Seasonal Lead Sous Chef

Position Title:  Seasonal Lead Sous Chef

Supervisor:  Executive Chef

Employee Status:   Seasonal, Full Time, hourly 

Location:  On-site (99 Inn Road, Shelburne, VT 05482)

Start & End Date:  March 30th - October 31, 2026

Application Deadline: 2/5/26 with interviews to begin in mid-February

Salary Range:  $29/hour 

Schedule:  7 day operation; Typical schedule is 5 days/week and hours depend on schedule and availability

Housing: Housing potentially available for this role - note in application if interested 

Who We Are

Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. We believe that transformative learning experiences sow the seeds for a thriving and more just world. Our work seeks to create the space, spark the conversations, and share the stories to inspire educators, students, and learners of all ages to build a better future for everyone.

We realize our mission by integrating three key areas of activity: our programs, place, and products.

Who we are Looking For

As part of this mission, the Sous Chef plays a vital role in connecting hospitality with sustainability and education. This position supports the Executive Chef and collaborates with the Hospitality Management Team to ensure exceptional culinary experiences at the inn and restaurant. The Sous Chef is a hands-on leader who combines operational excellence with creativity, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and a passion for food systems.

This role requires strong leadership, culinary expertise, and a commitment to sustainability. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values teamwork, and is passionate about creating memorable dining experiences that reflect Shelburne Farms’ mission.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Culinary Leadership: Oversee daily kitchen operations when on shift, maintain food quality and consistency, help manage Back of House facilities and equipment with guidance from Executive Chef, and support team development through hiring, training, and mentorship.

• Hospitality Administration: Assist with scheduling, inventory, purchasing, vendor relations, and compliance with health and safety protocols.

• Line Cook Functions: Prepare and plate menu items with precision, maintain cleanliness and organization, uphold food safety standards, and contribute to sustainability efforts such as composting and waste reduction.

• Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with all staff and ensure smooth, guest-centered service.

Core Qualifications

• 4 years or more savory cooking experience in a high volume, professional kitchen. This is an active cooking position.

• Experience creating and sharing locally sourced, simply prepared and beautifully presented, great tasting nutritious food. 

• Experience curating menus with considerations of food allergies and special dietary requirements.

• Kitchen leadership experience as you’ll be managing a small group of seasonal culinary staff.

• Strong organizational, administrative, problem solving and communication skills. 

• Schedule flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

• Excellent knife skills and extensive understanding of various cooking techniques, both savory and pastry. 

• Valid driver’s license as you may be operating a work vehicle to help transport items on and off the property.

Additional Valued Qualifications 

• A passion for farm to table food and hospitality.

• Experience using systems and tools such as Google Workspace (all Google Suite tools), event planning, point of sale, dining and room reservations. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

• Being active for extended periods of time and working in settings with limited air conditioned work environments depending on the location.

• Fast-paced work environment. 

• Carrying and moving items up/down stairs and over uneven terrain, weighing up to 40 lbs.

• Indoor and outdoor work environment. 

• Moving over uneven terrain. 

• Maintaining a tidy shared workspace.

Benefits 

• For seasonal employees working an extended season (beyond 6 months), here is the 2026 benefit summary.

To Apply 

If our vision and mission excite you, we hope you will share with us your experience and skill set that you feel would qualify you to make a contribution to the Farm.

Click here to submit an application and please include responses to the following questions. These are not meant to be a writing exercise but to introduce yourself in a meaningful way.

• Tell us about your unique characteristics and life experience that will help you thrive in this role.

• How did you hear about this position?

Shelburne Farms is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and we strongly stand against discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

If you need accommodations throughout the application process or have general questions, please contact us at jobs@shelburnefarms.org or 802-985-8686.