Banquet Sous Chef

Arbor Day Foundation • Nebraska City, NE

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? At Arbor Day Farm, you don’t just show up to work—you help create experiences rooted in purpose, service, and impact. Life is short, love where you work. As one of the world’s largest conservation organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Through Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge, Tree Adventure, and our historic properties, we bring that mission to life—welcoming guests to experience conservation firsthand. Join Arbor Day Farm as our Banquet Sous Chef and help create memorable culinary experiences while advancing the Foundation’s mission right here in Nebraska City.

Requirements

• Passion for hospitality, culinary excellence, and the Foundation’s mission.
• Previous culinary leadership experience, preferably within banquets, catering, hotels, resorts, or other high-volume operations.
• Experience executing plated meals, buffets, receptions, and large-scale events.
• Ability to read and interpret banquet event orders, recipes, production sheets, and event timelines.
• Strong culinary knowledge, including preparation methods, kitchen equipment, presentation standards, and food-safety practices.
• A calm, organized approach with the ability to prioritize multiple events and adjust quickly when plans change.
• A team-first leadership style and a willingness to work alongside the team.
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Food-safety certification or the ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods and safely lift and move items commonly used in culinary operations.
• Commitment to high standards and consistency because good enough is not good enough.

Responsibilities

• Lead food preparation and culinary execution for weddings, conferences, plated meals, buffets, festivals, and other special events.
• Review banquet event orders and translate event details into clear production plans, prep lists, timelines, and team assignments.
• Work alongside the culinary team while providing daily direction, coaching, training, and support.
• Ensure food is prepared and presented consistently according to recipes, quality standards, portion guidelines, and event expectations.
• Coordinate closely with Banquet Operations, Conference Services, Event Sales, and service teams to support timely and seamless event execution.
• Respond professionally and thoughtfully to last-minute changes, special requests, food allergies, and dietary accommodations.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, temperature control, labeling, and proper food storage.
• Assist with ordering, inventory, receiving, food-cost control, labor management, and reducing unnecessary waste.
• Help create an organized, respectful, and team-focused kitchen environment where team members can learn and grow.
• Support other culinary outlets and property-wide events when business needs require it.

Benefits

• Competitive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, paired with wellness incentives.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
• One complimentary meal per day.
• Property-wide events and experiences throughout the year.
• Free access to Tree Adventure and discounts on overnight stays, retail, dining at Timbers and Porter’s, golf, and more.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, and end-of-year floating holiday hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed