SUMMARY

North Cascades Institute seeks a qualified, enthusiastic professional Cook. Based out of the Institute’s field campus in North Cascades National Park, this position supports food services at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, which serves up to 80 children and/or adults per day on a seven-day-a-week schedule. Supervised by the Head Chef, this position works closely with many Institute staff, partners and contractors to support a wide array of educational programs. This includes the Foodshed Project, the Institute’s initiative to incorporate local, organic products in the operation of the Learning Center.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Enthusiasm for the mission of the North Cascades Institute.
• Enthusiasm for and experience with “Foodshed” principals and the “Slow Food” movement. 
• One year or more Professional food service experience
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks with exemplary time management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to comply with a smoke- and drug-free work environment
• Ability to lift 50 pounds occasionally and walk over uneven terrain
• Washington State food handler’s permit
• Valid driver’s license and driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving, or serious moving violations.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check.

Preferred:

• Previous food service experience at other residential learning centers, camps, schools or similar facilities
• Professional food service experience in an institutional setting, preparing diverse, health-conscious meals for children and adult groups, including foods that incorporate fresh, local and/or organic ingredients
• Experience assisting with inventory and ordering tasks
• Current certification as Wilderness First Responder, first aid, or CPR.

Responsibilities

FOOD SERVICE AND PREPARATION

• Prepares food on a daily basis for meals typically served buffet-style.
• Assists the Chef in creating age-appropriate menus for NCI’s summer programming (families, tour groups, adult seminars, etc.), using recipes for consistency, cost control and appealing servings avoiding unnecessary waste.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head Chef or Facilities Manager.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANLINESS

• Maintains exemplary standards of cleanliness in the dining hall, kitchen and walk-in.
• Assists in ware-washing program and hospitality.
• Actively participates in recycling program, composting, use of green materials and local products as related to food service.

General

• Participates in general staff responsibilities such as staff meetings, hands to work, and risk management. 
• Participates in strategic planning, annual picnic, and other duties as assigned by the Learning Center Director.

Compensation

This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time non-exempt position, from late-August through mid-November. Wages are $12.00 to $15.00 per hour, D.O.E.

ABOUT NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE

The Institute’s mission is to conserve and restore Northwest environments through education. Since 1986 we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place. The Institute is committed to innovation and excellence in environmental learning and leadership in the nonprofit community. We believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity.

North Cascades Institute is a respected, national leader among U.S. environmental education organizations. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $3 million budget and strong reserves, and 11 Four-Star with Charity Navigator. The Institute was also voted “Best Place to Work” in the 2013 Bellingham Alive – Best in the Northwest annual readers’ poll. This is a wonderful opportunity to join North Cascades Institute at a time of exciting growth.

For more information, please visit our webpage: www.ncascades.org