Summer Camp Chef (Any Language)

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Camp Chef at Concordia Language Villages leads a collaborative Culinary Arts team in creating authentic international dining experiences that bring language and culture to life. The chef works with Village leadership to oversee daily kitchen operations, develop culturally appropriate menus, manage food purchasing and preparation, and supervise and mentor kitchen staff. The position combines culinary expertise and leadership in a summer camp community.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time position in Bemidji, Minnesota. The employment period varies from May through September. The schedule varies and includes days, evenings, and weekends, with shifts of 8–10 hours per day based on program needs. The stated minimum salary is $1,000 per week.

The role takes place in a busy, noisy, communal Village environment. Residential employment includes community living arrangements, generally sharing a cabin or other housing unit with villagers of the same gender; some positions instead include housing with staff members. Shared bathroom facilities are assigned by gender, with private shower and toilet stalls in common bathroom areas. Staff participate in orientation, assist with Village setup and upkeep, speak the target language as much as possible, and remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and evaluation.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Interest in cooking and preparing culturally appropriate food.
• A culinary-related major or minor, or equivalent experience.
• Experience planning menus and ordering food and supplies.
• Knowledge of sanitation practices and procedures.
• Willingness to learn and grow in culinary and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely and determine the cleanliness of dishes, food-contact surfaces, and the kitchen area.
• Ability to comply with the Minnesota Food Code in food preparation.
• Ability to maintain appropriate inventory of food and supplies.
• Ability to work with foods used to prepare international cuisines without impact on the worker's physical health.
• Ability to stand and walk; sit, stoop, kneel, and crouch; use hands and fingers with dexterity; lift up to 10 pounds continuously and up to 25 pounds frequently; reach with hands and arms; and hear and listen.
• Ability to work with chemicals, around noise, in dirt or dust, in extreme heat, and occasionally in extreme cold.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs while supporting a youth-centered program.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.
• Applicants must provide contact information for at least two professional references before an offer is made; references are not required with the initial application.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with quantity cooking at a camp, resort, or public or private institution.
• Oral proficiency in the target language.
• Previous Concordia Language Villages or camping experience.

Responsibilities

• Research and prepare culturally appropriate ethnic recipes.
• Plan menus with the dean one week in advance of planned meals.
• Budget and purchase food supplies according to Concordia Language Villages guidelines.
• Prepare and serve meals with assistance from other kitchen staff.
• Schedule, supervise, mentor, and provide feedback to kitchen staff.
• Uphold and enforce kitchen sanitation requirements in accordance with state health and safety regulations.
• Record menus, recipes, and kitchen policies, and report challenges and suggestions at the end of employment.
• Communicate effectively, use sound judgment about what and how to communicate, and listen to others.
• Follow policies and procedures, complete tasks correctly and on time, and support organizational goals and values.
• Adapt to changes, competing demands, delays, and unexpected events; respond appropriately under pressure.
• Treat others with respect and consideration, accept responsibility, and follow through on commitments.
• Abide by personnel policies and the responsibilities for the assigned area; read staff materials before arriving at the Village and attend designated orientation.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village during sessions.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible.
• Model behavioral standards, maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, and support the health and welfare of villagers.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

Benefits

• Housing provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Meals provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Paid training and orientation.
• Applicable tuition discounts for children attending Concordia Language Villages.
• Opportunities for professional development, intercultural learning, and language immersion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed