Kitchen Manager - Evergaldes City

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Kitchen Manager

Department: Program

Reports To: Program Director

FLSA Status: Seasonal, Exempt

Location: Everglades City, FL

Supervision: None

Anticipated Start Date: November 16, 2025

Anticipated End Date: March 15, 2026

Summary:

Since 1967, North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) has delivered challenging wilderness adventures that teach more than outdoor skills. Our wilderness courses, from the mountains of North Carolina to the shores of south Florida to the peaks of South America, deliver on our mission "to change lives through challenge and discovery."

Essential Functions:

• Prepare and serve meals for a community of 5-12 staff, typically 5 days a week. During peak periods this may fluctuate up to 40-50 staff.

• Maintain a stocked fridge with available food for staff 7 days a week to accommodate when meals are not prepared.

• Assure base dietary and allergy needs are met and communicated.

• Provide additional catering needs for Outward Bound Professional courses and other specialty programs as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve meals during trainings. Prepare and serve student banquet meals for 10 - 50 students and staff.

• Complete pre, post, and monthly inventory and ordering of all kitchen food and equipment along with identified basecamp supplies.

• Manage and track kitchen expenses and remain within budgeted expectations.

• Maintain and upkeep all kitchen equipment.

• Establish and maintain relationships with food vendors and suppliers, price shopping as applicable.

• Establish and maintain positive working/living environment within the kitchen and community.

• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen in line with State Health Department standards.

• Maintain documentation of role and systems to enable successors to easily step into position.

• Any additional tasks as designated.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity.

• The employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell.

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily based at a basecamp. This is a remote, community living setting where electricity, heat, and power can be interrupted. USFS (United States Forest Service) gravel road accessible for NC mountain bases.

• Irregular hours and weekend work are expected.   

Qualifications:

• Personal and professional values consistent with the NCOBS mission, values, and principles.

• Strong knowledge of Outward Bound history, standards, and programs.

• Preferred certification in ServSafe - Food Handler minimum.

• Preferred background and/or experience in food service preparation, ordering, budgeting, and kitchen upkeep.

• Experience with community living.

• Able to participate in all base activities. Able to lift 50 pounds.

• Able to serve cost-efficient, nutritious food for a variety of dietary needs.

• Effective organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Strong personal initiative, motivation, and resourcefulness.

• Competent computer skills.

• Cooperative attitude and ability to be flexible.

• Able to drive 15 passenger vans and pick-up trucks with a clear driver's record.

• Able to pass a criminal background screening.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Per-diem rate based on experience at $115 - $135/day

• Employee Assistance Program benefits available.

• Pro-purchase deals with outdoor-industry gear retailers.

• Room and board during agreement.

North Carolina Outward Bound School prohibits discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable local, state or federal law. NCOBS promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics nor on differences based on gender identity or expression.