
Fall 2025 - Culinary Internships at Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Job Description: Culinary Internship at Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Position Title: Culinary Intern
Location: Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Program Duration: Fall Semester 2025 - 12 Weeks
Number of Internships: 6
Compensation: Paid Internship - $20/hour, 3 days a week
Position Overview
Are you passionate about cooking and ready to turn up the heat in a real-world kitchen? The Culinary Internship Program at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA is your chance to gain hands-on experience, earn academic credit, sharpen your skills, and learn from expert chefs. Get ready to build a strong culinary foundation, master new techniques, and experience the fast-paced energy of a professional kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
- Jump into action with food prep tasks like chopping, peeling, and mise en place.
- Master food safety and sanitation rules (including Indian Health Services standards).
- Cook side-by-side with experienced chefs in a high-energy kitchen.
- Take part in exciting weekly learning objectives — from knife skills to plating like a pro.
- Experiment with dry heat, moist heat, and combo cooking methods.
- Get creative with menu planning, food costing, and culinary innovation.
- Show off your skills by crafting your very own signature dish.
- Be a team player, ensuring top-notch food quality, presentation, and service.
- Rock your chef gear — coat, pants, hat, and non-slip shoes — for a polished and professional look.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, you'll:
- Master essential culinary techniques with confidence.
- Understand kitchen safety and sanitation like a pro.
- Build creative plating and presentation skills that wow.
- Develop and refine your very own signature dish.
- Gain hands-on experience in a buzzing, high-volume kitchen setting.
Qualifications
- Must be a full-time or part-time student currently enrolled in a Los Rios Community College Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management Program.
- Ability to obtain UAIC Tribal Gaming License.
- Must have or be able to obtain a ServSafe Food Handler card.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be able to pass a drug screening (we do not test for products that contain THC).
Bring your passion for cooking and eagerness to learn.
- Thrive in a fast-paced kitchen with high energy.
- Be a team player with great communication skills.
- Show dedication to professionalism, punctuality, and attendance.
Assessment & Evaluation
- Weekly assignments designed to spark creativity and boost your skills.
- Mid-internship feedback to help you grow.
- Final project: Craft and present your very own signature dish.
- Wrap it all up with a reflection report on your journey and career goals.
For Additional information
Please plan on attending one of our upcoming information sessions.
On Site Event: Thursday April 3, 2025 – Culinary Building, Room 584, American River College
Virtual Event: Tuesday April 22, 2025 12 Noon