Lead Cook (Camp Paivika)

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, located in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest, provides a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for children and adults with disabilities. Our Food Service team plays a key role in supporting campers' health and well-being through nutritious, well-prepared meals.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Lead Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals for campers and staff in a residential camp environment. You’ll ensure food safety, cleanliness, and quality standards are maintained while contributing to a positive and supportive dining experience. This seasonal position is ideal for someone who enjoys cooking in a collaborative environment and takes pride in serving others.

Monday -Friday (6:00am-2:30pm)

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals for campers and staff, including accommodating special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, allergies).
• Follow pre-planned menus, portion control standards, and food safety procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, equipment, and dining areas. This may include washing dishes and pots and pans.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including proper food storage and handling.
• Collaborate with other food service staff for meal prep, serving, and cleanup.
• Track and manage inventory of kitchen supplies and notify supervisors of needs.
• Assist in receiving, storing, and organizing food deliveries.
• Occasionally support special events, theme meals, or birthday celebrations.
• Prepare to take on any necessary roles as directed by the Camp Director in emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers, guests, and staff.
• Report any maintenance or safety concerns to the Facilities Manager.
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

SKILLS YOU’LL NEED:

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• At least 2 years of institutional cooking experience is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in food service, cafeteria, or kitchen support is preferred.
• A valid Food Handlers Permit is required as mandated by the San Bernardino County Health Department, or have the ability to pass San Bernardino County Food Safety Card training within two weeks of employment.
• Physical capability to stand for prolonged periods and to perform tasks involving lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling is required.
• Comfortability working with and interacting with individuals that have special needs is required.
• Must be comfortable working in a rustic, outdoor environment for the duration of the season. This is a requirement.
• Proficiency in conflict resolution and problem-solving is required.
• Strong computer skills for effective record-keeping is required.
• Excellent communication skills for training and supervising staff.
• Independence in decision-making and business judgment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking and lifting
• Kitchen environment is loud, fast paced?
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-50 pounds at times.
• Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment such as dishwasher, manual and electrical kitchen equipment/tools, cleaning equipment/tools?