Cook 2 (Seasonal) - Kings Gap Environmental Education Center

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center is looking to hire a Seasonal Cook. This role involves leading hospitality efforts in the food service operations at Kings Gap Mansion, focusing on the preparation of meals. The cook will be responsible for transforming raw ingredients into a variety of finished dishes, including meats, vegetables, soups, and sauces. Additionally, this role entails maintaining cleanliness and housekeeping within the mansion, as well as laundering and ironing linens such as sheets, bedspreads, towels, and tablecloths used throughout the facility. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply now!

In this position, you will oversee and evaluate the activities of junior cooks and food service staff engaged in both specialized and routine tasks related to food production and sanitation. Your responsibilities will include coordinating the efforts of lower-level cooks to ensure that a diverse array of menu items is prepared simultaneously and in accordance with a predetermined schedule. You will guide cooking techniques and procedures while also developing and refining recipes to enhance both the quality and quantity of the food produced. Additionally, you will be tasked with ordering cooking ingredients and supplies, as well as cleaning and housekeeping materials, while also maintaining and updating recipe files to ensure consistency and compliance with established standards.

As a lead worker, you will assign and coordinate tasks, actively participate in the production process, and review the work of lower-level cooks and food service workers. You will direct the application of cooking techniques and adjust recipes to meet higher quality standards and adhere to PA SERV Safe regulations. Your role will also involve training and guiding subordinate staff in both food preparation and the proper use and care of kitchen utensils and equipment. Furthermore, you will ensure that all kitchen and cleaning equipment is well-maintained, reporting any necessary repairs or replacements to the manager, and recommending new equipment purchases to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall guest experience. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate recipe files and reporting attendance of cooks and food service workers to the Administrative Assistant and Center Manager. In terms of food preparation, you will engage in the large-scale production and cooking of various meats, vegetables, casseroles, soups, and sauces, while continuously reviewing menus, monitoring food usage, and adjusting recipes as needed to optimize resource consumption. You will perform similar duties in the Education Building, ensuring all events are thoroughly prepared for and cleaned up after.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately April 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately April 2027.
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, with a 30-minute lunch
• Weekends, holidays and all shifts as needed at 37.5 hours per week
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a cook in a large volume food preparation operation; or

  equivalent combination of experience and/or training.