School Chef

Introduction

Kindle Farm School is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled individual to serve as School Chef, leading the school’s culinary program with creativity, organization, and care. At Kindle Farm, we believe that food is central to community building and that students thrive when their daily needs are met in a supportive environment. The School Chef will be a mentor, teacher, and role model, connecting the kitchen to the broader mission of experiential learning, health, and wellness.

Supervised by

Assistant Director and/or Program Supervisor

Position Overview

The School Chef manages the daily operations of the Kindle Farm kitchen, including menu development, meal preparation, and oversight of the kitchen team. This position also supports students in developing essential life skills by involving them in food preparation and special event catering. The Chef will lead the planning, budgeting, and execution of healthy, balanced meals while maintaining high standards for food safety, quality, and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Menu Planning

- Design and implement seasonal menus that balance nutrition, budget, and variety.
- Incorporate local and farm-to-table ingredients where possible.
- Adjust menus to meet the dietary needs and preferences of the student community.
- Oversee special event menus for school-wide gatherings such as Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving, and Graduation.

Food Preparation & Service

- Lead daily meal preparation, including breakfast, lunch, and special events.
- Ensure that all meals meet Kindle Farm’s nutritional standards.
- Maintain consistent quality, taste, and presentation.

Kitchen Operations & Safety

- Oversee kitchen organization, cleanliness, and compliance with food safety regulations.
- Maintain equipment and supplies; coordinate repairs and replacements as needed.
- Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective purchasing.

Student Engagement & Mentorship

- Supervise student interns and participants in the kitchen, integrating culinary tasks into their daily programming.
- Model professional kitchen skills, safe food handling, and teamwork.
- Support life skills development by involving students in meal preparation, plating, and clean-up.

Staff Supervision & Collaboration

- Supervise and mentor Kitchen Assistants and other support staff.
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators to align the kitchen program with school goals and events.
- Participate in staff meetings and school community planning.

Qualifications

- Professional culinary experience required; formal culinary training preferred.
- Experience managing a kitchen, including menu planning, budgeting, and staff supervision.
- Commitment to mentoring students in a therapeutic or educational setting.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and commitment to maintaining compliance.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to stand, bend, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment for extended periods.
- Comfort working with a dynamic team and student participants in varied kitchen activities.

The pay for this position is between $39,000-$45,000 annually.