Cook fresh meals where mountains, nature, and community come together

The Lead Cook is a hands-on role that supports daily meal prep and service for campers, staff, and guests. You'll work alongside the Food Services Manager, and others on our Kitchen team, to prepare and serve meals and keep kitchen operations running smoothly. The job includes a mix of cooking, cleaning, and organizing. This role is a good fit for someone who’s comfortable in a fast-paced kitchen and enjoys working as part of a team as well as independently. 

Ideal candidates have at least two years of kitchen experience, a solid understanding of food safety, and are ready to step into a leadership role. This role requires collaboration, flexibility, attention to detail, and a practical approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Daily Kitchen Operations

• Prepare and serve meals for 20–200 people based on weekly menus.

• Maintain food quality, safety, and presentation standards.

• Clean and sanitize kitchen, dining areas, dishes and equipment.

• Provide guidance and support to Kitchen Assistant.

• Communicate clearly with team members and other departments. 

 Manage Food Inventory and Offsite Prep

• Monitor and restock food supplies and storage areas.

• Pack and organize meals for off-site and camping programs.

• Coordinate with the Food Services Manager on weekly needs.

Qualifications

Skills

• Chopping, baking, sautéing, roasting, grilling, etc.

• Understanding of safe food handling, storage and sanitation procedures, especially in environments with varying dietary restrictions.

• Ability to follow meal plans while adjusting for portion and dietary needs.

• Maintaining stock and inventory, and ability to make adjustments to recipes based on available ingredients.

• Quick to troubleshoot issues in the kitchen and find practical, timely solutions.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• 2+ years of experience in food service or kitchen operations (camp or group dining settings a plus).

• Comfortable preparing meals for large groups (20–200 people).

• Experience supervising or training team members in a kitchen environment.

• Familiarity with food safety practices; food handler certification preferred.

• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain within 30 days.

• Must be 18 years or older and able to pass a background check.

• Knowledge of outdoor education and K-12 science education is a plus.

Physical Requirements 

• Standing and Walking: Requires prolonged periods of standing and walking on hard surfaces in a kitchen environment.

• Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry objects up to 40 pounds frequently and up to 60 pounds occasionally with assistance.

• Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle knives, kitchen utensils, and other food preparation equipment with precision and safety.

• Reaching and Stooping: Frequent reaching, bending, and stooping to access ingredients, cookware, and kitchen storage areas.

• Temperature Exposure: Regular exposure to hot stoves, ovens, grills, and other heated surfaces, as well as walk-in coolers and freezers.

• Environmental Exposure: Exposure to food allergens, sharp objects, hot surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.

• Vision and Hearing: Adequate vision to read recipes, food labels, and monitor cooking processes; sufficient hearing to respond to verbal instructions and kitchen alarms.

• Communication: Must be able to clearly communicate with team members, supervisors, and food service staff in a noisy kitchen setting.

• Emergency Response: Must be capable of responding quickly to safety hazards, spills, and other urgent kitchen situations.

Keystone Science School: Who We Are

Keystone Science School (KSS) ignites curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on, nature-based learning. Nestled at 9,200 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, our 23-acre campus serves as a hub for immersive, inquiry-driven experiences. Since 1976, we have combined outdoor adventure with STEM education, empowering students, teachers, and communities. Our programs—including summer camps, school-based learning, and outdoor education—promote scientific exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship. With log-style dorms, a dining hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and an observatory, KSS provides an inspiring setting for discovery.

Benefits for Year-Round Staff 

At KSS, our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below. 

• Paid time off including PTO, sick leave, and holidays

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with 3% Employer Match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Weekly staff lunches

• Short and long term disability (STD/LTD), Paid Family Medical Leave and life insurance

• Outdoor retailer discounts and discounted ski pass opportunities

Work Schedule and Environment

This position primarily operates in our campus kitchen. The kitchen has sharp and potentially dangerous equipment, the employee must work safely and effectively with all kitchen equipment. The schedule is varied and often split between a breakfast shift and a dinner shift.