Kitchen Assistant

National Audubon Society•Bremen, ME

18h•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

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 standard health and safety protocols, and the Kitchen Assistant will be responsible to abide by these protocols. The Kitchen Assistant is required to live in housing on Hog Island in order to perform the functions of this position. Audubon will provide the Kitchen Assistant with a room with shared bath. 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. This is a seasonal role. 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 11 to October 2, 2026

Requirements

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 remain stationary for extended periods and be able to maneuver at least 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day, Able to traverse uneven terrain for up to 2 miles at a time with or without reasonable accommodation.
Sense of humor, strong work ethic, and flexibility are of paramount importance to this position.
Must be able to pass a federal background check.
Must hold valid Driver’s License.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Accommodations: Living onsite is a requirement for employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior professional food service or cooking experience, solid knife skills, as well as baking experience and/or interest in baking, strongly preferred.
Current Serve safe and/or TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) training card is a plus.
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.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

Assist with food preparation, cooking, 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.
Assist with managing kitchen waste streams including trash, recycling, returnables, and compost.
Regular wipe downs and cleaning in accordance with health and safety protocols.
Assist in implementing waste reduction measures throughout the kitchen, including managing inventories of prepared food.
Help to serve and present the kitchen’s sustainability and service mission to diners on a regular basis.
Participate in weekly meetings with the Hog Island staff
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Other job duties as given.