The Opal Creek watershed is 35,000 acres of protected rainforest, part of the last remaining low-elevation old-growth forest left in the Pacific Northwest. Soaring trees dripping with moss, crystal-clear streams, and a diversity of old-growth-dependent species make Opal Creek a unique gem in Oregon’s crown. At its center is the historic off-grid mining town of Jawbone Flats, our base of operations since the Opal Creek Wilderness was created in 1996.

At Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, all of our work is based around one simple idea: people will protect what they care about, and they will care about what they know. Through our outdoor school, summer camps, and workshop programs, we bring kids and adults face-to-face with the outdoor places that make Oregon great—pristine mountain streams, uncut vistas, and old-growth forests.

• You love feeding people and connecting through food. You are enticed by Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center’s mission and how that connects to nourishing our students, cabin renters, workshop participants, and staff.
• You enjoy hosting guests, and are attracted to being the face of the kitchen.
• You are always learning. You are curious and unafraid to ask questions.
• You listen. You meet people where they are. You are aware and understanding of the moods, behaviors, and motives of yourself and others.
• A remote residential living and working environment intrigues you. You look forward to disconnecting from distraction and forming strong bonds with staff, guests, and the wilderness in your backyard.
• You thrive in a collaborative environment - guiding a team as well as contributing to team leadership with your peers.
• Challenges motivate you; you are open to and excited by the unpredictability that comes with working in a 1929 mining town in the woods. You make quick and confident decisions, even in the face of ambiguity.
• You have your own unique personality. Perhaps you play a musical instrument or teach yoga or practice bird calls. You enjoy solo time in your cabin just as much as social staff barbecues.

Role Impact and Responsibility

As the Food Service Manager, you plan, purchase, and facilitate the production of all guest meals in our renowned Jawbone Kitchen. We believe it’s the most delicious food you’ll ever find in a camp facility – seasonal, vegetarian, house-made fare – and its led by you. This is a managerial position, supervising three Lodge Cooks in the production of buffet-style meals for up to 85 guests. As an open kitchen, you lead your team in making guests feel welcome. This is a residential position, and you will live at Jawbone Flats in housing provided by the organization. Responsibilities of the position are listed below:

Kitchen Management (40%)

• Menu creation and planning
• Cater meals to guests’ dietary restrictions and allergies
• Food purchasing, working with local farmers and independent retailers
• Purchase all janitorial supplies for kitchen and cabin cleaning
• Manage food budget in consultation with the Program Director
• Update and enforce the functionality and efficiency of the kitchen
• Oversee health and safety of kitchen

Food Service (40%)

• Meal preparation: from scratch to meal service
• Maintain a positive and hospitable environment for guests
• Dishwashing (by hand)
• Maintain kitchen in a clean, orderly, and safe condition

Hospitality (20%)

• Host cabin renters, ensuring their stay is comfortable
• Drive gear shuttles; load and unload cabin rental gear
• Clean cabins to rental standards
• Staff the company store, selling merchandise to participants and the general public
• Engage with the general public as they pass through Jawbone Flats

We have a small staff and the Food Service Manager plays an integral leadership role on-site. You work closely with the off-site Program Director to develop best practices of food planning and preparation, as well as staff hiring and management. You work directly alongside the three Lodge Cooks, and coordinate camp daily operations with the Program Director and the on-site Program Manager and Facilities Manager.

Requirements of Position

• Proven leader, and past management experience preferred
• Previous experience in commercial or camp-like kitchen
• Previous experience with from-scratch cooking and baking
• Knowledge of efficient food production
• Familiar and skilled with standard kitchen appliances
• Previous hospitality experience preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to lift heavy objects, up to 50 pounds when necessary
• Able to pass a background check
• Able to drive company vehicles
• Current driver’s license and able to qualify for coverage under our insurance
• Oregon Food Handler’s Card (by time of employment)
• First Aid and CPR certification (by time of employment)

Compensation

• $2,200 per month, plus housing, partial board, and utilities during the operating season (April – November)
• 5 days of PTO for each of the first three years of employment