Summer Camp Kitchen Helper (Any Language)

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Camp Kitchen Helper at Concordia Language Villages assists the Culinary Arts team with meal preparation and service, dishwashing, and keeping kitchen and dining areas clean and welcoming. The role helps ensure meals are prepared safely, on time, and to appropriate quality standards in a collaborative, multicultural summer camp setting. Kitchen helpers follow organizational policies and safety procedures, communicate with staff and leadership, and adapt to changing needs in a camp environment.

The position is seasonal and temporary, with an employment period that varies from May through September. Work schedules vary and may include days, evenings, and weekends; shifts are generally 8–10 hours per day based on program needs. Employees participate in orientation, help set up and maintain the Village, speak the target language with villagers and staff when possible, and remain one day after their final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation. Residential employment may include provided housing and meals.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must be at least 18 years of age to be considered if not a United States citizen.
• Interest in kitchen work.
• 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 assess the cleanliness of dishes, food-contact surfaces, and kitchen areas.
• Ability to comply with the Minnesota Food Code in food preparation and 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 dexterously; lift up to 10 pounds continuously and up to 25 pounds frequently; reach with hands and arms; hear and listen; and work with chemicals, noise, dirt or dust, extreme heat, and occasional extreme cold.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional resiliency and cognitive skills in a busy, noisy, communal environment; establish professional relationships; exercise good judgment and manage personal needs; interact effectively while respecting social and cultural diversity; and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check, is required.
• Applicants must provide contact information for at least two professional references before an employment offer; references are not required with the initial application.

Nice To Haves

• Oral proficiency in the target language.
• Previous Concordia Language Villages or camping experience.
• Experience in food service.

Responsibilities

• Wash dishes and utensils used during meal preparation and service.
• Assist kitchen staff with preparing and serving meals while ensuring food quality, safety, and timeliness.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen in accordance with Minnesota health and safety regulations.
• Assist with dining hall and kitchen cleanup, including garbage disposal and recycling.
• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately with staff and leadership.
• Manage competing demands and adapt to frequent change in a camp environment.
• 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.
• Model appropriate behavior and be sensitive to villagers’ health and welfare.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

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