Summer Camp Cook (Any Language)

Concordia College•Bemidji, MN

4d•$650•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Culinary Arts Manager, Summer Camp Cooks will work together to prepare culturally appropriate food for the villagers and staff. This position will assume full kitchen responsibilities in the absence of the Summer Camp Head Chef and may be asked to assist with all kitchen management duties, including inventory, ordering, and kitchen staff supervision. Named one of Minnesota’s Best Summer Camps by Star Tribune readers for three years in a row, we bring language alive at Concordia Language Villages! In the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota, we create a place that is both culturally authentic and uniquely our own. At the Language Villages, everything from the music played to the dishes used in the dining hall reflects the culture each was designed to represent. That’s where you come in! Our dedicated staff is essential to creating the unique, immersive experience our participants have come to love. Share your passion for language and culture with the next generation and beyond by joining us at one (or more) of 14 Language Villages.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
Interest in cooking and preparing culturally appropriate food
Willingness to learn and grow in culinary and leadership skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Exhibits maturity & good judgment
Demonstrate adaptability in changing situations
Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with quantity cooking at a camp, resort or public or private institution
Culinary-related major or minor, or equivalent experience
Experience with planning menus, ordering food and supplies
Oral proficiency in the target language
Previous Concordia Language Villages or camping experience

Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations
Prepare culturally appropriate recipes
Assist the Summer Camp Head Chef with menu changes based on program needs
Assist Summer Camp Head Chef with purchasing food supplies as needed following guidelines set by Concordia Language Villages.
Prepare and serve meals with the assistance of the other kitchen staff, ensuring food quality, safety, and timeliness
Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with Minnesota health and safety regulations.
Leadership & Supervision
Supervise, mentor and provide feedback to kitchen staff
Assist with kitchen scheduling as needed
Model professional behavior, teamwork, and a positive work environment
Professional Skills
Follow organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards
Communicate clearly and appropriately with staff and leadership
Manage competing demands and adapt to frequent change typical in a camp environment
Essential Functions of Positions Related to Culinary Arts
Ability to stand, use hands/fingers (dexterity) and lift up to 10 pounds continuously; walk, work in extreme heat, hear and listen, reach with hands and arms and lift up to 25 pounds frequently; sit, stoop, kneel, crouch; work with chemicals, work around noise, work in dirt/dust, work in extreme cold occasionally; operate kitchen equipment safely; determine the cleanliness of dishes, food contact surfaces and kitchen area; comply with Minnesota Food Code in food preparation; maintain appropriate inventory of food and supplies, work with the foods used to prepare our international cuisines without impact upon the worker’s physical health.
General Responsibilities for All Positions
Be familiar with and abide by specific policies set forth in the “Personnel Policies,” which are designated by Concordia Language Villages administration and individual Village deans.
Read and become familiar with the responsibilities for your specific area of assignment.
After receiving your Staff Handbook and other material, read all the information carefully and thoroughly before arriving at the Village.
Report to orientation prior to your first session as designated by your staff agreement.
Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
Speak the target language with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
Live in community living arrangements, assigned according to gender; nearly all positions include living and sleeping in a cabin or other housing unit with villagers (participants) of the same gender; positions that do not include living with villagers do include living with other staff members of the same gender.
Be prepared to use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender; shower and toilet stalls are private but situated within common bathroom areas shared with other staff and villagers.
Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to the health and welfare of the villagers.
Remain one day after your final session for cleanup, inventory, and evaluation of the program.
Be at least 16 years of age to be considered for a staff position.
Be at least 18 years of age to be considered for a staff position if you are not a United States citizen.
Essential Functions of All Positions
Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities specifically in the busy, noisy, communal environment that is the Village.
Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships.
Ability to exercise good judgment and manage your own needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups in respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Provision of essential functions helps assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).