Head Chef

Deer Mountain Day Camp is looking for a Head Chef with at least 7 year’s work experience to leads its kitchen staff for summer of 2026 as well manage all catered events associated with facility rentals in the Spring and Fall. Candidates with a culinary degree and/or 7 years of experience working in an institutional/catering food service setting

In addition to food preparation, the Head Chef is responsible for overseeing the camp’s food-service operation of camp, including staff supervision, ordering and inventorying food, kitchen cleanliness and sanitation, customer service, and record keeping. The Head Chef works closely with the Camp Director to ensure a smooth operation and coordination with all aspects of camp.

Responsibilities include, (but not limited to):

1) Personnel Management & Supervision:

• Train and supervise Chefs and Kitchen Staff to understand camp procedures, operations, and expectations with regards to food quality and cleanliness
• Supervise assistant chef and kitchen staff on a daily basis
• Support, evaluate, and develop Kitchen Staff throughout summer
• Work with Camp Director to coordinate schedules and job tasks for kitchen staff

2. Ordering, Inventory, Menu Planning:

• Manage food ordering, inventory and food budget
• Act as a representative of the camp in all interactions with outside vendors
• Review and suggest modifications to menus

3. Additional Duties:

• Prepare and deliver food according to timelines/ schedule coordinated with the Camp Director
• Work with state licensing, health department, and ACA to ensure all proper protocols are being followed
• Work with Camp Directors, Nurses, and Deer Mountain’s Camp Mom to provide alternative meal options for staff, campers and guests with food allergies and special diets
• Coordinate with the camp’s Trip Director for food service needs on off-site trips

Qualifications Required:

• Culinary degree with 5 years of experience or 7 years of experience working in an institutional/catering food service setting
• Experience managing staff in a food service setting
• Knowledge of standards of food preparation and serving, storage of food, and kitchen procedures
• Knowledge and understanding of food allergies, and special dietary needs
• Budgeting experience
• Servsafe certified

Camp Dates & Hours

2026 Camp Season: June 29h to August 20th, (camp will be closed on July 3rd)

Monday-Friday: 6:15 am to 2:15 pm

• Must be available for some pre-camp kitchen set up and post camp kitchen cleanup.
• Catering opportunities in the off-season

Paid Pre-Camp Preparation/Post Camp Clean Up Requirements

• Two to three meetings (1.5 to 2 hours each) in Spring for menu review, onboarding and prepare initial food order.
• Four days in June to clean and set up kitchen and receive/organize initial food order.
• Two days post camp to clean and break down kitchen and organizing remaining food items and equipment for off-season

In House Catering Opportunities with Deer Mountain Sports and Events

Our onsite event business schedules corporate and school picnics, milestone family events and parties. Events are on weekends and select weekdays between May and September.

About Deer Mountain:

Deer Mountain Day Camp is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive socially and emotionally. Nestled at the base of the Ramapo Mountains on a stunning 25-acre property, we have been serving campers aged 3-15 for over 69 years, fostering authenticity and happiness in every child.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $1,100.00 - $1,140.00 per week

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• SafeServe Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,100 - $1,140