We are a drug free camp looking for a cook that enjoys cooking for adult retreats as well as our summer youth camps. Pay will be based on experience. The first cook is responsible for reading and following menus, production sheets, and Instructing kitchen staff and helpers.
Two years of cooking experience and special diets training is required. A food manager license is a plus but food handlers card is required. A culinary degree is not required but would be preferred. Applicants should be friendly and enjoy working with others.
This will start out part-time but can work into full-time during the summer. In the off season, this will be on-call when we have retreat groups. Lazy people need not apply. If you are looking for something different give camping a try.
For more information and a job description, please apply with 3 references (that will respond in a timely manner through email). An interview will not be scheduled until references are check.
JOB TITLE: On-Call Kitchen Staff
DEPARTMENT: Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center
STATUS: Part-time, on-call/as-needed, non-exempt
REPORTING: Site Manager and/or Food Service Supervisor
LITTLE GRASSY CAMP MISSION & CORE VALUES:
The mission of the Little Grassy Camping and Retreat Ministries is to connect People, Nature, and Christ. We are a ministry of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and embrace its mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world.
Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center is located on Little Grassy Lake within the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois, offering a unique outdoor ministry setting where individuals and groups can encounter God through nature, community, and retreat experiences.
Little Grassy Camp will:
· Be an intentional place apart from the world.
· Extend genuine Christian hospitality and community.
· Nurture Christian faith and discipleship.
· Develop Christian spiritual leaders.
· Teach creation, care and appreciation for the natural world.
· Collaborate with United Methodist churches and partner organizations.
BASIC FUNCTION:
The On-Call Kitchen Staff supports the food service ministry of Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center by assisting with the preparation, service, and clean-up of meals for campers, retreat guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This role helps ensure that meals are served safely, efficiently, and with genuine Christian hospitality.
· Working under the supervision of the Site Manager, Food Service Supervisor, or designated kitchen lead, the On-Call Kitchen Staff assists with food preparation, meal service, dishwashing, cleaning, sanitation, food storage, and kitchen readiness for camps, retreats, guest groups, and special events.
· This position is scheduled as needed based on camp programs, retreat bookings, guest group needs, and seasonal demands. Hours may vary and may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
· Through faithful service and hospitality, the On-Call Kitchen Staff helps Little Grassy remain a place where guests are welcomed, nourished, and cared for as they connect with nature, community, and Christ.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / KEY OBJECTIVES:
1) Food Preparation & Meal Service
a) Assist with preparing, cooking, baking, portioning, and presenting meals and snacks as directed.
b) Help set up serving lines, beverage stations, salad bars, dessert areas, and dining spaces for meals.
c) Serve meals to campers, retreat guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner.
d) Support timely meal service by following menus, production instructions, and direction from kitchen leadership.
e) Assist with special events, banquets, retreat meals, and other food service needs as assigned.
2) Dishwashing, Cleaning & Sanitation
a) Wash dishes, utensils, cookware, serving pieces, trays, and kitchen equipment using approved dishwashing procedures.
b) Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, serving areas, dining spaces, sinks, counters, floors, storage areas, and equipment.
c) Follow proper procedures for cleaning chemicals, sanitizer use, dish machine operation, and safe handling of kitchen equipment.
d) Help maintain a clean, orderly, and safe kitchen and dining environment before, during, and after meal service.
3) Food Safety & Health Department Compliance
a) Follow all applicable Illinois Department of Public Health, Jackson County Health Department, and Little Grassy Camp food safety requirements.
b) Maintain proper handwashing, glove use, personal hygiene, food storage, labeling, dating, temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention practices.
c) Assist with maintaining required kitchen logs, food temperature checks, dishwasher temperature or sanitizer checks, cleaning records, and food safety documentation as directed.
d) Report illness, unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, food safety concerns, injuries, or sanitation issues immediately to the Food Service Supervisor or Site Manager.
4) Guest Hospitality & Dietary Needs
a) Extend a spirit of genuine Christian hospitality to campers, guests, staff, volunteers, and retreat groups.
b) Support allergy-aware and special dietary meal service as directed by the Food Service Supervisor or Site Manager.
c) Treat all guests with respect, patience, and care, especially children, youth, families, retreat participants, and persons with dietary concerns.
d) Work collaboratively with camp staff to help create a welcoming and well-prepared environment for all guests.
5) Inventory & Kitchen Support
a) Assist with receiving, organizing, labeling, dating, rotating, and storing food and kitchen supplies.
b) Help monitor supply levels and communicate kitchen needs to the Food Service Supervisor or Site Manager.
c) Assist with putting away deliveries, organizing dry storage, refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen work areas.
d) Help reduce waste through careful food handling, portioning, storage, and clean-up practices.
6) Teamwork & Communication
a) Work cooperatively with kitchen staff, camp staff, volunteers, retreat leaders, and guest groups.
b) Follow directions from the Food Service Supervisor, Site Manager, or designated kitchen lead.
c) Communicate clearly and respectfully regarding kitchen needs, guest needs, safety concerns, and schedule availability.
d) Participate in staff meetings, orientation, and training as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1) Support for the vision, mission, and core values of Little Grassy Camp and the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
2) Ability to extend a spirit of radical Christian hospitality to campers, retreat guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
3) Must be dependable, punctual, flexible, and able to work when scheduled.
4) Previous kitchen, food service, restaurant, school cafeteria, or camp food service experience is helpful but not required.
5) Must complete and maintain Illinois-approved Food Handler Training within 30 days of hire, or sooner if required by Little Grassy Camp or the local health department.
6) Must follow all applicable Illinois Department of Public Health, Jackson County Health Department, and Little Grassy Camp food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and kitchen procedures.
7) Must be willing to work under the supervision and direction of the Food Service Supervisor or Site Manager.
8) Must obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within 90 days of hire.
9) Ability to follow directions, work as part of a team, and communicate respectfully with staff, volunteers, and guests.
10) Willingness to learn and follow safe food handling, cleaning, sanitizing, temperature control, and dishwashing procedures.
11) Ability to work in a fast-paced environment during meal preparation and meal service.
12) Basic ability to read menus, labels, cleaning instructions, schedules, and food service documentation.
13) Must pass a background and sex offender registry check.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Must possess or be willing to obtain:
1) Illinois-approved Food Handler Training within 30 days of hire and maintain current documentation during employment.
2) First Aid / CPR / AED certification within 90 days of hire and maintain current certification during employment.
3) Certified Food Protection Manager / ServSafe certification preferred; may be required if the employee is designated as a kitchen manager, person in charge, or food service supervisor.
4) Allergen awareness or additional food safety training as required by Little Grassy Camp, the Illinois Department of Public Health, or the Jackson County Health Department.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Commercial camp kitchen and dining hall setting with regular exposure to heat, steam, dishwashing areas, cleaning supplies, food allergens, and busy meal service environments.
Work schedule varies based on camp operations, guest groups, retreats, summer camp, and special events. Hours may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
This is an on-call/as-needed position, and hours are not guaranteed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
· Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and move for extended periods of time.
· Ability to lift and move up to 25-40 pounds as needed.
· Ability to safely carry food, supplies, dishes, trays, and kitchen equipment.
· Ability to safely use kitchen tools, dishwashing equipment, cleaning supplies, and sanitizing materials.
· Ability to work in warm, wet, busy, and sometimes noisy kitchen and dining environments.
NOTE:
This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are exclusive standards and expectations of the position. The incumbent will follow any other instructions and perform any related duties as may be required. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time and will provide reasonable notice of any such change. The job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid training
Application Question(s):
- Do you use tobacco, recreational drugs, or alcohol?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- cooking: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Food Handler Certification or Kitchen Manager (Required)
- CPR, AED, First aid Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Makanda, IL 62958 (Required)
Work Location: In person
