Retreat Cook

Big Bear Retreat Center•Big Bear Lake, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) is seeking a Retreat Cook to contribute to its culinary vision by providing high-quality, nutritious, and creative food offerings. The Retreat Cook will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality of culinary offerings, supporting the healing and transformative retreat experiences. This role involves joining the kitchen team to ensure meal service is well-planned and executed smoothly.

Requirements

Interest in culinary excellence, efficiency, and creativity.
Open-mindedness and willingness to learn new skills in the kitchen.
Understanding of the importance of BBRC’s mission and purpose and possess a personal belief in the power of mindfulness and connection.
Capability to act proactively, bring forth new ideas, move quickly and persuasively, focus on priorities, and organize the team to accomplish tasks on time and on budget.
Possesses an authentic passion for and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ability to maintain stable performance and models equanimity when under heavy pressure or stress.
Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions, and cope effectively with complexity and change in a collaborative environment.
Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, often for the duration of a shift.
Requires frequent bending, lifting, and carrying of items up to 50 pounds, including pots, food supplies, and equipment.
Ability to safely operate standard kitchen tools and appliances, work in a fast-paced, high-temperature environment, and maintain focus during repetitive tasks is essential.

Nice To Haves

Personal experience with and interest in multi-day residential silent meditation retreat practice.
Passion for and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Passion and drive to continue to push BBRC’s culinary offerings forward in creativity and sustainability.
Desire to live and work in a mountain community.

Responsibilities

Participate in the overall operational needs of the kitchen and ensure it is managed effectively and in alignment with BBRC’s mission, vision, values, and standards.
Engage with all levels of staff to ensure the values, vision, and mission of BBRC are upheld, fostering a vibrant staff community culture of trust, respect, and open and inclusive communication.
Contribute to a strong kitchen team responsible for delicious, creative, fresh, and inclusive cuisine.
Collaborate closely with the Retreat Chef to ensure the effective and seamless creation of menus and production activities, consistently providing a high-quality culinary experience to faculty and guests.
Participate in an effective learning and feedback-friendly environment, including setting clear expectations, accountability checks, and ongoing feedback.
Participate in the development of standard operating kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and employee code of conduct, including compliance with Injury and Illness Prevention and Emergency Procedure programs.
Support kitchen operations by inventory and ordering in the Chef’s absence.
Prepare and serve homemade, high-quality vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.
Ability to bake breads, cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
Maintain a clean, orderly, and efficient workplace.
Perform support cook duties including food preparation, cleaning, organizing, and special projects.
Ensure the work environment meets or surpasses hygiene and safety standards.
Train and support retreatants in performing kitchen yogi tasks.
Follow Chef and Kitchen Manager’s instructions and support them to complete daily tasks.
Demonstrate impeccable time management skills, including punching in at the scheduled time, finishing each task in a timely manner, and managing breaks between meal times.
Maintain a high level of operational integrity, accountability, transparency, and clear communications regarding all activities under their responsibilities.
Support and protect the retreat environment; uphold ethical principles.
Embody the creativity and passion to help produce international, healthy vegetarian cuisine to enhance the overall retreat experience for guests.
Serve as a positive and proactive ambassador of BBRC to all its constituencies and stakeholders, including neighbors and members of the local community.