Experienced Cook – Retreat Center
Pay: $20–$23 per hour, depending on experience
Schedule: 30–40 hours per week through October; part-time during the winter; returning to full-time hours in the spring
Vanderkamp is seeking an experienced, hospitality-driven cook to join our culinary team at our retreat and event center.
This is not a traditional restaurant line-cook position. Our culinary team prepares food for retreats, weddings, special events and other guest experiences. The menu, schedule and style of service can change from one event to the next, so we need someone adaptable, organized and willing to wear different hats.
The right person takes pride in preparing quality food, works well as part of a small team and understands that hospitality extends beyond the kitchen. This is a strong opportunity for a cook who wants to broaden their experience and grow into greater culinary responsibility.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and execute meals for retreats, weddings and special events
- Follow recipes, prep lists, production schedules and food-safety procedures
- Assist with breakfast, lunch, dinner, hors d’oeuvres and family-style service
- Help with receiving, storage, organization and inventory
- Maintain a clean, safe and organized kitchen
- Support dishwashing, setup, breakdown and other duties when needed
- Communicate effectively with culinary, service and event staff
- Adapt to changing guest counts, menus and event schedules
- Help create a welcoming, hospitality-focused experience for guests
Qualifications
- At least 2–3 years of professional cooking experience
- Strong fundamental cooking and knife skills
- Reliable, punctual and able to work independently
- Organized and calm under pressure
- Comfortable working in a small, collaborative team
- Willing to take on different responsibilities as the operation requires
- Available for weekends, evenings and event-based schedules
- Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
- Food-handler certification, or willingness to obtain one
Experience with catering, banquets, retreats, weddings or other event-based food service is preferred but not required.
Schedule and Growth
This position will average approximately 30–40 hours per week through October. Hours will decrease to part-time during the winter and are expected to return to full-time in the spring as the event season resumes.
There is meaningful opportunity to grow as a culinary professional and take on increased responsibility as Vanderkamp’s culinary program develops. We are looking for someone interested in becoming a reliable, long-term member of the team—not simply filling a short-term seasonal role.
To apply, please submit your résumé along with a brief note describing your culinary experience and what interests you about working in a retreat-center environment.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
