Retreat Center Cook

Description

ABOUT SERENITY RIDGE: Serenity Ridge Retreat Center is the headquarters of Ligmincha International, a global spiritual community of meditators and practitioners of the ancient Bön spiritual tradition of Tibet. Located 5 miles east of Route 29 near Faber VA, the center has over 90 acres of wooded property for meditation, reflection, contemplation, creativity, and personal transformation.

We are currently looking for mature, reliable, self-directed, collaborative cooks to join our kitchen team. We operate a vegetarian kitchen, serving simple, nutritionally-balanced, buffet-style meals for retreatants and staff. Group sizes currently range from 20-60.

Job Duties

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
*Meal preparation – wash, peel, chop, mix, roast, bake, cook, serve, etc.
*Ensuring pacing of the shift to ensure meals get out on time
*Menu adjustments based on the availability of ingredients
*Keeping an eye on inventory and creating prep lists for the following shift
*Maintaining and resetting a clean and orderly workspace, including dishwashing
*Ensuring cleanliness, presentation, and stocking of all “front of house” food and beverage areas (serving area, coffee station, guest kitchenette, dining hall)
*Keeping an eye on proper care and maintenance of kitchen equipment
*Routine closing tasks, including laundry, sweeping, mopping, taking out the compost, recycling, and trash

Skills Required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
*Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
*Desire to contribute to a positive and healthy work environment
*Reliable and punctual
*Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
*Interest in nutritionally-balanced vegetarian cooking, with emphasis on vegan and gluten-free
*Skill and familiarity with basic cooking and baking techniques
*Willingness and ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
*Attention to detail, cleanliness, and hygiene
*Ability to multitask and keep your eye on the “big picture”
*Ability to work safely and efficiently, in a calm and focused manner, under the pressure of scheduled meal times
*Ability to stand for an 8-hour shift, with breaks
*Ability to comfortably and safely lift 40 lbs
*Willingness and ability to orient, train, and supervise new staff and volunteers
*Strong social skills, including interaction with guests and other kitchen staff in a professional, cooperative, and helpful manner

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
*Experience cooking for large groups or working in a high-volume restaurant setting
*Self-motivation and ability to work effectively without direct supervision
*Food handlers permit
*Interest in Buddhism and meditation

Work Schedule

SCHEDULING:
Weekly hours will vary, depending on the retreat schedule. Current 2023 bookings are as follows:

2/16-2/19
2/25
4/9-4/16
4/19-4/25
4/26-4/30
5/4-5/7
5/13
5/17-5/22
6/2-6/4
6/24-7/8
10/4-10/10
10/17-10/22

Additional Info