Cook – Panda Express- Denver International Airport

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare, cook, and present all menu items according to Panda Express recipes, quality standards, portion guidelines, and food safety requirements.
• Support the creation of a welcoming, clean, and guest-focused dining environment that reflects the Company's commitment to exceptional service.

• Lead by example in demonstrating teamwork, professionalism, and a strong commitment to food quality and operational excellence.

• Ensure all food products are prepared with consistency, accuracy, and attention to presentation standards.

• Monitor food quality, freshness, product rotation, and holding times to ensure compliance with Company standards.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen by following all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.

• Perform all Back-of-House responsibilities, including food preparation, cooking, stocking, cleaning, dishwashing, inventory organization, and workstation setup.

• Assist with receiving, inspecting, storing, and rotating food and supply deliveries using proper inventory management practices.

• Monitor ingredient and supply levels and communicate inventory needs to management in a timely manner.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently while adhering to all safety policies and procedures.
• Support efficient kitchen operations by prioritizing tasks, managing production schedules, and maintaining product availability during peak business periods.
• Minimize food waste through proper food handling, storage, portion control, and preparation techniques.
• Maintain compliance with all Company policies, food safety standards, and local health department requirements.

• Collaborate effectively with Front-of-House and Back-of-House team members to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Assist management with opening, closing, and shift transition responsibilities as assigned.
• Respond positively to changing business needs and perform additional duties as assigned to support restaurant operations.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Previous Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); six months or more related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Schedule

Open availability and scheduling flexibility are required. Weekend and holiday shifts may be necessary.

Compensation and Training

• Pay: $22–$25 per hour, plus pooled tips. Starting pay is based on experience and qualifications.

• Training: Six weeks.

• Pay differential: The stated compensation includes a $3.00-per-hour differential associated with tip-pool eligibility.

How Pooled Tips and the $3.00 Tip Differential Work

This position participates in a pooled-tip program. Eligible tips collected during each shift are combined and distributed among participating employees based on the number of hours worked.

For tip-eligible positions that qualify under applicable law, the hourly base rate may be reduced by up to $3.00 per hour from the posted rate. Pooled tips are then added to the base rate. Because tip earnings depend on business volume and each employee's share of the tip pool, tip amounts will vary and are not guaranteed.

Employees will receive at least the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked. If an employee's hourly base rate plus pooled tips does not equal or exceed the applicable minimum wage, the Company will pay the difference. Final starting pay, tip-pool participation, and assigned duties will be determined during the hiring process based on experience, qualifications, and business needs.

Example

If the posted hourly rate is $23.00 per hour, the employee's base wage rate may be $20.00 per hour, with the remaining $3.00 per hour represented by a tip differential, where permitted by applicable law. During an 8-hour shift, the employee would earn $160.00 in base wages ($20.00 × 8 hours). If the employee also receives $24.00 from the tip pool, the employee's total compensation for the shift would be $184.00, resulting in an effective hourly rate of $23.00 per hour.

This example is for illustrative purposes only. Actual tip earnings vary by shift and are not guaranteed. All pay practices are subject to applicable federal, state, and local wage-and-hour laws.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Stand for a six- to eight-hour shift.

• Regularly use hands to handle tools, equipment, and controls.

• Reach, bend, stoop, shake, stir, wipe, and occasionally taste or smell food.

• Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

• No travel is required.

The physical demands and work-environment characteristics described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are entitled to rights under federal employment laws. For more information, review the Know Your Rights notice.