Kitchen Manager

Outward Bound California•Midpines, CA

23d•Onsite

About The Position

Outward Bound California is hiring a seasonal Kitchen Manager for its High Sierra basecamp in Midpines, California. The Kitchen Manager oversees food service for a large seasonal staff, planning and preparing lunch and dinner, keeping breakfast items and kitchen essentials stocked, and managing the commercial kitchen in compliance with applicable health and food-safety regulations. The role reports to the High Sierra Logistics Manager. This is a full-time, seasonal, non-exempt hourly position, tentatively scheduled from April 21 through September 30. The schedule is based on a 40-hour workweek and 7.5-hour workdays, with some overtime available during especially busy weeks. Some workdays fall on weekends; days off depend on preference and scheduling needs. Typical hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., including a break taken at the Kitchen Manager’s discretion. The starting wage is $22–$23 per hour, depending on experience. The position is based at a rustic outdoor basecamp in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park and at an elevation of approximately 2,500 feet. High summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. The basecamp includes a commercial kitchen, office, gear-storage sheds, and fabric-structure living quarters. Rustic housing with communal bathrooms and a kitchen, as well as food during the program season, is provided. Outward Bound California uses outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills and is committed to expanding access to the outdoors and fostering an equitable, inclusive culture. The organization offers programs for participants ages 12 and older, including adults and veterans.

Requirements

1–3 years of cooking experience.
Ability to prepare high-quality meals for groups of 20–50 or more while accommodating varied dietary restrictions and nutritional needs.
Comfort managing food ordering, inventory, and budgeting for a high-volume basecamp kitchen.
Commitment to high standards of food handling, kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety.
Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow through on responsibilities.
Deep understanding of and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors.
Ability to maintain composure, use sound judgment, make decisions, and assess and mitigate risk under stress.
Ability to regularly lift at least 30–40 pounds.
Ability to stand for most of the workday.
Comfort working alone for most of the time.
California Food Manager Certification by the start date.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must be willing to authorize a federal and Live Scan background check and provide current negative TB screening or test results upon hire; the cost is paid or reimbursed by OBCA.

Nice To Haves

Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license held for at least three years.

Responsibilities

Plan and prepare timely, balanced, nutritious lunches and dinners for staff groups of 20–50 or more.
Accommodate multiple food allergies and dietary needs, taking particular care to prevent cross-contamination.
Keep breakfast items and kitchen essentials stocked for staff when the cook is off duty.
Order food within budget, manage inventory, and receive deliveries from multiple vendors.
Plan meals for multi-day special events involving 50 or more people and oversee volunteers helping with meal preparation.
Purchase food locally as needed in coordination with the Logistics Manager.
Oversee daily operations of the commercial kitchen and dining areas, maintaining cleanliness and compliance with applicable health and food-safety regulations.
Uphold the organization’s zero-tolerance policy regarding child abuse and neglect and help protect minor students.
Participate in daily basecamp chores and community-living expectations.
Follow Outward Bound California policies.
Optionally attend Driver Training and drive organization vehicles for food shopping as needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned.