Outdoor Adventure Camp in the Tahoe National Forest!

Dates of employment: June 1st, 2026 - August 17, 2026 
Pay: $18 - $25 per hour, depending on experience 

Do you have a passion for food and cooking? Do you have some professional kitchen experience? Are you looking for a positive live-work environment where you’ll contribute to a team of like-minded people who want to create a great summer experience for campers and staff? If so, we want to hear from you!

Shaffer's High Sierra Summer Camp is located on the peaceful headwaters of the North Yuba River in the scenic Tahoe National Forest, and is surrounded by majestic mountains, clean rivers, stunning lakes, and fantastic hiking and biking trails. The Camp employs about 60 staff to serve about 100 kids for 9 weeks. We've been recognized by Outside Magazine as one of its 5 favorite camps in the U.S., been recommended by the L.A. Times, and we've been included in Newsweek's list of the country's best camps. We get kids and staff from around the world. It's an interesting and exciting place to live and work! 

As a Lead Cook, you'll:

• Lead the preparation of 1-2 meals a day for up to 150 people in one of two shifts, morning and afternoon/evening

• Manage and supervise 2-3 other kitchen staff while leading a meal, including a prep cook and a dishwasher

• Practice kitchen safety and cleanliness, and ensure that other kitchen staff are doing the same

• Be present for the annual health inspection and be able to point out proper food safety practices in the kitchen

• Work with the kitchen manager to make the menu and the staffing schedule for each session

• Assist the kitchen manager with the food orders, including communication with vendors, managing inventory, and receiving orders

• Wash the larger kitchen equipment that doesn't fit in the dishwasher

• Assist in reopening the kitchen after the off-season, including the deep cleaning of all kitchen equipment, inventorying supplies, and unpacking items from storage

• To assist in the close-down of the kitchen at the end of the season, including preparing an inventory and storing supplies and equipment

• Some duties may be reassigned, and other duties may be assigned as required

Desired Qualifications:

• Desire and ability to work at a children's camp in a wilderness setting

• Some professional kitchen experience

• California ServSafe Food Manager's Certification (can be completed after hiring)

• Ability to work well with others — both to accept supervision and to manage/supervise a team

• Ability to communicate well and navigate kitchen politics

• Has good character, judgment, and self-control, who is enthusiastic, creative, patient, and adaptable to an ever-changing and fast-paced environment.

Make a difference in a child’s life and have fun while working at this small wilderness adventure summer camp in California’s splendid Tahoe National Forest!

Sound interesting?  

Apply today, it only takes 5 minutes!

Follow up your interest form with a resume to info@highsierracamp.com.