Year Round Cook
Employment Type
Job (Full-Time)Job Categories
Visitor Services
Job Description
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Cook!
Are you a Cook who is passionate about delicious, local food, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?
This is a Year-round, Full-time, benefits eligible position.
$27.00 – 28.00 hourly (base rate + tip pool), non-exempt
Year-round employees receive personal and sick paid time off, health and retirement benefits, discounts in our culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership.
The Cook will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes according to established recipes and standards. This position supports the mission by using local, seasonal and Gardens grown ingredients to connect our guests to the natural world around them. In coordination with the Chef, the Cook also supports menu development, event planning and execution, and Culinary special projects.
Weekend availability is required. Open hours for the summer season (May-October) are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Evening availability is required for Gardens Aglow (November-December), which is open 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Physical Requirements:
-Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
-Ability to lift and carry heavy items up to 50 pounds.
-Required to use hands to hold, carry, handle or feel; required to reach hands and arms.
-Occasionally required to bend, lift, stoop, reach, or climb.
About Us
At nearly 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest public garden in New England. With two miles of hiking trails, 19 acres of ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and those suited to northern coastal conditions, nearly a mile of saltwater frontage, a children’s garden, a sensory garden, and so much more, there’s something for everyone. A true Maine experience, the Gardens is committed to connecting people to plants and nature, preserving the biodiversity of the Maine coast, and continuing to be a place accessible and welcoming to all. The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment where every member of our community is valued, respected, and appreciated. We acknowledge that a society is stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful when it is diverse. We are committed to identifying and striving to eliminate barriers that, historically, have prevented the full participation of communities most impacted by inequity.
Duties & Responsibilities
-Prepare and cook a wide range of menu items, following recipes and portion control guidelines.
-Assist in planning and developing new dishes, specials, and menu items, while considering seasonality, dietary restrictions, and guest preferences.
-Ensure all food items are cooked and presented with consistent quality and presentation.
-Adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen workspace.
-Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, working effectively alongside kitchen staff.
Education and Experience
-Previous experience as a Cook in a professional kitchen setting required.
-Strong understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
-Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
-Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during busy periods.
