Part Time Chef

Position Summary

Rain Dance Vineyards is seeking a thoughtful, organized, and creative Part-Time Chef to lead and execute food experiences that complement our wines and elevate the guest experience. This role executes?all food-related activations at Rain Dance—from concept development to purchasing, preparation, cooking, and service execution.
The Part-Time Chef will work closely with the Wine Club & Tasting Room Manager to develop food offerings that align with Rain Dance’s hospitality standards and seasonal programming. This includes wood-fired pizza, small plates, charcuterie-style offerings, special event food activations, and creative pairings designed to enhance wine service.
This position requires someone who is self-directed, dependable, and excited about building food experiences that feel intentional, delicious, and consistent with the Rain Dance brand.

Core Responsibilities

Food Program Leadership:

-Take ownership of all food-related activations at Rain Dance Vineyards.
-Collaborate with management to conceptualize and develop food offerings that complement Rain Dance wines.
-Design simple, elegant food programs that enhance the tasting room experience without disrupting wine service flow.

Purchasing & Inventory:

-Manage inventories of ingredients and supplies.?
-Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing waste.?
-Manage food cost considerations and maintain organized storage of ingredients.

Food Preparation & Execution:

-Prepare and cook food items for tasting room service, events, and special activations.
-Maintain consistent quality and presentation standards.
-Ensure all food is prepared safely and in compliance with Oregon health regulations/Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA/Food Code).
-Washing and polishing glassware in a timely fashion.
-Bussing tables as needed in collaboration with Tasting Room Associates (TRAs) and other wine service team members.

Service Development:

-Develop efficient preparation and service methods that work seamlessly within the tasting room environment.
-Create systems for plating, portioning, and service that tasting room staff can execute when needed.

Event Support:

-Lead food preparation for winery events, wine club pickup parties, and special programming.
-Assist with planning menus and logistics for events alongside management.
-Execute food service that enhances guest experience while maintaining smooth operational flow.

Team Support & Tasting Room Operations:

-Rain Dance is a small team, and all team members contribute to maintaining a welcoming and well-organized space for guests.
-During slower service periods or when food preparation is complete, the Part-Time Chef may assist with general tasting room support tasks such as:

Stocking wine and merchandise
Organizing paper goods and service supplies
Maintaining cleanliness and organization in kitchen and service areas
Light cleaning, tidying, and occasional grounds or property upkeep
Supporting the tasting room team in maintaining a polished guest environment

Chef is expected to gain knowledge of Rain Dance Vineyards wines and programs. Chef should be prepared to step in and pour wine, serve, present wine club information, and other guest related service tasks as needed.

This role is expected to take initiative in identifying helpful tasks and contributing positively to the overall operation of the tasting room. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

-Experience in cooking, catering, hospitality kitchens, or food service.
-Ability to work independently and take initiative in planning and executing food programs.
-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
-Comfortable working in a small-team hospitality environment.
-Passion for food and interest in wine pairings.
-Oregon Food Handler’s Card (or ability to obtain).

Schedule:

-This is a part-time position with hours that vary seasonally based on winery activity and event programming.
-Typical scheduling patterns may include:

Summer (Peak Season)?
Roughly Thursday–Saturday service days, with occasional additional hours for events and preparation.

Spring & Fall (Shoulder Seasons)?
Roughly Friday–Sunday service days, with occasional event-related shifts.

Winter?
Primarily event-based scheduling and preparation shifts as needed.
Schedules will be coordinated with the Wine Club & Tasting Room Manager and may adjust based on guest volume, events, and winery needs.?

As part of the hiring process, a drug screen and background check is required. Applicants will be notified of the process and required to provide consent. Please note that a conditional offer of employment will be made before a drug test and background check is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, we will not discriminate against applicants because they inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or pay of another.

Work Location: In person