Summer Camp Cook (Any Language)

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Camp Cook at Concordia Language Villages prepares and serves culturally appropriate international cuisine for villagers and staff. Working with the Summer Camp Head Chef and Culinary Arts team, the cook supports menu changes, food purchasing, meal preparation, kitchen operations, and a safe, timely, high-quality dining experience. The role also includes supervising and mentoring kitchen staff, assisting with scheduling, maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen, and modeling professional behavior and teamwork.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time position in Bemidji, Minnesota. The general employment period varies from May through September. Work schedules vary according to program needs and include days, evenings, and weekends; shifts are generally 8–10 hours per day. Minimum salary is $650 per week.

Staff participate in the residential and community life of the Language Villages, including orientation, session setup and cleanup, and speaking the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible. Residential arrangements include shared housing and bathroom facilities. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have an interest in cooking and culturally appropriate food, and be authorized to work in the United States. Employment offers are contingent on applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check. Culinary Arts positions are not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Ability to adapt 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 and 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 dexterously; 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 in a youth-centered program.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Applicants must provide contact information for at least two professional references before an offer of employment; references are not required with the initial application.
• Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check, is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with quantity cooking at a camp, resort, or public or private institution.
• A culinary-related major or minor, or equivalent experience.
• Experience planning menus and ordering food and supplies.
• Oral proficiency in the target language.
• Previous Concordia Language Villages or camping experience.
• Enthusiasm for cooking, exploring different cultures, working in a team, taking initiative, and sharing an interest in food and culture.

Responsibilities

• Prepare culturally appropriate recipes and meals.
• Assist the Summer Camp Head Chef with menu changes based on program needs.
• Assist the Summer Camp Head Chef with purchasing food supplies according to organizational guidelines.
• Prepare and serve meals with other kitchen staff, ensuring food quality, safety, and timeliness.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen in accordance with Minnesota health and safety regulations.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide feedback to kitchen staff.
• Assist with kitchen scheduling as needed.
• Model professional behavior, teamwork, and a positive work environment.
• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately with staff and leadership.
• Manage competing demands and adapt to frequent changes in a camp environment.
• Attend orientation before the first session and assist with setting up, maintaining, and preparing the Village for sessions.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible.
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed