Aramark Destinations Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Adventures

Cook Where the Mountains Meet the Bluest Lake in America

Imagine starting your shift with a view of turquoise water framed by pine forests and snow-tipped peaks. That’s everyday life at Aramark Destinations Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Adventures, one of the most iconic destinations on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. As a Prep Cook, you’ll be at the heart of a busy resort kitchen, helping to feed thousands of happy guests who come to cruise, hike, paddle and celebrate summer in Tahoe.

This is the perfect Work & Travel USA placement for university students who love food, teamwork and the outdoors — and who want to finish the season with real professional kitchen experience, American friends from around the world, and a camera roll full of unbelievable sunsets.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Washing, peeling, chopping and portioning fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and other ingredients
• Preparing sauces, dressings, soups, salads and side dishes following standardized recipes
• Assisting line cooks and chefs during busy breakfast, lunch and dinner services
• Labeling, dating, rotating and storing products according to food safety (HACCP-style) standards
• Keeping prep stations, coolers, cutting boards and equipment clean, sanitized and organized
• Receiving deliveries, stocking shelves and helping with basic inventory counts
• Working as part of a fast-moving, multicultural kitchen brigade with great energy

Position Details

• Position: Prep Cook (Kitchen / Culinary)
• Employer: Aramark Destinations Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Adventures
• Location: Zephyr Cove, Nevada – Lake Tahoe
• Pay: $17.20 per hour
• Hours: approximately 35 hours per week (overtime possible in peak season)
• Season: Summer to Fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this position

Why Zephyr Cove & Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is a legendary American playground. On your days off you can swim from sandy beaches, kayak crystal-clear coves, hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, ride the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler, rent a bike, go horseback riding, or drive 20 minutes to South Lake Tahoe for restaurants, live music and casinos. Reno is about an hour away, San Francisco and Yosemite are within weekend-trip distance, and the autumn colors in September and October are spectacular.

Zephyr Cove Resort is a close-knit, international community of seasonal staff — expect beach bonfires, staff barbecues, hiking crews and lifelong friendships.

Benefits

• Solid, reliable pay of $17.20/hour with weekly or bi-weekly paychecks
• Employee housing assistance available at one of Tahoe’s premier resort locations
• Free or discounted employee meals during shifts (as per company policy)
• Employee discounts on resort activities, cruises and retail
• Real hands-on training in a professional Aramark kitchen — a great line on your CV
• Practice English every single day with American colleagues and guests
• Potential to be invited back for future seasons

What We’re Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 with valid J-1 Work & Travel sponsorship
• Conversational English (intermediate level) — you must understand kitchen instructions clearly
• Genuine interest in food and cooking; previous kitchen or restaurant experience is a plus but not required
• Ability to stand for long shifts, lift up to 20–25 kg and work in a hot, fast-paced environment
• Reliability, punctuality, attention to hygiene and a strong team spirit
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn new skills quickly

Ready to Trade Lecture Halls for Lake Views?

Spots for the Summer-to-Fall season at Lake Tahoe fill up fast. Apply now to secure your Prep Cook position at Zephyr Cove Resort and start planning the summer you’ll be talking about for years.