Culinary Intern

Blackberry Farm•Aurora, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Blackberry Culinary Team is seeking Culinary Interns for the Fall trimester (September to December). This temporary position is responsible for all aspects of food preparation, from initial tasks assigned by Sous Chefs (including basic vegetable preparation, vinaigrettes, salads, and stocks) to more advanced techniques like meat fabrication and sauce making, up to the final presentation for guests. Interns will also be involved in cleaning the work area and kitchen, assisting with deliveries, and playing a central role in dish production during service periods. The role requires the ability to follow directions and recipes in a supervised environment. Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain are Relais & Châteaux properties in the Great Smoky Mountains, known for luxury hospitality, land conservation, and celebrated cuisine. A career here offers a supportive team environment focused on legendary hospitality, memorable experiences, and generational sustainability.

Requirements

Completed at least one year of culinary school
Internship will last approximately 15 weeks
Must arrive within 2 weeks of the trimester start date and depart no later than the end date
Expected 30-40 hours per week
Basic understanding of proper food handling procedures (blanching, sautéing, standard breading)
Basic knife skills
Basic kitchen operations experience
Experience cooking in a high-level kitchen
Must be able to read and understand recipes
Must be able to communicate with other cooks to ensure timely delivery of dishes to guests
Basic knowledge and understanding of math
Must be able to exercise judgment and make decisions based on job knowledge and awareness of company goals
Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.
Must be able to stand for a long period
Must be able to safely operate a company vehicle or golf cart

Responsibilities

Food preparation tasks as assigned by the Sous Chefs, including basic vegetable preparation, vinaigrettes and salads, stocks, and other basic tasks, as well as meat fabrication, sauce making, and other advanced techniques
Cleaning work area and kitchen during and at the end of shift
Central role in the production of finished dishes during service periods
Assisting with receiving deliveries to the kitchen
Able to take direction, and follow recipes
Work in a supervised environment
Works at a steady pace, with a service orientation and the ability to quicken the pace as required
Able to coordinate production over multiple days and plan for a smooth transition when other team members take over the station
Able to plan out work day and accomplish multiple tasks
Knows basic food product identification
Able to maintain an organized and sanitary workstation
Knows how to work in a team environment
Tasting food for quality assurance
Comply with all company policies and procedures
Maintain regular and consistent attendance
Work well with other Team Members and Managers and interact with guests