Do you love food, camp and the great outdoors? Now hiring a Food Service Director - Intern or FT

Position Summary 

Oversee all aspects of camp food service for youth and adult groups during summer camp and school-year retreat seasons. Prepare menus, order food, prepare food, train and supervise kitchen staff, maintain inventory, assure health and safety standards, and provide excellent customer service to groups. During the summer season, this position oversees a team of kitchen staff to prepare and serve meals; during the spring/fall/winter seasons, acts as primary cook for school and retreat groups.

Essential Job Responsibilities 

• Plan summer camp meals, snacks, and pack-out food service which is healthy, cost-effective, and appealing for children, teens, and adults. Coordinate menu planning for retreat and school groups with the Outdoor Education & Retreats Program Manager. 

• Place and receive orders for food, janitorial products, and food service equipment. 

• During school-year groups, prepare and serve meals for retreat and school groups. 

• Participate as part of the camp Operations Team to ensure smooth overall camp operations and contribute constructively to the overall camp workplace culture. 

• In coordination with the Operations Team and summer leadership team, recruit, interview, and hire cooks, kitchen assistants, and other staff who support kitchen operations. 

• In coordination with the summer leadership team and the Outdoor Education & Retreats Program Manager, coordinate and schedule the work of all food service staff. 

• Work closely with the summer leadership team to train and supervise the work of all cooks, kitchen assistants, and other food service staff. 

• Maintain inventory of food and janitorial supplies. Keep kitchen and dining hall storage areas clean and organized. 

• Maintain relationships with food, janitorial, and kitchen supply vendors and ensure kitchen equipment is in working order. 

• Oversee budget for food and janitorial supplies; submit all receipts and invoices to accounting department. 

• Coordinate and oversee cleaning projects in the kitchen on a regular basis. Perform deep cleaning of kitchen during less busy weeks. 

• Ensure food service staff maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety. 

• Maintain temperature records of refrigeration, freezer, and dishwashing units. 

• Provide excellent customer service for all groups utilizing food service at camp. 

• Ensure safe workplace practices and compliance with OSHA, WISHA, American Camp Association, the Washington State Department of Health, and all other regulations and standards. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Secondary Job Responsibilities 

• Assist with Council events and Camp Sealth special events as needed. 

• Support the camp community with emergency response, light maintenance, facilities upkeep, etc.

Skills and Qualifications 

Camp Fire recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. We believe that a diversity of professional and life experiences can lead to a well-rounded team.  

Applicants who do not meet all of the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered.  

We strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work, has a strong desire to grow their skills, and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply. Applicants of non-dominant cultures are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

Qualifications 

• At least 2 years work experience in institutional kitchens 

• Knowledge of or ability to learn: placing food orders, maintaining inventory, budgeting 

• Experience in a variety of food preparation including family-style and buffet serving, managing special diets and allergen-free food, and high-volume preparation 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule 

• Competency with basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel 

• Washington State Food Worker’s Card 

• Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate or ability to gain certification within two months of starting employment 

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record 

Skills 

• Supervisory, team management, and conflict resolution skills 

• Good organization and planning skills 

• Excellent customer service and accommodating for campers, staff, and guests 

• Responsibility, flexibility, and accountability 

• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work independently in a fast-paced environment 

• Ability to accept supervision and guidance 

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with peers 

Physical Requirements 

• Standing for long periods of time 

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds 

• Repetitive motions of hands/wrists 

• Visual/auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards of the site and facilities 

• Ability to work and operate equipment in a large, busy institutional kitchen including commercial ovens, stove, flat-top, steamer, warming ovens, mixers, and dishwasher 

• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and written 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Camp Fire strives to continuously provide diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments throughout our organizations and programs. We recognize that both access to and success in our programs requires intentional work, to cultivate respect, eliminate systemic barriers, and address injustice head-on.  We at Camp Fire believe that words must be followed by progress, action, and accountability. We recognize that our efforts will be ongoing and evolving as we continue to grow, learn, collaborate, and press for an equitable future.