Damian Hixson
Missoula
Summary
Dedicated culinary professional with expertise in food handling, customer service, and kitchen organization. Proven ability to train staff and manage kitchen operations while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook/ Prep Cook
Mt Ascencion Gastropub
Helena Mt
10.2025 - 01.2026
- Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Maintained the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen workspace in compliance with safety standards.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking ingredient usage and minimizing waste.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure the timely preparation and delivery of menu items.
- Closed every night, making sure all dishes were clean and put away for the next day
- Prepped items in the morning while paying attention to orders coming in and assisting with cooking when needed
- serving food to customers when necessary or if servers were behind or busy.
Kitchen Supervisor
The Brewhouse
Helena, MT
02.2022 - 10.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure compliance with food safety standards and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated daily operations, optimizing workflow to enhance productivity during peak service hours.
- Trained new team members on culinary techniques and equipment usage, fostering skill development.
- assisting with maintaining a safe working environment and reporting safety hazards discovered in the location to management immediately
- frequent bending, lifting, walking, pushing, pulling of equipment, and standing for long periods of time.
- basic butchering and prep skills
- Maintained a checklist for the completion of duties performed
- responsible for cleaning and sanitizing/ deep cleaning of kitchen and prep areas
Floor Installer
Freds Flooring
Helena, MT
02.2022 - 02.2022
- Gather tools and materials for the job site
- Frequent bending, heavy lifting, walking, pushing, and pulling of equipment
- Installed various flooring types, ensuring adherence to manufacturer specifications and industry standards.
- Prep floors, which include clearing furniture, old flooring, baseboards, and other debris
- Level flooring with self-leveling agents
- Measure and bid jobs for customers
- Utilize multiple tools necessary to install flooring
- Drive the company van to job sites
Head Kitchen Cook
Tracey's Diner
Great Falls, MT
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Prepared diverse menu items consistently following recipes and presentation standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the kitchen area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely order completion during peak hours.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, ensuring optimal performance and safety protocols were met.
- Assisted in training new cooks on food preparation techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Basic butchering and prep skills
- Ability to multitask and meet production expectations
Back of House Manager
The Montana Club
Great Falls, MT
01.2019 - 02.2022
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety standards.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for food preparation and sanitation compliance.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Collaborated with the culinary team to develop seasonal menu offerings aligned with customer preferences.
- Excellent customer service and the ability to serve buffet meals
- Basic butchering and prep skills
- Prepared lunch and dinner specials for the following day
- Scheduled other employees (dishwasher, prep cook, cook)
- Maintained inventory of food items for cooking operations and ordered supplies.
- Maintained a checklist for completion of duties performed by employees and self
- Participate in all mandatory meetings on safety, rules, and regulations.
- Motivated through example, worked with a team, and worked independently.
Line Cook and Baker
Perkins
Helena, MT
12.2016 - 12.2017
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to standard recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with food safety and sanitation standards in kitchen operations.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain efficient workflow during peak service hours.
- Trained new staff on cooking techniques, equipment usage, and kitchen protocols.
- Opened the restaurant for the start of business
- Prepared coffee, soup, and bakery items
- Baked muffins, pies, and cookies
- Constant prepping and portioning of food items
Education
Associate of Science - Forestry
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT05-2028
Skills
- Customer service
- Cooking
- Cleaning and organization
- Food handling
- Ability to learn new tasks quickly and proficiently
- Ability to communicate and maintain professional working relationships with patrons, coworkers, and management
- Ability to work as a team or individually
- Willingness to learn and have a positive attitude
- Excellent in time management, troubleshooting, and decision-making
- Detail-oriented and able to prioritize work assignments
- Dependable, honest, and with a strong work ethic
- Food presentation
Timeline
Cook/ Prep Cook
Mt Ascencion Gastropub
10.2025 - 01.2026
Kitchen Supervisor
The Brewhouse
02.2022 - 10.2025
Floor Installer
Freds Flooring
02.2022 - 02.2022
Head Kitchen Cook
Tracey's Diner
02.2021 - 02.2022
Back of House Manager
The Montana Club
01.2019 - 02.2022
Line Cook and Baker
Perkins
12.2016 - 12.2017
Associate of Science - Forestry
The University of Montana