Description
Summary:
The Sous Chef supports daily kitchen operations, prepares meals for campers and staff, and assists with inventory, ordering, and team leadership in a fast-paced camp environment.
Highlights:
1. Supports daily kitchen operations and meal preparation for campers and staff
2. Assists with inventory, ordering, and maintaining kitchen standards
3. Helps lead and train kitchen staff in a collaborative environment
This is a great opportunity to live and work at the gorgeous YMCA Camp DeBoer on Lake of the Woods.
Please apply online at: https://ashlandymca.org/careers/ AND send your resume to ycdbfacility@ashlandymca.org
Job Title: Sous Chef
Seasonal: April 28th - October 28th
Department: YMCA Camp DeBoer
Reports To: Kitchen Manager and Facility Director
Salary: $18,000 and a bonus for completing the seasonal contract
Benefits: On-site housing and most meals provided.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Sous Chef supports the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager in the daily operation of the kitchen at Camp DeBoer. This position helps plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for campers, guests and staff while maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation. The Sous Chef assists with supervising kitchen and housekeeping staff, coordinating food preparation, and ensuring efficient kitchen operations during busy meal service periods.
This role also helps maintain a clean and organized kitchen, supports inventory and food storage procedures, and ensures compliance with all health and safety guidelines. The ideal candidate is dependable, team-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while contributing to a positive camp experience for children and staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support Daily Kitchen Operations:
- Assist the Kitchen Manager in overseeing the daily operation of the camp’s food service program.
- Prepare and cook meals for campers and staff using a variety of cooking methods while maintaining consistent food quality.
- Help coordinate food preparation and service to ensure meals are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
- Set up food, supplies, and utensils for dining hall meal service.
- Ensure proper food handling, storage, and labeling, including safe storage of ingredients and leftovers.
- Assist with menu planning alongside the Kitchen Manager and Camp Manager to meet the needs of various camp programs and dietary requirements.
Assist with Inventory, Ordering, and Kitchen Standards:
- Help maintain accurate inventory of food, ingredients, and dining supplies.
- Assist with ordering food, kitchen and housekeeping supplies based on participation levels and operational needs.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety in accordance with health regulations.
- Ensure kitchen, dining hall, and storage areas remain clean, organized, and well maintained.
- Monitor kitchen equipment and report any maintenance or repair needs.
- Promote practices that reduce waste, encourage reuse, and support recycling whenever possible.
Support Kitchen Team Leadership
- Work closely with the Kitchen Manager, Facility Director, and kitchen staff to coordinate schedules and daily tasks.
- Assist with supervising, training, and directing kitchen staff during food preparation and service.
- Help maintain a positive, collaborative kitchen environment that supports efficient operations.
- Step in to assist with general kitchen duties including dishwashing, cleaning, and kitchen laundry when needed to support the team.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or food service environment required.
- Knowledge of food preparation, inventory management, ordering, and kitchen sanitation practices.
- Experience preparing meals for large groups and accommodating special dietary needs preferred.
- Ability to supervise or lead kitchen staff and work effectively as part of a team.
- Current Food Handler’s Certification required or ability to obtain before employment.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, local health and safety regulations for food preparation and service.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
- Physical ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
- Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing/walking for long
periods of time (60 minutes or more).
- Ability to safely and properly use kitchen equipment.
- Ability to assist campers and staff in an emergency.
Please apply online at: https://ashlandymca.org/careers/ AND send your resume to ycdbfacility@ashlandymca.org