Camp Kitchen Assistant - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

1d•$3,000 - $3,800•Onsite

About The Position

Serve up smiles all summer long at 4-H Camp Owahta! 4-H Camp Owahta, owned and operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County, is a vibrant 128-acre camp in McGraw, NY, complete with cabins, a rustic lodge, a waterfront, sports fields, and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs. The Camp Kitchen Assistant plays an important role in supporting the Camp Kitchen Manager with the health, safety, and daily operation of the camp kitchen. Responsibilities include assisting in assigned areas of the kitchen and/or dining room, washing dishes, cleaning kitchen equipment and food storage areas, helping prep meals, and keeping all surfaces clean and sanitary (including floors, countertops, and prep areas). This position is expected to follow all 4-H Camp Owahta policies and procedures and comply with American Camp Association (ACA) standards and New York State Department of Health (DOH) regulations Once kitchen duties are complete, the Camp Kitchen Assistant may also have the opportunity to support evening activities and camp programming. This position is responsible for performing all duties outlined in this description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the Outdoor Recreation Director.

Requirements

At least 17 years of age.
Work the entire camp season and two weeks of preparation; June 15-July 3 and July 5-August 14.
Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff.
Desire, ability and willingness to work and live in a camp community and to reside at 4-H Camp Owahta, McGraw, NY (including overnights) the entire duration of the camp season (July 5-August 14, 2026).
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Demonstrated ability to complete tasks as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
Serve Safe Certification or equivalent.
Experience working with youth ages 5-16.
Training and/or experience in food service.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others.
Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.
Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control.

Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations, Meal Service & Support
During staff training, work with the Kitchen Manager to clean, prep and set up the kitchen and dining room.
Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for up to 150 campers and staff, according to the American Camp Association (ACA) and Department of Health regulations.
Assist in assigned kitchen duties including unloading and storing kitchen supplies, washing dishes, glasses and silverware by machine, sweeping and mopping kitchen and dining room, properly disposing of trash and recyclable items, washing pots and pans by hand and any additional tasks deemed necessary by the Kitchen Manager.
Assist in tracking meals served daily.
Assist in serving food to campers in a variety of ways: family-style, buffet, cook-outs, etc.
Assist the Kitchen Manager in the planning and development of camper activities and programs as appropriate.
During staff training, work with the Kitchen Manager to clean, prep and set up the kitchen and dining room.
Safety Sanitation & Compliance
Assist in all areas of the dining hall safe, clean, sanitary, and in compliance with New York State Department of Health regulations.
Be responsible for personal cleanliness and appearance and wear appropriate kitchen attire.
Conduct daily checks of all equipment to ensure it is safe, clean, and in good repair.
Inform the Kitchen Manager of any immediate repairs of equipment.
Inventory, Documentation & Other Responsibilities
Assist in conducting initial and end of season inventory.
Assist in the completion of all necessary paperwork, menus and/or logs throughout the camp season.
Assist in the evaluation of the current camping season and make suggestions for the next camping season.
Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff through attitude, body language, and behavior at all times.
Establish and maintain positive rapport with all campers, families, staff, volunteers and camp visitors.
Abide by and role model all 4-H Camp Owahta rules, policies and procedures throughout the summer camp season.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned
Attend 4-H Camp Owahta staff training week, participate in staff meetings and required training events as scheduled.
In cooperation with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to the position and to assist in establishing actionable steps for growth.
Submit all required or requested reports, etc. in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director.
Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.