Work with Chefs in Residence on the Maine Coast

We’re hiring cooks and a dishwasher to join our  team at The Ark in Deer Isle, Maine from May through October. This past year, our restaurant was named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the country by The New York Times, and we’re building on that momentum with a team that cares about the work—and about each other.

What sets us apart:

• Rent-free housing for the season. Enjoy your own room and live within walking (or kayaking!) distance from work

• You’ll work in a kitchen that has received national recognition, while still being small and hands-on

• We are an LGBTQ and Latino-owned business, and we care deeply about building an inclusive, respectful workplace

• We invest in our team: family meal, team gatherings, and ongoing education, such as a speaker series, are part of the job

• Our kitchen is collaborative by design, with close interaction between cooks, leadership, and Chefs in Residence throughout the season

What you’ll do:
Cooks work on the hot line and cold station during  service—for both our Dining Room and Tavern. Our menus evolve throughout the season, shaped by ingredients and a rotating group of Chefs in Residence, so adaptability and engagement matter.
Dishwashers keep the kitchen running—cleaning, organizing, and supporting the team wherever needed. It’s a critical role in a small operation, and we treat it that way. Also, we just renovated the dishpit: new sink, new dish machine, new walls and floor. It's sparkling.

Who we are:
New owners took over the inn in 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to a storied place while honoring its roots as a home built in 1793. We are stewards committed to building deeper connections to the things that make Deer Isle special. Our interests are rooted in community, sustainability, and creativity, and they influence every aspect of the inn, including the dining experience. Deer Isle’s breathtaking natural beauty, diverse arts scene, and abundance of local farmers, purveyors, and producers inspire us, and we strive to celebrate them through our food and beverage program. We take the work seriously—food, service, and consistency—but we also believe a good kitchen is built on respect, communication, and showing up for each other day after day.

Where you’ll be:
Deer Isle is a vibrant coastal community full of artists; writers; fishermen and women; and those who love the outdoors. It’s  beautiful and requires a certain mindset—there’s more ocean and woods than nightlife. We are an island linked to the main land by a bridge—so we're off the beaten path but not so remote that you feel disconnected.

When:
May through October, with a full-season commitment required for rent-free housing

Room & Board:
Housing is provided rent-free and located close to the inn. One staff meal is included per shift.

How to apply:
Send a short note about yourself and your experience. Include a resume and a note about what draws you to The Ark—we’re most interested in how you work and what you’re looking for in a season like this.

Why this role:
This is a chance to be part of a small, recognized kitchen where your work matters, your team matters, and the experience is one that will stay with you. We’re building a great team for the season and would love for you to be part of it.