North Cascades Institute seeks a qualified, enthusiastic professional cook to join our Kitchen Team. 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 most weeks. 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 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 give and receive direction in a way that models respect
• Ability to comply with a smoke- and drug-free work environment
• Ability to lift 50 pounds consistently
• 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 

Responsibilities

Food Service and Preparation:

• Prepares food on a daily basis for meals typically served buffet-style
• Assists in creating age and diet 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 Food Services Manager or Learning Center Director

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
• Support equity initiatives at North Cascades Institute and actively contribute to NCI as a community of belonging that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. Develop a personal equity, diversity, and inclusion related goal(s) and track progress towards your goal(s) with your supervisor.
• Participates in strategic planning, annual picnic, and other duties as assigned by the Learning Center Director

Compensation

This is a regular, full-time (32-40 hours per week), non-exempt position subject to a winter furlough (unpaid) of one month. Wage is $18.00-19.00 per hour, DOE. Benefits include paid time off, holiday pay, health insurance, long and short-term disability and life insurance, tax deferred annuity and contribution retirement plan, and a yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs. Shared staff rental housing may be available at $150-300 per month. Pets and smoking are not allowed in housing or on campus.

Start Date

As soon as possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.

About North Cascades Institute

North Cascades Institute requires all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and to provide proof of inoculation unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. All new hires are expected to comply with these requirements upon employment.

North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. 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 and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place.

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations. We believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.