| Location | Denver, CO |
| Job Type | Part-time |
Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way.
Important Timeline
We are currently reviewing applications and will begin contacting selected candidates by January. Candidates moving forward in the recruitment process may be invited to participate in additional interview stages between November and February. Successful candidates are expected to begin their roles in March. Please keep an eye on your email, including your junk/spam folder, for updates regarding your application.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Guest Services Manager, the Culinary Host delivers exceptional guest experiences through the preparation and presentation of upscale meals, guest engagement, and the efficient operation of the galley on Canyon Spirit's rail journeys between Colorado and Utah. This role creates meaningful moments for guests by providing personalized service, maintaining high culinary and safety standards, and contributing to a collaborative onboard culture.
The Culinary Host demonstrates accountability, adaptability, continuous learning, and a commitment to operational excellence while supporting the health and safety of guests, colleagues, the public, property, and the environment.
This role is deemed Safety Alert. This position requires the incumbent to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, the public, property or the environment.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Culinary Service
• Engage confidently with guests, explain menu offerings, manage orders, and accommodate dietary requirements, allergies, and preferences with professionalism and empathy.
• Maintain a solid working knowledge of all menu offerings, going beyond explaining the menu to professionally relate dishes to guests, answer questions accurately, and make informed recommendations that enhance the guest experience.
• Prepare, plate, and present meals in accordance with Canyon Spirit recipes, menus, and presentation standards while delivering consistent, high-quality service.
• Coordinate service timing with the management and onboard team to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Conduct food audits and communicate quality, presentation, packaging, or inventory concerns to leadership.
• Take personal ownership of resolving guest concerns and creating positive, memorable interactions.
Galley Operations & Inventory Management
• Maintain an organized, efficient, and sanitary galley environment.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, equipment, utensils, and workspaces to support daily operations.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of food, supplies, products, and equipment, ensuring deliveries align with operational requirements.
• Reconcile inventory at the beginning and end of each journey and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Support composting and sustainability initiatives while actively seeking better ways of working.
Health, Safety & Compliance
• Adhere to all company safety, security, food handling, alcohol service, HACCP, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow best practices for food preparation, sanitation, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, PPE usage, and equipment maintenance.
• Exercise sound judgment, proactively identify potential risks, and report safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the safety, comfort, and well-being of guests and team members.
Teamwork & Operational Excellence
• Build positive working relationships and collaborate effectively with onboard colleagues across multiple railcars and rotating teams.
• Share information openly regarding inventory, safety, cleanliness, and operational priorities.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members while remaining receptive to feedback and opportunities for personal growth.
• Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, strong time management, and accountability in a dynamic environment.
• Utilize company communication platforms including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Connecteam, and SharePoint.
What You Bring
• Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and guest engagement skills, including speaking to groups and individuals.
• Attention to detail, sound judgment, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while adapting to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Professional, polished, accountable, and respectful approach to work.
Experience & Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Fluency in English required; additional languages are an asset.
• Canyon Spirit requires all team members to complete their Utah Food Handler and Utah On-Premise Alcohol Server permits.
• First aid certification is an asset.
• Previous culinary, cooking, serving, or hospitality experience considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid identification that meets domestic travel requirements (state ID, driver's license, or passport).
Work Environment
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Exceptional physical endurance and emotional resiliency with the ability to work long days. Frequent stooping, lifting, kneeling, bending, crouching, and climbing.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lb (23kg).
• Able to travel away from home base for 12-15 days in a three-week period. Please note, back-to-back trips may be required depending on operational demands.
• Able to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States for the duration of the operating season (March – November).
Compensation
• Salary: $21.25 USD an hour plus gratuities. All gratuities 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:
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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