Sous Chef

Enso Village • Healdsburg, CA

17h • $32 - $38

About The Position

The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations to ensure high-quality, consistent meal service for residents, guests, and team members at Enso Village. The role supervises culinary team members, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, supports menu execution, and helps ensure a positive dining experience. During assigned shifts, the Sous Chef leads kitchen operations and assists with training, production planning, quality control, and maintaining an organized, efficient culinary environment.

Enso Village is a Zen-inspired senior living community focused on mindful aging, nature, sustainability, contemplative life, and care for adults 60+. It is a collaborative endeavor between the Kendal Corporation and the San Francisco Zen Center. Its workplace emphasizes meaningful relationships, professionalism, humanity, compassion, and attention to everyday details.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 3–5 years of culinary experience; experience in restaurants, hotels, fine dining, or senior living communities is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and residents, understand and follow work instructions, and comply with workplace safety procedures.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach to access ingredients and equipment in low cabinets, high shelves, or confined spaces.
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 90% of the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to tolerate hot and cold temperatures from ovens, grills, and freezers and warm, humid kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and utensils with strong manual dexterity and knife skills.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree or certificate in Culinary Arts.
• Prior experience supervising kitchen staff.
• ServSafe Food Protection Certification, or ability to obtain it upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in managing daily production kitchen operations and consistent meal service.
• Prepare menu items according to standardized recipes and production schedules using classical and contemporary cooking methods.
• Ensure portioning, plating, and presentation standards are met before service.
• Taste-test and evaluate food before service for quality, flavor, and presentation.
• Oversee food preparation for timely service in all dining venues.
• Ensure adherence to menu specifications, dietary guidelines, and special requests.
• Assist with food preparation and production, particularly during peak service periods.
• Follow and enforce safe food-handling procedures, including HACCP practices and critical control temperatures.
• Maintain food temperature logs, production records, and sanitation documentation.
• Ensure kitchen equipment, utensils, and workspaces are cleaned and sanitized during and after each shift.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations.
• Supervise kitchen team members during assigned shifts and in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Guide, coach, and support team members to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring new kitchen team members.
• Help evaluate performance and support a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.
• Assist with food production planning for meal service and events.
• Support product rotation using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method.
• Work with the Executive Chef and Purchasing Coordinator to maintain appropriate product levels.
• Assist with inventory monitoring, waste reduction, and cost-control initiatives.
• Ensure food quality, presentation, and service meet Enso Village hospitality expectations.
• Support a resident-centered dining experience and respond professionally to feedback.
• Assist with special events, catering, and community functions as needed.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, and use proper knife skills and cutting techniques.
• Maintain an organized and safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Nourishment team.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on the first day of employment for eligible team members.
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with an employer match.
• Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
• Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
• Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED