SUMMARY OF POSITION

At North Cascades Institute (NCI), we take pride in serving nourishing meals to our program participants, staff and guests. To help maintain and grow this standard, NCI is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role as the Food Service Manager (FSM) who is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations. This position is key in creating a positive work environment, developing a high functioning team, and collaborating with peers to deliver a fantastic guest experience. This position is based out of the Institute’s field campus in North Cascades National Park at the Institute’s Environmental Learning Center (ELC). The jobsite is a remote National Park which can experience snow-covered roads, avalanches, wildfire, smoke, wild animals, and flooding. This is a year-round, full-time position supervised by the Operations Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Experience in kitchen operations management or related field AND/OR one year or more of experience in a kitchen management role.
• One year or more of supervisory experience.
• One year or more of budgetary oversight.
• Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organizational control of operations.
• Ability to accommodate a varied work schedule.
• Ability to work with historically excluded populations.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Valid Servsafe Manager Certification, or ability to procure before start date.
• Strong IT skills, including computer skills and experience with spreadsheets and common software.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving or serious moving violations, etc.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check.
• Preferred: Experience with summer camp operations and/or outdoor schools.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration for Operations:

• Develops, implements and updates kitchen operations policies and procedures in compliance with legal regulations for worker safety.
• Trains kitchen staff for safe, efficient use of kitchen equipment, appliances, and essential cooking tools.
• Analyzes and improves organizational process and workflow.
• Creates age-appropriate menus for children in overnight programs (primarily weekdays) using recipes for consistency, cost control and serving size, avoiding unnecessary waste.
• Creates menus for adults in overnight programs (primarily weekends) that range in price, options, quality and service levels.
• Participates in hiring, onboarding, and training kitchen staff.
• Maintains service logs and inventory.
• Manages vendors and contractors.
• Purchases kitchen equipment.

Management and Supervision:

• Maintains communication with managers, staff, vendors and contractors to ensure proper operations.
• Directly Supervises the Food Service Supervisor who oversees team of X cooks.
• Supervises, schedules and approves payroll for Supervisees.
• In conjunction with the Operations Manager, responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Dining Hall facility.
• Regularly meets with the Food Service Supervisor and checks in with all kitchen staff.
• Reports regularly to the Operations Director on operations, personnel, and coordination.
• Aides in developing new vendor relations in order to increase local/organic purchasing year-round.
• Manages food service contractors, caterers and rentals if/when required for special events.

Budgeting:

• Oversees and approves the ordering of kitchen supplies as budgeted.
• Conducts budget reviews and reports cost plans.
• Routinely analyzes costs and variances of operations costs in relation to program needs, cost comparisons and supplier options. Initiates corrective actions.
• Reviews and approves all kitchen invoices and ensures they are submitted for payment.
• Ensures that operational activities remain on time and within budget.

General:

• Prepares meals as needed (ie steps in for the kitchen team as needed).
• Drives Institute vehicles for kitchen related tasks.
• Participates in general staff responsibilities such as staff meetings, hands to work, risk management, and hospitality.
• Participates in strategic planning, inter-office communications and other duties as assigned by the Operations Director.
• Acts as a key leader helping to shape a positive, solution oriented and joyful workplace.
• Collaborates with other Managers to deliver high quality guest experience.

COMPENSATION

This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position. The pay rate is $27.00-$29.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Housing available at reduced rate if needed, otherwise this position is subject to a $1 increase for utilizing non-NCI housing. The job location for this position is at the Environmental Learning Center.

BENEFITS - We offer a competitive compensation package. Benefits include the following:

• Sick Leave – 8 hours per month.
• Vacation Leave – 10 days per year one..
• Holiday Leave – 12 days maximum per year.
• Service Days – 2 days per year.
• Other paid time-off such as family leave, pregnancy leave, bereavement leave, etc.
• Medical/dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, tax-deferred annuity, and contribution retirement plan.
• Ability to participate in Institute pro deals
• Yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs.

Benefits are prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

HOUSING

Subsidized housing available or wage eligible for $1 increase for utilizing non-NCI housing

START DATE

As soon as possible.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

TO APPLY

Please apply online on our website at: https://ncascades.org/jobs

Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.

ABOUT NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE

North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place.

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.