Company description

Roberts Harbor Farm is a certified-organic, saltwater farm on the island of Vinalhaven, ME. The farm is being re-established on a historic property that was first farmed over 100 years ago. 2026 will be our 7th season in operation. We grow a wide variety of produce, flowers, and herbs (on roughly two acres), which we sell through our on-site farm store on Vinalhaven and to wholesale customers on Vinalhaven and neighboring islands. In addition to our primary farming business, we operate a nursery in the spring, offer value-added seasonal food produced in our commercial kitchen, and have Monday night Dinner at the Farm events that feature a 5-course chef’s menu with wine pairings. We also host an annual fundraiser for Partners in Island Education. The farm is fortunate to enjoy widespread community support and is respected for quality and professionalism. Our vision is to be a profitable, economically and environmentally sustainable business that makes an ongoing, significant contribution to Vinalhaven’s food system. To learn more about us, please visit our website rhfarmvh.com

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Roberts Harbor Farm is looking for a creative, enthusiastic cook to prepare food for sale at its farm store, (which is typically open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 9-1) using the farm’s fresh, organic produce. Full time work is available June 1 - September 12.

Position Overview:

Cooks in the Roberts Harbor Farm Kitchen spend 40-45 hours per week preparing a wide variety of recipes, from soups, salads, dips and sauces to baked goods, pickles and sandwiches using the farm’s fresh, organic produce and recipes. They share the kitchen and have opportunities to learn from and support our pastry and Dinner at the Farm chefs. They create a steady supply of farm-fresh prepared and grab 'n go food to meet the demands of a busy farm store. The farm is a positive environment. Guests genuinely value the delicious food items we offer on top of the organic produce they have come to count on. (Don't be surprised if your creations receive applause when you deliver them to the farm store)!

The farm takes great pride in growing top-quality, certified organic produce and is looking for kitchen partners who are passionate about local, seasonal cooking. Grow and learn doing work that really matters to an island community.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the farm owner to create a weekly menu that showcases the best of the season
• Craft nutritious, delicious food and pack it for the farm store
• Prepare farm recipes provided and propose your own to add
• Maintain high quality standards for food’s taste, appearance and storage
• Manage rotation of ingredients and prepared foods to ensure food safety and minimize waste
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace that meets or exceeds Maine food safety standards and the Roberts Harbor Farm Kitchen best practices
• Provide weekly inventory of all ingredients and supplies to the owner for the purpose of placing weekly orders and maintaining food costs
• Communicate changes, mistakes, ingredient information, inventory needs, etc. to farm owners and managers in a timely and professional manner
• Approach new farm-grown ingredients, and shortages, with creativity and a positive, problem-solving attitude
• Maintain a tidy, professional appearance in the kitchen and around the farm and farm stand
• Interact with customers in a friendly, professional manner as needed
• Work cooperatively with the farm team including chefs, farm workers, and volunteers.

Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of professional cooking experience (experience preparing large quantities and seasonally-inspired recipes a plus)
• Easily able to perform all tasks of a busy kitchen
• Able to take and follow directions accurately, work independently as needed, and be open to feedback
• Willingness to perform all tasks, from unloading freight to washing dishes, with a positive attitude
• Enjoy working as part of a creative, collaborative team
• Able to regularly lift up to 50#
• Professional, respectful demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills
• Efficient time management, attention to detail, and a strong desire to work with farm-grown, seasonal ingredients
• Computer skills knowledge (Email, Word/Google Docs, and Excel/Google Sheets)
• Good communication skills, assertiveness, and decisiveness are essential
• Strong references from previous employers
• Food safety certification a plus

Compensation & Benefits:

• $22-25 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Onsite shared housing available
• Access to farm-raised fresh produce (when available)

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $22.00 - $25.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

January 31, 2026