Position Purpose: The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting the Kitchen Director in running Eagle Island Camp’s kitchen including preparing meals, running the kitchen, and ensuring compliance with the New York State’s Department of Health and American Camp Association. As the Dietary Specialist this position is responsible for ensuring all campers and staff have access to safe meals that accommodate their allergens and dietary restrictions.

Responsibilities: The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for the 

1. Planning and Preparing Meals

• Ensure safety rules and procedures are followed maintaining compliance with Eagle Island, New York State Department of Health, American Camp Association, and other governing bodies

• Clearly label all food served and stored properly to safely protect campers and staff with allergies

• Prepare and serve meals adhering to the camp schedule 

• Ensure a clean kitchen compliant with Department of Health Standards, including operating the commercial dishwasher

• Foster a spirit of cooperation and team building amongst the camp staff and kitchen team

1. Kitchen Office Administration

• Be prepared to enact written emergency procedures in the event of an accident or illness 

• Assist in food deliveries and transportation of food and supplies, ensuring proper storage and labels

• Communicating with Camper Families and the Camp Health Care Team about camper allergies and dietary restrictions 

• Complete food inventories under the direction of the Kitchen Director

• Prepare a written personal evaluation at the end of the summer 

1. Participation in the Camp Community

• Take responsibility for the use and care of camp-owned equipment and facilities

• Keep records and make/or prepare reports as requested

• Participate in required staff development and training 

• Participate in pre-camp setup and inventory

• Participate in post-camp clean-up and inventory

• Maintain excellent communication with the campers, staff, and outside phone calls

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Director

Qualifications and Essential Functions

• Must be over the age of 18 by the start of camp.

• Experience in cooking food for people with special diets, including allergies and restrictions.

• Experience in preparing food for large groups (meal numbers will vary between 20-140)

• A belief in, adherence to, and willingness to promote the mission of the Eagle Island Camp 

• Willingness and ability to share skills and traditions, and to learn new skills and philosophies.

• Maturity, strong leadership qualities, and good judgment.

• Acceptance and appreciation of all people associated with EI, and the ability to live and work with children and adults of various backgrounds, life experiences and identities

• Excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work as part of an effective camp staff team

Physical Aspects of the Position

• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to hazards related to working in a kitchen

• Visual and auditory ability to answer phones

• Must be able to remain calm and assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers. 

• Ability to endure standing for long hours and perform activities such as running, bending, stooping, and stretching.

• Ability to traverse varying terrain, from flat to hilly, while moving around the facility

• Ability to operate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and varying environmental conditions.