Cook
Employment Type
Job (Full-time)Job Categories
Visitor Services
Job Description
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Culinary Department is hiring a Cook!
Are you a Cook who is passionate about delicious, local food, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is committed to supporting the Gardens’ IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) goals? We’re looking for a Cook excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine.
The cook will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes according to recipes and established food safety standards. This position supports the mission by using local, seasonal, and garden-grown ingredients to connect our guests to the natural world around them. In coordination with the Culinary Director, the cook also supports menu development, event planning and execution, and Culinary special projects.
Year-round and Seasonal opportunities available
Year-round employees are eligible for full benefits package
$24 per hour ($18 base rate + tip pool)
20 – 40 Hours per week
9:00 am – 5:00 pm working hours
Physical and environmental factors:
-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 with 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.
-Execute food preparation tasks, including chopping, grilling, baking, sautéing, and frying.
-Ensure all food items are cooked and presented with consistent quality and presentation.
-Collaborate with the kitchen team to coordinate food orders and ensure timely service.
-Monitor and maintain proper inventory levels of ingredients and supplies, communicating any shortages to the Kitchen Manager.
-Adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen workspace.
-Operate and maintain kitchen equipment, reporting any malfunctions for timely repairs.
-Assist in the cleaning and closing duties at the end of each shift, ensuring the kitchen is left in a ready-to-use state for the next team.
-Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, working effectively alongside kitchen staff.
-Keep up-to-date with industry trends, culinary techniques, and new ingredients to enhance your skills and knowledge.
-Assist with catered event planning and execution.
-Assist with special projects during the winter months (deep cleaning, menu changes, recipe development, event planning, inventory, etc.).
-Promote exceptional service and ensure customer service standards are being met.
-Continually update your knowledge and understanding of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, including the Gardens’ layout and its range of offerings, in order to provide accurate information and helpful assistance to guests.
-Participate in Gardens-wide initiatives including Gardens Aglow assignments.
Education and Experience
Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles into Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.
Previous experience as a Cook in a professional kitchen setting.
Solid 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.
Creativity and innovation in food preparation and presentation.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Flexibility in work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
ServSafe certification
