About Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing:

Opened in July 2017, the Center helps participants cultivate physical and emotional wellbeing through a wide range of programs based on ancient Buddhist wisdom practices. With this grounding, and learning paths spanning traditional Buddhist studies, mediation and spirituality, yoga and movement, arts and culture, and health and nutrition, the Chef holds an integral role in providing a restorative and extraordinary experience for those who come to Dharmakaya. This is a unique opportunity to work in a deeply spiritual setting, secure that your efforts benefit many…one that provides guided latitude to leverage your talents in support of the mission of the Center.

Job Description:

This position performs and coordinates all aspects of the dining experience for those at the Center, including guests. The Chef is responsible for all aspects of the culinary experience, ranging from kitchen operations and supply ordering to the development of menus and service presentation. Given the daily operations of the Center, it is also imperative that the Chef work weekends. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Job Responsibilities:

• Continue and expand Dharmakaya’s reputation for providing outstandingly delicious, healthy vegetarian and vegan food.
• Deliver an exemplary culinary experience for our guests, supporting our mission to cultivate wellbeing among those who are at the Center.
• Manage all aspects of the Center’s food experience, including meal planning; sourcing and purchasing supplies; managing volunteer kitchen staff.
• Demonstrate collaborative communication skills to support the efficient operations of the kitchen and dining hall, while mentoring volunteer staff and working in a cross-team function.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized kitchen that conforms to health department codes.
• Ensure that all kitchen supplies are ordered, stocked, and properly stored. This includes all food items, dishes and utensils, cleaning products, cooking supplies, and any other item necessary.
• Balance mandate for locally grown, farm-fresh produce with need to adhere to strict budgets through careful sourcing, contracts as appropriate, and bulk purchase of larder items.
• Track and report kitchen expenses.
• Develop and regulate volunteer staff schedules and processes with the Senior Operations Manager.
• Refill food stations and ensure that the buffet remains appealing throughout service.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Culinary Arts or Related Field Preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience and responsibilities as a Chef; Kitchen Operational Lead experience a plus.
• Enthusiastic, resilient and thoughtful demeanor required.
• A demonstrated ability to muti-task and an affinity for working in an ever-changing environment.
• Developed verbal and non-verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group situations with guests, teachers, staff and volunteers.
• A high aptitude for identifying barriers and troubleshooting with few concrete variables.
• Experience in deescalating conflict or misunderstanding.
• Proven capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to communicate effectively with diverse people.
• Exceptional organizational and project planning skills.
• Being fair and objective while performing responsibilities, avoiding any perception of bias or favoritism.
• Protecting confidentiality of information and privacy of guests, volunteers and teachers.
• Maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and squat.
• Valid driver’s License and good driving record required.
• Ability to lift 1-25 pounds

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Experience level:

• 3 years

Pay rate:

• Hourly pay

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Overtime pay

Weekly day range:

• Every weekend

Ability to Relocate:

• Pine Bush, NY 12566: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person