Island Cook
2025 Seasonal Position

The Island Cook is primarily responsible for the preparation of meals under supervision of the Operations Director on Cow Island. We seek a hard working and service-oriented individual to join our community. The Island Cook works our summer programming season from June to August with the potential for additional fall season dates. Applicant must have a flexible schedule. Overnights required and occasional weekend work will be available. A typical work week would be Monday-Friday with 1-2 overnights per week spent on Cow Island.
 

Rippleffect is a non-profit youth and community development organization in Portland, Maine. We own Cow Island, a beautiful 26-acre eco-campus in Casco Bay, where we run many of our youth and adult programs. Our mission is to promote youth development and leadership through adventure, healthy communities and living sustainably. Cow Island has a commercial grade, off-grid kitchen that has the capacity to serve 160 guests as well as a seasonal garden and on-site compost.  The challenges of working on a rustic, off-the-grid island are unique and require flexibility, problem solving and hard work. We are looking for someone who is committed to these values as well as nurturing their own personal growth and positive community culture.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepare Meals for a wide variety of populations, numbering from 10 to 100 people
• Implement appropriate menus, as assigned by the Operations Director

• Maintain cleanliness, safety and organization of all food service areas
• Support all other kitchen operations including general cleaning, dishes, laundry, compost, serving, etc
• Assist in tracking kitchen pars & have an awareness of inventory on island
• Communicate directly with staff and participants in a friendly and positive manner

Job Requirements:

• General understanding of cooking techniques, proper food handling procedures and knife skills
• Willingness and ability to accommodate special dietary needs & allergies
• Ability to multi task in a dynamic environment with strong attention to detail & time management
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. & be active in a rustic island setting. We carry all of our groceries & supplies on and off our boats and up and down steep boat ramps and on unpaved trails
• Catering experience and ServSafe Food Handler or better preferred

Compensation: Starting at $19/hr (DOE), additional 4 hours paid for overnights

Contact: Tony Alves, Operations Director, tony@rippleffect.net

To Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume and three references to the email address above. Indicate “Island Cook” in the subject line.