Live-Fire Grill Cook / Hot Line Cook

Fia – Santa Monica, California
Full-Time | $22.00–$24.00 per hour, based on experience, plus tips

About Fia

Fia is an upscale Santa Monica restaurant offering a vibrant, seasonal menu in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. We are committed to exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality, and maintaining high standards throughout every service.

We are seeking an experienced Live-Fire Grill Cook / Hot Line Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience working over live fire and can confidently execute proteins, seafood, vegetables, and other hot-line dishes with precision, consistency, and urgency.

Position Summary

The Live-Fire Grill Cook / Hot Line Cook is responsible for setting up and operating the grill and assigned hot-line stations during service. This position requires strong fire-management skills, excellent timing, attention to detail, and the ability to consistently prepare dishes according to Fia’s recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working with open flames and high heat while coordinating multiple orders and communicating effectively with the kitchen team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Set up, stock, and maintain the live-fire grill and assigned hot-line stations.
• Build, control, and safely maintain the cooking fire throughout preparation and service.
• Grill meats, seafood, vegetables, and other menu items to the correct temperature and requested degree of doneness.
• Prepare, cook, finish, and plate dishes according to established recipes and presentation standards.
• Manage multiple tickets and cooking times while coordinating pickups with the chef, expo, and other stations.
• Inspect ingredients and finished dishes for quality, freshness, temperature, and consistency.
• Complete station mise en place, including portioning, seasoning, sauces, garnishes, and other assigned preparation.
• Communicate ticket times, low inventory, quality concerns, and operational issues promptly.
• Follow proper procedures for food handling, cooling, storage, labeling, rotation, and allergen awareness.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary station throughout the shift.
• Clean and properly care for grills, grates, tools, knives, and other kitchen equipment.
• Assist other stations and perform additional kitchen duties as needed.
• Follow all restaurant policies and applicable health and workplace-safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working a live-fire grill in a high-volume restaurant is required.
• Previous hot-line experience in an upscale or chef-driven restaurant is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of fire management, grilling techniques, protein cookery, cooking temperatures, resting, seasoning, and degrees of doneness.
• Ability to execute multiple dishes simultaneously while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work cooperatively with chefs, cooks, stewards, servers, and management.
• Dependable, punctual, and prepared to work scheduled shifts.
• Ability to remain focused, organized, and professional during high-volume service.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Food Handler Card within 30 days after hire. Applicants are not required to possess a food-handler card before being hired.

Compensation and Benefits

• $22.00–$24.00 per hour, based on experience
• Tips
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees
• 401(k), subject to plan eligibility requirements
• Employee dining discounts
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law
• Supportive, team-focused work environment

Benefit eligibility, enrollment periods, and waiting periods may apply.

Physical and Working Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods during preparation and service
• Frequently reaching, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
• Safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Safely handling knives, hot cookware, kitchen tools, and restaurant equipment
• Performing repetitive hand and arm movements
• Working around open flames, smoke, high heat, steam, hot surfaces, and cooking equipment
• Working in a fast-paced kitchen environment where floors may occasionally be wet or slippery

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, pregnancy or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Fia will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.

Work Location: In person – Santa Monica, California

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift

Work Location: In person