Company description
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camp Newman is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. Located in the picturesque Sonoma County, California, Camp Newman offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for youth, families, and staff. As a key member of the kitchen team, the Sous Chef will help oversee the preparation and delivery of nutritious, delicious, and diverse meals for our camp and retreat community. This is a year-round position, with primary responsibilities during the summer camp season (June – August) and Retreat/Rental season (August – May).
Job description
Location: Camp Newman (4088 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404)
Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible, Non-Exempt
Start Date: ASAP
Salary Range: $27.00 - $30.00/hour with an annualized salary of $56,160 - $62,400 plus competitive benefits package
The Role
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camp Newman is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. Located in the picturesque Sonoma County, California, Camp Newman offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for youth, families, and staff. As a key member of the kitchen team, the Sous Chef will help oversee the preparation and delivery of nutritious, delicious, and diverse meals for our camp and retreat community. This is a year-round position, with primary responsibilities during the summer camp season (June – August) and Retreat/Rental season (August – May).
What You Will Do
Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will play a critical role in supporting the camp’s food service operations, including:
Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals for large groups, ensuring quality, consistency, and nutritional value. Help manage food preparation, portioning, and cooking techniques in alignment with camp policies.
Train and support kitchen staff, including seasonal cooks, kitchen aides, and dishwashers, on food preparation, safety standards, sanitation practices, and the proper use of kitchen equipment. Foster a positive, collaborative team environment.
Assist with managing kitchen inventory, tracking food supplies, and ensuring all ingredients are stocked and available for meal service.
Assist the Executive Chef with optimizing the Front of House/meal service guest experience, including working directly with clients during their stay on site.
Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, including food storage, handling, and sanitation. Oversee daily cleaning and upkeep of kitchen equipment and workspaces to meet health code standards.
Collaborate with the Executive Chef in planning seasonal menus that provide a variety of meal options catering to diverse dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, kosher, allergy-friendly). Adapt meals for special events or specific dietary requirements as needed.
Work closely with camp and retreat staff to accommodate dietary preferences, special requests, and event needs, providing excellent service and ensuring a positive dining experience for campers, staff, and visitors.
Who You Are
You are an experienced culinary professional with a passion for creating high-quality meals for large groups. You thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment and are committed to maintaining high standards of food safety, quality, and customer service.
The Must Haves:
Culinary Expertise: You have experience working in a professional kitchen, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role. You are skilled in meal preparation for large groups and can ensure consistency, taste, and nutritional quality.
Collaborative Teamwork: You have experience training, supporting, and working with a diverse kitchen team. You excel in managing multiple tasks and maintaining a positive, efficient work environment in a dynamic, fast-paced kitchen.
Food Safety Knowledge: You are familiar with all aspects of food safety, from proper food storage to safe food handling and sanitation practices, and you can enforce these standards among your team.
Passion for Community: You are passionate about using food to bring people together, creating meals that contribute to a positive and inclusive camp community. You enjoy working in a fun, energetic environment where you can make a lasting impact.
Flexibility & Adaptability: You are flexible and can adjust to changes in meal plans, dietary requests, and schedule shifts, all while maintaining a high standard of food quality and service.
Preferred Experience
Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a hot kitchen environment.
Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work evenings, weekends, and long hours during the camp season.
Culinary Certification: Preferred but not required.
Experience: 3+ years of experience in a kitchen, preferably in a large-scale or camp setting.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
About Us
As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for an inclusive Judaism that reflects diverse identities and commits to dismantling oppression within and beyond our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking, our 850+ congregations and 14 residential camps create opportunities to build community, engage in authentic Jewish life, deepen learning, energize worship, pursue social justice, and develop leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders are shaping Reform Judaism today.
Application Process
Apply online including a one-page cover letter and your resume outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements.
The URJ strives to be a welcoming environment that sees diversity as a strength. We uphold policies of equal opportunity and inclusion and aim to hire the most qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected status. We encourage applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups.
Compensation
this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $27.00 - $30.00
Application instructions
If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!
Deadline
no deadline