cooking tasks.
Total Compensation
- Base Salary
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Health and Dependent Care FSA Options
- Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
- Critical Illness, Cancer, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Supplemental Insurance
- 401k with Employer Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Sick Leave
