Youth Culinary Camp - Lead Chef

Responsibilities 

Kitchen Leadership & Instruction

• Plan and execute daily brunch, lunch and snack preparation
• Lead mise en place operations for all daily meals
• Introduce and demonstrate cooking techniques to campers
• Lead a team of young chefs in hands-on cooking activities
• Design age-appropriate culinary lessons and activities
• Oversee kitchen safety and cleanliness standards
• Manage food inventory and preparation schedules
• Lead closing gratitudes and culinary discussions

Staff Management & Delegation

• Directly supervise and mentor Assistant Chef and Counselors in Training (CITs) ages 12-16
• Delegate daily setup tasks to Assistant Chef and CITs
• Monitor staff performance and provide feedback
• Maintain staff schedules including break rotations

Team Management

• Direct and coordinate with Assistant Chef
• Train and supervise kitchen support staff
• Guide campers in proper kitchen techniques and safety
• Oversee student kitchen jobs and cleaning procedures
• Collaborate with education staff on integrated programming
• Mentor teenage counselors-in-training and interns

Safety & Operations

• Maintain kitchen safety protocols and standards
• Ensure proper food handling and storage procedures
• Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment
• Implement and oversee cleaning schedules
• Manage kitchen inventory and supply orders
• Coordinate with camp leadership on dietary restrictions and food allergies

Schedule Management

• Morning mise en place and kitchen prep (before 8:50am)
• Leading brunch preparation (10:00-10:45am)
• Directing lunch preparation (11:30-12:45pm)
• Overseeing afternoon snack and dessert service
• Managing kitchen transitions and cleanup procedures

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‍Skills + Experience Required

• Minimum 3 years of professional culinary experience or proven self-taught culinary expertise
• Proven experience working with or teaching children ages 4–10 (non-negotiable)
• Strong knowledge of kitchen safety and food handling procedures
• Experience managing kitchen operations and leading staff
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to adapt recipes for young chefs
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and allergy management
• Previous proven experience supervising and leading staff or volunteers
• Demonstrated ability to mentor young leaders (CITs)
• Must complete Live Scan background check (reimbursed)
• Current First Aid/CPR certification (or willing to obtain)
• Current Food Handler's certification
• COVID-19 vaccination required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in culinary education
• Experience teaching children in a school, after-school, or culinary school setting
• Background in multiple cuisines and cooking techniques
• Interest in or experience with holistic nutrition
• Experience with curriculum development
• Previous summer camp or educational program experience

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You Are…

• An experienced chef with a passion for education
• Patient, engaging, encouraging, and inclusive when teaching children
• Comfortable working in a high-energy environment with children
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• An effective communicator and team leader
• Calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Creative in adapting recipes for young chefs
• Committed to creating an inclusive learning environment
• Enthusiastic about inspiring the next generation of chefs
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

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Pay 

Starting at $28-35 per hour, depending on experience.

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How to Apply

Please complete this application and include your resume. Include any relevant experience and questions or concerns you may have. We will review all applications and schedule an introductory phone call with suitable candidates within one week.