Cooking Enthusiast
Quantity: 3
2010 hiring complete; 2011 hiring begins in January 2011
The Basic Qualifications and Expectations are the same for this position as for the others (see "Essential Expectations"). In addition, he/she must also have a desire to learn about cooking for large groups (form 20-100 people, usually around 70). Communication and organizational skills are a must in the kitchen, as is the ability to work as a team and be flexible. The ideal people love to cook, want to learn more about using seasonal fresh ingredients, enjoy hard work, are willing to learn new techniques, won't mid occasional farm and resort work in addition to their cooking responsibilities, and enjoy working with children as well as adults.
We are looking for people who want to be part of a team that consistently created delicious California-Cuisinesque foods….along with kid friendly wholesome comfort food meals, with a slant towards the simple (no, not plain-simple). Folks tell us that our food is the number one reason they keep coming back year after year. It is not the typical cafeteria/camp fare. We create healthy, sumptuous, well balanced meals for both our Environmental Education and Family Camp programs, as well as for Private Group Retreats and the occasional Wedding. Everything is prepared from scratch; no mixes are used. We incorporate our own farm-grown meat and poultry whenever possible. When we can, we use produce and fresh herbs from our own organic garden and orchard. We also roast coffee and make our own jams, syrups, granola, breads and desserts.
Main Responsibilities:
- Assist in creating and serving family-style meals for groups of 60-75 people
- Prepping raw ingredients-slicing vegetables, washing lettuce, picking herbs,
- Assist in creation of dishes
- Help supervise a staff of 4-6 people in food prep, service and clean-up by communicating effectively with other staff and providing clear directions
- Work with the Kitchen Manager to plan menus, order rotating stock, and track and maintain appropriate inventory
- Clearly communicate produce needs to garden staff within an appropriate time frame
- Supervise guest involvement in kitchen/food related "chores": cookie making, pickle packing, etc.
- Prepare occasional staff meals (on work days when there are no guests)
- On occasion, assist in preparation and serving of banquet style meals for 80-100 people
- Assist and supervise during kitchen and dining hall cleaning
- De-winterize "Summer Kitchen" during training for use during Environmental Education in the Spring and for guest meals during the summer.
- Help clean dining hall and kitchen after meals including dish washing (with commercial dishwasher and by hand), sweeping, mopping, putting away foods, putting away dishes, cleaning countertops, etc.
- Monitor cleanliness and organization of refrigerator, walk-in cooler and food cellar
Miscellaneous Farm Work
- During summer (mid June-Mid September) assist with weekly cabin setup on Sunday mornings.
- Possible berry harvesting, ice cream churning, etc. in summertime
- Various farm maintenance projects as needed and time permitting
Compensation
Minimum $235/week, plus room and board.
Tips during Family Camp/Groups.
Work schedule
40 hours a week.
Environmental Ed schedule (April-early June): M-F
Family Camp/Group schedule (mid June-mid September): 5.5 days, weekends required.
Dates of Employment
(2)Full Season: March 30 – Early October
(1)Summer Season: mid June- Early October
Preference is given to applicants who can stay for an entire period, but we will still consider applications for shorter time periods. End date in particular may be flexible dependent on needs of the business and staff member.
Cooking Enthusiast Application (PDF)
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please download the application, complete it, and send it to us, along with your resume and a page describing your qualifications and reasons for wanting to work in this position at Emandal. You may send your application and supporting materials to us via post.
- Emandal
16500 Hearst Post Office Road
Willits, California 95490