Position Overview:

The NorthWoods Summer Camp Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals to campers and staff during the summer camp program, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while adhering to food safety regulations, managing kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring dietary needs are met by ordering food and accommodating special dietary requests; they also maintain kitchen organization and may assist with meal planning and inventory management.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Meal Preparation:
  • Cook a variety of meals for large groups, following established recipes and dietary restrictions.
  • Prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner options including main dishes, sides, and desserts.
  • Ensure proper food handling and sanitation practices.
• Kitchen Management:
  • Organize and maintain a clean kitchen workspace.
  • Properly store food items and rotate stock to ensure freshness.
  • Monitor kitchen equipment and report any maintenance issues.
• Food Ordering and Inventory:
  • Create and manage grocery orders based on meal plans and camper count.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records of food supplies.
• Dietary Accommodations:
  • Prepare meals for campers with special dietary needs (allergies, vegetarian, etc.)
  • Communicate with camp staff to understand dietary requirements
• Cleaning and Sanitation:
  • Wash dishes, clean cooking surfaces, and maintain kitchen equipment
  • Adhere to all food safety guidelines and health department standards

Qualifications:

• Cooking Skills: Proven ability to cook large quantities of food efficiently and consistently
• Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of proper food handling practices and sanitation procedures 
• Basic Culinary Skills: Experience with a variety of cooking techniques including grilling, baking, roasting, and sauteing 
• Organization and Time Management: Ability to plan meals, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines 
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with camp staff to address dietary needs and any concerns 

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced kitchen environment in a summer camp setting
• Long hours during peak camp season
• May require working outdoors in various weather conditions (depending on camp setup) 

Possible Training Opportunities: 

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): The Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to children in low-income areas through eligible organizations, primarily in the summer months when most schools are closed for instruction.

Employment Period: 

June 16, 2025 – August 19, 2025

Workweek: 

Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 8am to 3pm.

Compensation: 

Hourly wage of $18-$20/hr, based on experience. Paid bi-weekly. Employment at NorthWoods includes personal use of outdoor equipment, the wood shop, and access to a gear lending library.

Reports to:  

Andrew Cappello, Education Director

How to Apply: 

Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to andy@northwoodscenter.org 

Hiring Timeline:

Applications accepted until the position is filled.

If assistance is needed during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact NorthWoods for support. Please reach out to: Andrew Cappello, Education Director at (802) 487-5747 or andy@northwoodscenter.org.

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities.  NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.

About NorthWoods Stewardship Center

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more at www.northwoodscenter.org.