Company description

Founded in 1986, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts is a nonprofit organization that fosters the growth of ceramic artists at all career stages via residencies, workshops, educational programs, and public events.

Watershed’s residency model prioritizes the development of creative community. Small groups of artists from across the US and abroad come to our 54-acre campus for two to four-week sessions. Artists work alongside one another in an open-concept studio, forging lasting personal and professional connections.

Contemporary leaders in ceramics also come to Watershed facilitate artist workshops and groups of regional artists regularly make use of Watershed’s extensive atmospheric kiln facilities. Watershed also welcomes the public to learn about ceramic art and artists via exhibitions, celebrations, and artist talks.

Shared meals play an integral role in shaping artists' experiences on campus. Watershed takes pride on offering delicious, seasonal meals that sustain artists at work and provide opportunities to gather and connect. Nestled in a valley surrounded by organic farms, we are fortunate to be able to source local food from our neighbors.

Job description

• Create wholesome, appetizing meals for ~30 people from scratch incorporating natural, local, and high-quality ingredients
• Oversee all aspects of meal preparation and delivery, from menu planning and purchasing to service, presentation, storage, and cleanup.
• Provide vegetarian options with every meal and gluten free options, as needed
• Communicate with year-round staff regarding the kitchen’s ability to accommodate additional dietary restrictions, as needed
• Follow and track purchases to align with the budget
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness throughout a shift, properly store leftovers, and clean up after meals
• Execute deep cleaning projects in the kitchen and dining room
• Ensure that inventory, wares, and equipment are clean and organized
• Compost, recycle, and reduce waste as much as practicable
• Collaborate with other seasonal staff and volunteers to clean and prepare the campus facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Prepare dishes for the annual Salad Days fundraiser in July for approximately 500 guests.
• Work with the Salad Days planning team on the menu and picnic logistics
• Work with event staff to prepare and coordinate refreshments and hors d’oeuvres for the Salad Days VIP event the day before Salad Days
• Participate in each session orientation for the artists-in-residence
• Biweekly turnover day duties to prepare facilities for new artist residency sessions
• Work with other seasonal staff and volunteers to deep-clean, set-up, and prepare the Commons, kitchen, and dining facilities before and after the summer residency season
• Other related assignments as necessary

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of experience preparing food for large groups of people or working in a commercial kitchen
• Experience and interest in farm-to-table dining and utilizing locally sourced ingredients
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and proficiency in delegating tasks
• Demonstrated proficiency in food budgeting, ordering, and organizing inventory
• Food safety certification; knowledge of safe food handling practices and common food allergies and sensitivities
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, early mornings, and/or evenings
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Technological literacy to conduct online food ordering and correspond over email
• Ability to work while standing for long hours, lift up to 30 lbs, and possess a full range of physical mobility, including walking, stooping, carrying, reaching, and manual dexterity
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed at federal rate) for food shopping

DATES, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Applicants must be available to work on Watershed’s campus from May 8 – September 25, 2024. The Head Cook will collaborate with Watershed year-round staff to hire an Assistant Cook between February-March, 2024, which will include reviewing applications and conducting interviews via video conferencing. This commitment will be compensated with a flat fee of $200 and we expect it to take 8-10 hours.

Pay for the season (20 weeks) totals approximately $17,350 after the room & board deduction, based on a variable 6 day/40 hour/week schedule. All seasonal staff positions are non-exempt and based on an hourly wage; payroll is processed biweekly with all required state and federal withholdings.

Benefits include:

• Dedicated studio space, which includes a work table and shelving in Watershed’s open-concept communal studio; est. value of $400/month for 4 months
• Free materials and kiln firings (Watershed stocked materials only; kilns are available to staff when not in use by residents)
• 24 hours of paid time off Monday, July 15 – Wednesday, July 17

The Head Cook lives on campus in a private cabin room. See the Seasonal Staff General Info tab on Watershed's website at www.watershedceramics.org/seasonal-employment for more details on food, housing, and campus life.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

February 01, 2024