Chalet Seasonal Operations Manager

Position Description

Kitchen Manager/Head Chef

Classification: Full-time Exempt (Salaried) Employee

Reports to: Operations Director

Job Duration: May 10 - September 14; dates will be mutually agreed upon

Work Schedule: Generally 5 days per week; includes evening work

Summary:

Denali Education Center is a non-profit organization and proud partner of the National Park Service. Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of Denali through informative and inspiring programs. Our 10-acre campus is home to 12 guest cabins, a combined classroom and dining hall, and lecture hall.Typical group sizes range from 24-48 guests who stay with us for 6 nights and are provided 3 meals per day, served family style. We operate residential programs in cooperation with numerous educational groups and organizations, primarily Road Scholar. In addition, we offer a suite of catered community programs, evening events, lectures, and youth programs. Denali Education Center is a diverse organization, with its root firmly planted in the local community, and Denali National Park and Preserve.

We highly value our kitchen staff and especially the responsibility of this position. We know a positive dining experience is critical to the success of our programs. This is a hands-on position with theKitchen Managerresponsible for assisting and overseeing all areas of food service, supervising the kitchen staff team, and ensuring the adequate preparation and presentation of food for Denali Education Center guests. The primary responsibility is daily food service for our residential programs, but responsibilities also include youth programs, and catered dinners that take place in the Charles Sheldon Center (or elsewhere on campus), and other special events.

Position Responsibilities:

Order campus supplies and food and ensure that all is prepared and stored according to Alaska Department of Health standards.
Work with vendors and suppliers in setting up contracts, deliveries, etc.
Prepare family style meals for all residential programs and dinner events in the Sheldon Center
Ensure adequate food is prepared for each meal or event
Do dishes, sweep, mop and ensure that the dining and kitchen area is clean and presentable at all times
Ensure that special requests of guests are fulfilled courteously and respectfully
Supervise staff, offer training and suggestions for improving menu items, create weekly staff schedules
Work with the Youth Program Manager to ensure food for all youth programs is ordered in a timely manner
Work with event and management staff to coordinate food orders and preparation for special events and volunteer barbeques
Assistin resolving minor maintenance issues with the guest facilities and Riverside Hall
Ensure a safe environment for all staff and guests
Monitor food costs

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

All Denali Education Center staff are required to complete an employee evaluation at the conclusion of the summer season
Attend weekly staff meetings
Assist during certain Denali Education Center events

Qualifications:

Eight or more years of cooking and food preparation skills
Several years of supervisory experience
Passion for food with the desire to create meals that inspire as well as satiate
Creative cooking ability, desire to develop new healthy menu options
Ability to lift 50 lbs., stand for long periods of time, maintain a tidy kitchen, dependable and on time
Ability to lead by example and take as well as give constructive criticism
Exercise good judgment, patience, and initiative
Ability to work independently and creatively
Enjoyment in trying new things…from recipe experimentation to learning about the subarctic
Friendly, outgoing, upbeat personality with a knack for making people feel comfortable
Possess the communication skills, and flexibility,to work in a collaborative environment that includesother staff, presenters, guests, volunteers and the community
Current CPR and First Aid Certification, Alaska Food Worker card, and Servsafe certification or equivalent.
Valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record

Compensation:

Starting salary is $1600 per bi-weekly pay period; Negotiable DOE and performance
Private housing may be available for a nominal fee ($200/month). Employee kitchen and shower facilities are shared and maintained with other employees
The full-time Kitchen Manager schedule will endeavor to follow a 5-day work week, however, weekends are not guaranteed and may change depending on program and campus needs

Disclaimer:

This Position Description reflects Denali Education Center’s best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities, or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.

To Apply: Email a letter of interest and resume including recent, related references to Jill Boelsma: