Kitchen Cook

Ghost Ranch, a nonprofit retreat and education center in Abiquiu, NM, is seeking a dependable, full-time (40 hours per week) Food Services Associate with at least one year of professional kitchen experience to support prep and line operations in our Dining Hall.

This position plays an essential role in preparing meals for guests, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and supporting overall kitchen operations. We’re looking for someone who works well on a team, takes pride in preparing delicious, nourishing meals, adheres to sanitation and food safety standards, and is ready to contribute in a fast-paced environment.

Food Services staff work either a morning shift (6am-2:30pm) or evening (11am-7:30pm). The position requires weekends and occasional overtime with flexibility in scheduling when necessary.

Responsibilities:

Food Preparation and Cooking

• Prepare and portion food according to recipes and daily menus

• Assist with line cooking during buffet-style meal service
• Wash, chop, and prepare ingredients for cooking

• Maintain stocked and organized service stations (coffee, juice, milk, ice, salad bar, etc.)

Sanitation and Safety

• Follow all food safety and sanitation protocols

• Maintain compliance with health department standards
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils (machine and hand wash)
• Sweep and mop floors as needed
• Maintain clean, organized kitchen work areas and equipment

• Sort and remove trash to designated areas

Inventory and Storage Support

• Assist with receiving food deliveries

• Check in and properly store food orders (dry storage, walk-in, freezer)
• Rotate product using FIFO (first in, first out)
• Help monitor inventory levels and report shortages

• Keep storage areas clean, labeled, and well organized

General Support

• Assist with banquet or special event set-up

• Support Kitchen Supervisor, Dining Services Manager, and culinary team as needed
• Maintain a safe, professional, and team-oriented work environment

• Minimum 1 year of professional kitchen experience (prep and/or line cooking preferred)

• Valid Food Handler’s License OR ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs regularly
• Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, twist, and move equipment
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional split shifts
• Strong teamwork skills and professional demeanor

We are seeking full-time year-round employees. This wage starts at $18/hour with a full benefits package of affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; student loan assistance for qualified individuals; and discounts. Ghost Ranch also provides paid sick leave, paid annual leave, and twelve paid holidays.

We are also open to Seasonal employees (up to six months May-October) who can bring their own camper, RV, or tent. That compensation would include wages starting at $15/hour, a campsite, access to the bathhouse, three meals per day, paid sick leave, and discounts on workshops and retail stores.

Ghost Ranch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected category.