Seasonal Cafe Associate

DORIS DUKE MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION • Hillsborough Township, NJ

18h • $18

About The Position

The Seasonal Café Associate supports the daily food preparation and service for the Duke Farms café and assists with catering and event support during the busy visitor season. This is an entry-level, hands-on role ideal for someone beginning their culinary or hospitality career. The position focuses on food prep, light cooking, customer service and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. The Café Associate helps ensure a welcoming guest experience while supporting a food program rooted in sustainability and farm-to-fork values.

Requirements

• A valid ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, or willingness to obtain upon hire, and knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices are required.
• Passion about sustainable food systems, farm-to-fork cooking, and Duke Farms’ mission of conservation and supporting sustainable, local, seasonal eating.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively and professionally with visitors and team members.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting.
• Comfort with the demands of a busy kitchen during peak meal service times.
• Ability to follow directions while demonstrating initiative, independence, and reliability within established guidelines.
• Willingness and ability to operate point-of-sale systems and handling transactions accurately in a fast-paced service environment
• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property as well as travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform other physical kitchen tasks
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes.
• Available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays to support café hours and event support.
• A valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• A candidate with foundational cooking skills, or a strong interest in culinary arts, preferred.
• Experience in customer service, preferably in a café or restaurant environment, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing menu items according to recipes and standards provided by the Executive Chef.
• Perform basic food prep including washing, chopping, portioning and assembling ingredients.
• Support café service by ensuring food is prepared accurately, safely, and on time.
• Replenish food displays and maintain an organized service area.
• Assist with simple catering and event food preparation as needed.
• Operate cash registers and process transactions accurately and efficiently, providing courteous, clear communication to guests while upholding financial integrity.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and service area at all times.
• Follow all food safety, health, and sanitation guidelines.
• Assist with dishwashing, cleaning equipment, and daily closing procedures.
• Properly store food, label items, and rotate inventory to minimize waste.
• Engage directly with visitors during café service, contributing to a warm, hospitality-first guest experience.
• Provide friendly and efficient service to visitors.
• Take daily direction from the Executive Chef café leadership, following established workflows.
• Communicate clearly with team members about prep needs and service flow.
• Support a positive, professional kitchen environment.
• Be open to learning and growing within a mission-driven culinary program.
• Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.

Benefits

• 15% employer contribution to 401(k).
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed