Join Our Team
Lodge Cook for Youth Programs
Lodge Cook
About Gateway Mountain Center
Gateway Mountain Center brings together the transformative power of human connection and nature immersion to help young people learn, heal, and thrive.
About Sierra Experience
Sierra Experience offers nature immersion experiences to young people to open their hearts and minds to the natural world. We partner with schools, community groups, and youth organizations to offer trailblazing environmental education, including field science, outdoor adventures, mindfulness practices, and customized personal development. Young people learn to cultivate knowledge and curiosity about the natural world as they develop their whole selves, forge their own growth, and build connections.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an organized and skilled individual to join our team as a Lodge Cook for Youth Programs. In this role, you will support Sierra Experience programs via cooking breakfast, dinner and dessert, creating menus via assessing dietary restrictions, and maintaining a clean/well stocked kitchen, while contributing to the overall success of Gateway Mountain Center’s mission.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Team Collaboration:
Emphasize hospitality, the 4Roots method, environmental education, social-emotional learning, and responsibility to risk management expectations throughout programming and team communication.
Join meetings as scheduled to review program information and lodge updates/projects.
Join debrief meetings and aid in creating a positive portal for feedback.
Field Communication:
Utilize SLACK app for real-time updates and check-ins with all field staff and admin support.
Make real-time decisions about changes in honor of risk mitigation, commitment to equitable access/success of participants and/or overall participant experience.
Communicate with SE Leadership staff immediately if/when itinerary changes and/or issues arise.
Participant Communication:
Host a fun and engaging space for all participants.
Ensure commitment to creating a space of equitable comfort, access and success for all participants.
Compassionately communicate Behavior Agreements with participants who are struggling.
Communicate with teachers/chaperones/guardians regarding dietary requirements/meal options.
Utilize DEI practices when communicating with clients, contractors and public.
Demonstrate personal self-awareness concerning professional language, sharing personal bias/opinion/beliefs and awareness of diversity/equity/inclusion.
Youth will engage in washing group dishes via “chore groups”. Support the meal clean up chore group by clearing spaces before youth enter the kitchen and stocking all necessary cleaning supplies.
Support SE Management/Guides in facilitating youth “chore groups” which include setting out plates/items for meals and cleaning up after meals. Review set up & cleaning done by youth “chore groups” for quality control and share compassionate guidance with participants about any issues.
Cooking:
Demonstrate exceptional attention to risk mitigation regarding creating meals for groups including facilitation of ServSafe Food Handling standards.
Support creating a space that is organized and well labeled for program efficiency.
Communicate professionally with any kitchen staff or guides supporting programs.
Menu preparation in accordance to dietary restrictions/needs, custom requests & budget restrictions.
Food purchase in preparation for groups- including proper food storage and submitting receipts in a timely manner.
Timely food preparation for groups varying in size and requirements. Dietary options are ready at the same time and of equal quality/quantity for clients with dietary needs.
Leave all spaces clean after meals within the kitchen including cookware/pots/pans/knives, counters and floors. Ensure dishwashers are loaded and running.
Upon completion of each program, inventory all non-perishable & unopened food.
Maintain required certifications/licenses.
Requirements:
GMC is in search of individuals who exemplify our core values: Professional, Reliable, Respectful, Positive Attitude, Authentic, Heroic/Compassionate/Thoughtful Communicators, Always- Learning, Value Nature.
Valid California ServSafe Food Handlers certification or approved equivalent.
Ability to pass a Department of Justice background check.
Experience cooking for large groups according to timelines and dietary requirements.
Experience working with computer systems such as spreadsheets, email and workforce platforms.
A personal drive to improve skills/ knowledge concerning working with youth.
Preferred:
Experience working with youth, especially from varied demographics..
Bi-lingual Spanish speaker.
Benefits and Wages:
$21-$25.00 per hour starting rate depending on college degree, credentials, certifications, and/or experience.
Part-time benefits: cell phone reimbursement, discounts & professional development opportunities.
Reference Checks:
The company reserves the right to conduct background investigations and/or reference checks on all of its potential employees. Your job offer, therefore, is contingent upon a clearance of such a background investigation and/or reference check, if any.
FLSA and Employment Status:
Non-exempt/Part-time. Seasonal: 20-30 hrs/week from Sept-April; full-time 40 hrs/week from June-August.
Non-exempt/ Full-time. Year-round: 40 hrs/week.
How to Apply:
Applicants can apply using online form or send your resume & cover letter to programs@sierraexperience.org
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Gateway Mountain Center is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.