Job Description:
The Kitchen Assistant works under the Head Chef in collaboration with 2-3 other Kitchen Assistants. They are responsible for preparing three meals daily for approximately 130-150 people and supporting the cleanup process after each meal. At Camp Tamarack, we strive to be known for our delicious, home-cooked meals that contribute to the overall camp experience.
Required Skills:
Cooking and Food Preparation: Ability to prepare large-scale meals for a group of 130-150 people, including menu planning, cooking, and food presentation.
Dietary Knowledge: Ability to cook for diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, lactose-free, and other allergy-aware meal preparation.
Food Safety and Sanitation: Must possess a valid Oregon Food Handler’s Card and demonstrate strong knowledge of food safety standards, kitchen cleanliness, and proper storage techniques. Must maintain a safe, organized, and hygienic kitchen environment.
Communication and Collaboration: Ability to communicate clearly with kitchen staff, camp leadership, and other departments to coordinate meal planning and service. Must work well in a team environment.
Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing schedules, weather, and food requirements during the camp season. Flexibility to adapt menus and preparation methods based on available ingredients and resources.
Physical Stamina: The ability to work long hours on your feet, often in a hot kitchen environment. Must be able to lift heavy kitchen equipment and food items as needed.
Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution: Ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively between staff members.
Commitment to Inclusion: Strong commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all campers and staff, ensuring that each individual feels valued, respected, and supported regardless of background, identity, or ability.
Growth Mindset: Demonstrates a growth mindset by embracing challenges, learning from feedback, and encouraging campers and staff to do the same. Ability to view mistakes as opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Preferred Skills:
Previous Kitchen Experience: Experience working in a camp, school, or other institutional kitchen setting, ideally in a leadership role overseeing food preparation for large groups.
Spanish Language Skills: Proficiency in Spanish, allowing for the ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking staff or campers, creating a more inclusive kitchen environment.
Note to potential applicants: Research shows that BIPOC folx, trans and non-binary folx, and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every qualification listed in a job description. Your skills, experience, and education can come from personal interests, self-directed learning, community roles, and life experiences. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested in the position, even if you do not believe you meet all the qualifications.
How We Make This Position Sustainable:
FULL Room and Board: There is no cost to staff for housing, meals (when programming is running), internet, utilities, and laundry seven days a week for your entire season of employment!
40-45 hour Work-Week
Paid “Sick or Sad” leave: Whether you get sick or just need a mental health day, we offer accruing paid leave for our employees. 1 full day of pay earned for each session worked, 1 day for Spring Outdoor School, 1 day for Summer Camp, and 1 day for Fall Outdoor School.
Paid Time Off: 1 full day of pay earned for each session worked: 1 day for Spring Outdoor School, 1 day for Summer Camp, and 1 day for Fall Outdoor School.
Wellness Stipend: After a year of employment, we offer a monthly wellness stipend for health care.
To apply please email sami at sami@camptamarack.com with your resume and cover letter
Living and Working Conditions:
Employment is temporary and subject to the school/camper participation schedule. This position works in an overnight camp setting.
If staff choose to live on-site, they live in shared staff quarters.
Housing is provided for the entire employment season- you don’t have to move out on the weekends or in between sessions- your space is your space for the whole season. Housing is shared with other employees in assigned cabins or bunk rooms.
Room and board provided - there is no cost to staff for housing, meals (when programming is running), internet, utilities, and laundry seven days a week for your entire season of employment
Shift Type: Weekly salary, paid monthly
