Organic produce, great team, island living, and an appreciative community!

Cooks in the Roberts Harbor Farm Kitchen spend 40-45 hours per week preparing a wide variety of recipes, from soups, salads, dips and sauces to baked goods, pickles and sandwiches using the farm’s fresh, organic produce and recipes. They share the kitchen and have opportunities to learn from and support our pastry and Dinner at the Farm chefs. They create a steady supply of farm-fresh prepared and grab 'n go food to meet the demands of a busy farm store. The farm is a positive environment. Guests genuinely value the delicious food items we offer on top of the organic produce they have come to count on. (Don't be surprised if your creations receive applause when you deliver them to the farm store)!

The farm takes great pride in growing top-quality, certified organic produce and is looking for kitchen partners who are passionate about local, seasonal cooking. Grow and learn doing work that really matters to an island community.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the farm owner to create a weekly menu that showcases the best of the season

• Craft nutritious, delicious food and pack it for the farm store

• Prepare farm recipes provided and propose your own to add

• Maintain high quality standards for food’s taste, appearance and storage

• Manage rotation of ingredients and prepared foods to ensure food safety and minimize waste

• Maintain a clean, organized workspace that meets or exceeds Maine food safety standards and the Roberts Harbor Farm Kitchen best practices

• Provide weekly inventory of all ingredients and supplies to the owner for the purpose of placing weekly orders and maintaining food costs

• Communicate changes, mistakes, ingredient information, inventory needs, etc. to farm owners and managers in a timely and professional manner

• Approach new farm-grown ingredients, and shortages, with creativity and a positive, problem-solving attitude

• Maintain a tidy, professional appearance in the kitchen and around the farm and farm stand

• Interact with customers in a friendly, professional manner as needed

• Work cooperatively with the farm team including chefs, farm workers, and volunteers.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of professional cooking experience (experience preparing large quantities and seasonally-inspired recipes a plus)

• Easily able to perform all tasks of a busy kitchen

• Able to take and follow directions accurately, work independently as needed, and be open to feedback

• Willingness to perform all tasks, from unloading freight to washing dishes, with a positive attitude

• Enjoy working as part of a creative, collaborative team

• Able to regularly lift up to 50#

• Professional, respectful demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills

• Efficient time management, attention to detail, and a strong desire to work with farm-grown, seasonal ingredients

• Computer skills knowledge (Email, Word/Google Docs, and Excel/Google Sheets)

• Good communication skills, assertiveness, and decisiveness are essential

• Strong references from previous employers

• Food safety certification a plus

Compensation & Benefits:

• $22-25 per hour, commensurate with experience

• Onsite shared housing available

• Free produce (when available) for personal use