River Bend Farm is an organization that transforms how people think about science, food, the environment, and themselves through joyful, hands-on learning for all ages. Home of The Ecology School in Saco, Maine, River Bend Farm provides a variety of programming including adult conferences, workshops, camps, and school programs.
We are seeking to hire an experienced cook to join our culinary team in our new state of the art kitchen. We are a scratch kitchen, that utilizes our own in season farm fresh produce, and local products when available and when budgets allow. A successful candidate is someone who is experienced and comfortable cooking meals for 75 - 200 people. The Cook position is a great position for individuals with experience in cooking for large groups in a catering or institutional setting. Baking experience is a plus. We are serving Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Job Description: The Cook position will work with and under the guidance of the Operations Manager / Chef. The cooks will work with the team in preparing wholesome and appealing Family style or buffet meals from scratch, practicing proper food safety techniques in handling, organization, storage and maintain of supplies, and the overall cleanliness of the kitchen and Dining Commons for between 10 and 150 people.
Responsibilities
Lead and coach the team towards achieving exceptional meals, guest service and employee satisfaction goals
Train assistants and volunteers in local health laws, support and train assistants and volunteers in food production and service.
Create tasty food utilizing The Ecology School recipes, and creating new recipes
Maintain proper food cost, eliminating or reducing waste.
Run and supervise the kitchen operations in the Chefs absence.
Maintain kitchen and dining commons cleanliness throughout the shift. Lead the team in daily, weekly kitchen and dining commons cleaning.
Execute in-depth cleaning projects
Follow River Bend Farms trash, compost, and recycling procedures
Help keep coolers, storerooms, equipment, clean and organized
Qualifications
Experience i preparing meals for 100 + people
Commercial kitchen experience, preferably in quantity cooking in catering, club, institutional setting
Current Serve safe certificate desired
Knowledge of food allergies and special dietary requirements
An understanding of various cooking techniques
Additional Valued Qualifications
Maintain a positive attitude under pressure and motivate others
Ability to work a varied schedule
Work Environment & Physical demands
This position can be physically demanding and require the ability to lift safely up to 60 lbs.
Be active in hot environment for extended periods.
Must be able to safely use kitchen equipment, including knives, stoves, food processors, mixers, dish washers.
Maintain physical mobility and endurance to perform task while standing/walking for long periods of time
To apply: Please submit a cover letter and current resume including 3 work references.
River Bend Farm provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
