Job Description

Sous Chef – Events & Retreats

Vanderkamp Center | Temporary Position with Potential for Long-Term Employment
Pay: $23–$27 per hour, based on experience

Vanderkamp is seeking an experienced, dependable Sous Chef to help lead our growing culinary program. This is initially a temporary position with the potential to develop into a long-term leadership role.

Our culinary operation serves weddings and special events primarily on weekends, along with retreats and group programs during the week. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Culinary Director to build a creative, organized, and hospitality-driven food program in a truly unique natural environment.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys both hands-on cooking and team leadership—and who wants to help shape menus, systems, and the future of a developing culinary operation.

Responsibilities

Assist the Culinary Director with planning and executing weddings, retreats, banquets, and special events
Lead kitchen staff during prep, service, and cleanup
Help maintain an organized, efficient, and positive kitchen environment
Prepare and oversee high-quality food for both small groups and large events
Create menus or contribute individual dishes and components to existing menus
Coordinate production schedules, station assignments, and service timing
Communicate effectively with front-of-house staff and event leadership
Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory management, food-cost control, and waste reduction
Maintain sanitation, food-safety, and kitchen-cleanliness standards
Step into a kitchen leadership role when the Culinary Director is unavailable

Qualifications

Previous catering, wedding, banquet, or high-volume event experience required
Experience supervising or leading a kitchen team
Strong cooking, organization, communication, and time-management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain composed during busy services
Understanding of proper food handling, sanitation, and temperature control
Ability to work independently while also collaborating closely with the Culinary Director
Availability for weekend weddings and weekday retreats
Willingness to work a flexible schedule based on the event calendar
ServSafe certification preferred

What We Offer

$23–$27 per hour, depending on experience
Temporary employment with the potential for a long-term position
Opportunities to develop original dishes and contribute to menu creation
A meaningful leadership role in building Vanderkamp’s culinary program
A collaborative workplace in an exceptional natural setting
Potential for increased responsibility as the program grows

The right candidate will be a capable cook, a steady leader, and someone who takes pride in creating memorable experiences for guests.

Vanderkamp INC

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