What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Culinary Operations / Executive Chef position at AMBER WAVES FARM?
Amber Waves is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to provide educational opportunities in agriculture for eaters of all ages. The work we do is driven by our core values of stewardship, sustainability, community, and exploration.
We pride ourselves in creating a fun, fast-paced work environment where we champion good ideas, hard work, common sense and cooperation. The nature of the work is both challenging and rewarding, as is the considerable time we spend interacting with the public both on and off the farm. Our dynamic team consists not only of farmers but also educators, cooks, public hosts, customer service associates, and many young people working their very first jobs. Perks of working at Amber Waves that every employee enjoys include: 25% staff discount the retail market, access to classes/events, among many others! As we hire and recruit staff, we look forward to providing opportunities for and developing employees who will grow with us into the future. We look forward to reading your application.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send us an email including your resume and either a cover letter or a video introduction (3 minutes or less), along with three references (please include each reference’s email address, phone number if possible, and their relationship to you), to Jobs@AmberWavesFarm.org. In the subject line of the email please state the position you are applying for. Applicants must apply on their own behalf, we don’t accept applications submitted by parents or guardians. You may stop by the Amber Waves Market during our business hours to speak to our team and fill out an application in person. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
New Hire Requirements
Available to attend employee orientation in-person. New hire orientation will include hands-on training for barista station, cashiering, stocking shelves, washing and packing produce, plus an overview of our company perks, policies, and expectations.
New hires must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. Amber Waves is not able to sponsor foreign working visas.
Applicants under the age of 18 must be able to provide copies of working papers and maintain good academic standing in order to be eligible for employment. All scheduled shifts for minors will be in compliance with local labor laws.
We’re a farm: All positions require physical demands including: standing/walking for long periods of time over uneven surfaces; exposure to heat, cold, or wet environments, working in and outdoors with exposure to the elements, repetitive motion such as lifting, kneeling, or bending; and carrying up to 50lbs at a time, with or without assistance.
Amber Waves is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diverse skills, perspectives and ideas. Amber Waves encourages people of color, LGBTQ candidates and people from other underrepresented groups to apply. Amber Waves prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind and makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit and business needs.
Director of Culinary Operations / Executive Chef
Job Description:
Amber Waves Farm is seeking a Director of Culinary Operations / Executive Chef to lead our extraordinary and authentic farm to table hospitality experience. This role is responsible for translating the farm’s harvest into a thoughtful, seasonal food program that can execute consistently at high volume during the peak season.
The position will oversee the full kitchen operation including the café (breakfast-lunch-dinner), bakery program, grab-and-go offerings, and value-added farm products. This position requires a strong culinary leader who is equally comfortable working with farmers and managing a professional kitchen team.
Core Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the kitchen team across café service, bakery production, grab-and-go, and value-added products
Execute a seasonal menu that reflects the farm’s harvest and philosophy
Ensure consistent quality and execution during high-volume service periods
Oversee ordering, vendor relationships, and ingredient sourcing
Manage food cost, COGs, and kitchen financial performance
Create staff schedules and manage labor during peak seasonal demand and schedule shifts for production.
Maintain organized inventory and kitchen systems
Work closely with the farm team to integrate seasonal production into the culinary program
Occasional catering and culinary events at the farm
Skills & Qualifications:
Proven leadership experience in a high-volume kitchen or food production facility and understanding of a seasonal business
Strong understanding of seasonal and ingredient-driven cooking working directly with the farm manger
Experience managing ordering, inventory, scheduling, and food costing and deliver consistent data and reporting.
Passion and previous experience with farm-driven food and thoughtful ingredient sourcing. Interest in wellness and food nutrition is important.
This role may be structured as either a year-round leadership position or a seasonal role, depending on the candidate.
Physical Requirements:
Fast paced working environment
Lift moderately heavy loads up to 50 lbs
Ability to bend, reach, kneel, squat
Able to stand for long periods of time
Able to push/pull heavy loads
Work Schedule & Compensation:
Salary: $100,000 - $125,000 annualized, based on experience.
Access to free and/or discounted Amber Waves educational programming
Farm housing not available
Salary : $100,000 - $125,000