Kitchen Staff

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts is seeking help in our kitchen for our summer operations. The School has a reputation for healthy and delicious meals, with the dining hall being a vital component of the Haystack experience.

Position Summaries

This job requires consistent interaction with Haystack staff, students, faculty, trustees, and vendors, with polite and courteous communications to all in a respectful and generous manner while acknowledging the diversity of viewpoints and experiences of all who choose to come to or visit the School. The kitchen staff will work as part of the kitchen team to serve a healthy and enjoyable menu for participants and staff that provides options for various personal dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, religious, food allergies, etc). This position relies on collaboration, strong communication skills, excellent organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment as part of a team, while managing multiple tasks flexibly.

Lead Cook

The Lead Cooks are second in command and responsible for the kitchen when the Head Chef is not present. Lead Cooks are responsible for leading daily shifts and delegating tasks to Prep Cooks, ensuring that prep is done correctly and efficiently, and that meals go out on time and are appropriately prepared. The Lead Cooks will work with the Head Chef to plan the menu. They must know and help complete cleaning/closing procedures and food safety protocols. The Lead Cooks are responsible for communicating with guests about dietary restrictions and dining hall protocols when the Head Chef is not present. Lead Cooks must have at least 3 years of experience in food service.

Baker / Kitchen Manager

The Baker is responsible for prepping, storing, and baking all cookies/desserts/baked goods for the week, including prepped cookies and desserts for their days off. The Baker needs to be aware of the current guests’ dietary restrictions and ensure vegan/gluten-free/allergen-free options are available as needed. They will also be responsible for completing regular orders and assisting the Head Chef with scheduling.

Prep Cook / Pantry

Prep Cooks are responsible for assisting the Lead Cooks with any tasks needed for the day’s meals and prepping for the coming days. The Prep Cooks’ job is to ensure the salad bar, breakfast bar, and prep are ready for the following day and to communicate with the Head Chef or Lead Cook if anything is missing. Prep Cooks are also responsible for keeping the dish pit clear of dishes, sweeping the dining room, wiping down dining tables, and restocking the coffee bar after each meal. Prep Cooks will also take turns receiving and storing all orders and keeping the walk-in, pantry, and freezers clean and organized.

Skill Set & Characteristics

• Knowledge of and experience in food service is preferred
• Can support the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals three times a day for 75-125 guests
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals
• The ability to work in an intensive, creative community
• Excellent organization with a strong attention to detail
• Alignment with the School’s mission, vision, and values

Compensation & Benefits

The positions are seasonal full/part-time available with bi-weekly compensation. These positions are not eligible for benefit coverage. Hourly compensation is: Lead Cook $29-$35/hour; Baker/Kitchen Manager $29-$35/hour; Prep Cook/Pantry $21-26/hour.

Haystack’s programming season runs from May 1 to October 25. Preference will be given to applicants who can work the whole season. Kitchen staff may be hired for early season: May 1- June 7; mid season: June 8- September 1; late season: September 4 – October 25; or for any/all seasons.

Additional benefits include on-campus meals. Individual roles may include staff housing as a requirement of the position, which is assigned at the discretion of the Head Chef, with approval by the Executive Director.

To Apply

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 30.

Email a resume, cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in a specific position, and contact information for three references to employment@haystack-mtn.org with the subject line, “Kitchen Staff Application, [Your Name].” All attached files must be in PDF format and labeled to include your last name. No phone calls, please.

Non-discrimination Policy

Haystack is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identification, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, or veteran status.