Culinary Manager / Chef Instructor

The Trustees of Reservations•Dover, MA

2d•$61,250 - $78,750•Onsite

About The Position

At Powisset Farm, food is one of the most immediate and powerful ways visitors connect to the land. As the Culinary Manager / Chef Instructor, you will translate the farm’s agricultural mission into meaningful culinary experiences that bring seasonal ingredients to life. Through cooking classes, retail food production, and private programs, you will deepen visitor engagement, strengthen our farm-to-table identity, and contribute directly to earned revenue goals. Your work will help ensure that every culinary interaction reflects the quality, care, and sustainability at the heart of The Trustees’ mission. As the Culinary Manager / Chef Instructor, you’ll serve as the culinary ambassador for Powisset Farm. You will design and deliver hands-on cooking programs, develop retail food offerings for the Farm Store, support private and public events, and oversee kitchen operations. This is a highly public-facing role that blends instruction, production, hospitality, and operational management. This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week reporting directly to the Senior Regional Engagement Manager.

Requirements

Strong foundation in culinary technique and seasonal menu development.
Ability to translate food knowledge into clear, engaging instruction for diverse audiences.
Practical understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, and cost awareness.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.
Ability to balance instruction, production, and operational responsibilities.
Collaborative approach to working with engagement staff, event teams, and volunteers.
4-7 years of relevant professional experience, including:
Professional culinary experience in a restaurant, farm, catering, or educational setting.
Experience teaching or facilitating hands-on culinary instruction for diverse audiences.
Strong knowledge of seasonal cooking and local sourcing.
Demonstrated ability to manage kitchen operations, including inventory and food safety compliance.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a public-facing environment.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as programming requires.
ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing retail food products or packaged goods.
Experience working in a farm-based, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization.
Experience supporting private events or small-scale catering.
Supervisory or volunteer management experience.

Responsibilities

Design and lead engaging cooking classes for adults, families, and youth that highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Develop curriculum, lesson plans, and seasonal menus aligned with farm production and engagement goals.
Test, refine, and document recipes for instructional and retail use.
Create and produce a high-quality line of prepared foods for the Farm Store, prioritizing farm-grown ingredients whenever possible.
Develop new retail products in response to seasonal availability and visitor demand.
Serve as house chef for private dining experiences and small private cooking classes.
Collaborate with Engagement and Events teams to design culinary components of public and private programs.
Train event chefs and support staff on kitchen standards and procedures.
Oversee kitchen operations, including inventory management, ordering, cost control, food waste reduction, and equipment maintenance.
Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and internal policies.
Foster a welcoming, educational, and professional environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Benefits

Sick time: 15 days per year
Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated)
12 observed holidays, 3 floating
Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
Life Insurance
401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment
Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
Reciprocity: Enjoy access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions for Trustees Staff, Volunteers and Interns.
Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.
Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property
Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property