Description
Join Our Team and Fuel the Adventure!
Be part of an incredible summer where your hard work directly powers joyful days for up to 190 campers and staff. Under the guidance of our Head Chef, you'll help create delicious, nourishing meals in a fast-paced yet supportive kitchen environment at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp. This is more than a job—it's a chance to build skills, form lifelong friendships, and immerse yourself in the magic of camp life.
Position Overview
Kitchen Assistants play a vital role in camp food service, preparing and serving buffet-style meals (plus occasional special stations and off-site programming). You'll maintain top-notch standards for cleanliness, health, and food safety across the kitchen, food service areas, Main Lodge, and restrooms. Many tasks allow independent work, giving you ownership and flexibility.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare and assist with daily food production for three meals per day, following the Chef's schedule and recipes
Serve meals buffet-style, restock stations, and support additional service needs
Wash, dry, and properly store all dishes, utensils, and equipment after each use
Perform daily and deep cleaning of kitchen, prep areas, dining spaces, and restrooms per checklists
Uphold strict health, safety, and food hygiene standards at all times
Attend weekly kitchen staff meetings and participate in training opportunities
Adapt positively to new procedures, systems, or menu changes
Complete other duties as assigned by the Chef
Schedule & Commitment
Full-season engagement: May 25 – August 15, 2026 (flexible start/end dates possible)
7 days/week availability, with scheduled days off arranged collaboratively with the Chef, Director, and team
Typical shifts: 10–12 hours/day, with meaningful breaks between meal services
Compensation & Perks
Competitive weekly pay: $450–$550 DOE (based on experience)
Room and board provided (comfortable staff housing as needed + all meals)
A summer filled with camp community, outdoor access, staff activities, and the satisfaction of feeding happy campers
If you're passionate about food, cleanliness, and teamwork—and ready for a rewarding summer in a beautiful camp setting—we'd love to hear from you!
Requirements
Qualifications & Skills
Must be at least 18 years old
Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or large-scale buffet-style food service (highly preferred)
Strong work ethic—committed to seeing tasks through, even on busy days
Ability to read, understand, and follow written and oral instructions
Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills
Positive attitude and ability to work well with diverse people (campers, staff, and teammates of all backgrounds and experience levels)
Comfortable thriving in a high-energy, distraction-filled environment
Physical Requirements
This is an active, hands-on role. You must be able to:
Stand and walk for extended periods (often 10–12 hours per shift)
Lift and carry at least 50 pounds regularly
Bend, stretch, reach, and perform repetitive motions for long periods