Kitchen Assistant

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

The Hog Island Kitchen Assistant works in coordination with the kitchen staff of Hog Island that also includes a Head Chef, Sous Chef, and the help of a group of devoted Friends of Hog Island (FOHI) volunteers. The kitchen team provides 3 meals a day for up to 80 people during the course of the 6-day, 5-night camp sessions. A commercial-grade kitchen is part of the dining building known as “The Bridge.”

Under direction from the Head or Sous Chef, the Kitchen Assistant will assist with food preparation and clean up including cleaning equipment, cold storage, and pantry spaces. S/He/They will assist in acquiring, transporting, and inventorying orders from farms and distributors, including transport to island by boat. S/He/They will work closely with a team of dedicated FOHI volunteers who will be aiding the kitchen team. The kitchen team will have to abide by strict Covid-19 protocols and the Kitchen Assistant will be responsible to abide by these protocols.

The Kitchen Assistant is preferred to live in housing on Hog Island in order to perform the functions of this position. Audubon will provide the Kitchen Assistant with a private room with shared bath. Meals are provided on Hog Island when the kitchen is in operation. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, and the day revolves around meal planning and service that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a six-day/ five-night program schedule. Occasional weekend work is required. Some weeks will not include a full schedule and full hours may not be expected all weeks.

** Preferred candidates will be available from May 8 to October 3, 2023.

Compensation:

$15.50 / hour

Essential Functions

• Assist with food preparation and kitchen assignments
• Assist with local acquisition of food and supplies, including pickups from local farms and ferrying groceries across from the mainland
• Interface with kitchen volunteers as necessary to ensure safe and efficient task completion
• Conduct inventories of food stocks in the kitchen
• Help maintain a clean and healthy working environment, including regular and deep cleaning of kitchen equipment and spaces
• Regular wipe downs and cleaning in accordance with Covid-19 protocols
• Assist in implementing waste reduction measures throughout the kitchen, including managing inventories of prepared food
• Help to present the kitchen’s sustainability and service mission to diners on a regular basis
• Participate in weekly meetings with the Hog Island staff

Qualifications and Experience

• Preferred candidate will be available to work from May 8- October 3, 2023.  This is a seasonal role.
• Undergraduate or recent graduate in culinary arts, conservation, or related discipline with experience or interest in culinary arts/and or hospitality is desirable; experience at a residential nature camp is desirable.
• Preferred candidate will be able to stand for extended periods of time and able to lift at least 50 lbs (repeatedly throughout the day), as well as walk up to two miles at a time (with or without accommodation).
• Sense of humor, strong work ethic, and flexibility are of paramount importance to this position.
• Prior professional food service or cooking experience, solid knife skills, as well as baking experience and/or interest in baking, strongly preferred.
• Must be willing to or have obtained vaccination for Covid-19.
• Must be able to pass a federal background check.
• Must hold valid Drivers License.
• Current TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) training card desirable.
• Willingness to wear masks according to employer policy to prevent spread of Covid-19.
• Sincere interest in birds and environmental issues is encouraged, but not required.
• Interest in farm-to-table/slow food movement is greatly appreciated.
• Experience with or desire to learn use of small motor or row boats required.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.