Head Chef

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The kitchen staff, including the Head Chef, Sous Chef, and Kitchen or Camp Assistants, with the help of a group of devoted Friends of Hog Island (FOHI) volunteers, provides 3 meals a day for up to 80 people during the course of 6-day, 5-night camp sessions. A commercial-grade kitchen is part of the dining building known as “The Bridge”. The kitchen provides the only food service available on the island so it is important that staff review and accommodate the dietary restrictions of all staff, guests, and volunteers to provide safe, healthy, and complete dining options.

The Head Chef is responsible for directing kitchen operations, developing meal plans, placing food orders, and preparing meals for up to 80 people (Hog Island staff, volunteers, and participants) on Hog Island in a safe, healthy, and environmentally-friendly manner, for all scheduled Audubon Camp sessions and rentals. She/He/they will direct and schedule the Sous Chef and Kitchen or Camp Assistant and work closely with the FOHI Volunteer Coordinator who will schedule and direct a dedicated team of volunteers who assist in the kitchen, dining room, and elsewhere in the camp. Strong and independent time management skills are required to efficiently schedule time in the kitchen and minimize work beyond 40 hrs/week. She/He/They will order food and beverages while managing kitchen costs and emphasizing sustainable and healthy options. We provide the only food service available on the island so it is important that she/he/they will review and accommodate dietary restrictions of all staff, guests, and volunteers to provide safe, healthy, and complete dining options. The Head Chef will be managing a small team and should be able to maintain a positive attitude and work to maintain high morale. The kitchen will have to abide by strict Covid-19 protocols and the Head Chef will be responsible for enforcing and abiding by these protocols. Most meals are served buffet style with outdoor seating, though there may be indoor options depending on Covid policies and weather.

The Head Chef is preferred to live in Audubon housing on Hog Island in order to perform the functions of this position. Campers, Hog Island staff, and volunteers are provided three meals each day including desserts, so early morning preparation is required for breakfast served at 6 or 7 AM and dinner activities may last until 7 or 8 PM. All-day field trips require preparation of picnic lunches and snacks.