Summer Camp Chef (Any Language)

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, is hiring a seasonal Summer Camp Chef to lead a collaborative Culinary Arts team and create authentic international dining experiences. The chef oversees daily kitchen operations, develops culturally appropriate menus, manages food purchasing and preparation, and supervises and mentors kitchen staff. The role works alongside Village leadership and contributes to a welcoming summer camp community where food supports language and cultural learning.

The position is based in Bemidji, Minnesota. Employment is temporary, seasonal, and full-time, with a general employment period varying from May through September. The schedule varies and includes days, evenings, and weekends, with shifts of 8–10 hours per day depending on program needs. The minimum salary is $1,000 per week. Residential employment may include housing, meals, and paid training and orientation. Employees are expected to attend orientation, help set up and maintain the Village, remain one day after their final session for cleanup and evaluation, and follow applicable personnel and Village policies. Staff are expected to speak the target language with villagers and colleagues as much as possible and to live in community housing arrangements.

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.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and work in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely and comply with the Minnesota Food Code in food preparation.
• Ability to maintain appropriate food and supply inventory.
• 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; and lift up to 10 pounds continuously and up to 25 pounds frequently.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, hear and listen, and work with chemicals, noise, dirt or dust, extreme heat, and occasional extreme cold.
• Emotional resilience and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships, exercise good judgment, manage personal needs, and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Applicants must provide contact information for at least two professional references before an offer is made; references are not required with the initial application.
• Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

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 ahead of planned meals.
• Budget for and purchase food supplies in accordance with Concordia Language Villages guidelines.
• Prepare and serve meals with the assistance of 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 and appropriately, listen to others, and use sound judgment about how and what to communicate.
• Adapt to changes, manage competing demands, and respond effectively to delays or unexpected events.
• Follow policies and procedures and complete projects and tasks correctly and on time.
• Attend orientation before the first session and assist with Village setup, preparation for subsequent sessions, and maintenance throughout the session.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
• Model appropriate behavior and be attentive to villagers’ health and welfare.

Benefits

• Housing may be provided during residential employment.
• Meals may be provided during residential employment.
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed