Kitchen Assistant

at Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center, Inc. in East Thetford, Vermont, United States

Job Description

May-December
20-40 hours per week

Full and part-time positions are available in our farm kitchen, May through December. The growing season on the farm provides a fantastic assortment of organic fruits and vegetables to work with daily.

Our cooks prepare a wide variety of foods using our farm-grown produce, including items for the farmstand and café, our Monday Meals Program, and our Soup and Dinner CSAs, as well as a range of signature products unique to Cedar Circle. This role supports all aspects of kitchen production-from preparing meals and helping maintain product inventory to processing freshly harvested vegetables for immediate use or storage.

We are looking for reliable, adaptable, and creative individuals who enjoy working with fresh ingredients and are excited to contribute to a farm-based kitchen.

Responsibilities

This is an exciting and dynamic role in a fast-paced, farm-based kitchen. Tasks will vary based on the needs of the kitchen and the flow of the growing season, and may include any of the following:

• Follow recipes to prepare a variety of foods for the farmstand, café, and meal programs
• Prep, cook, and package meals, including cold salads and grab-and-go lunch items
• Prepare, package, and label signature products, and help maintain their inventory in the farmstand
• Process freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, including washing, chopping, and preparing for immediate use or storage
• Preserve produce through pickling, canning, and freezing
• Assist with weekly and monthly menu planning in collaboration with the Kitchen Team
• Help track and maintain inventory of prepared foods, ingredients, and stored vegetables
• Communicate with and take direction from the Kitchen Manager and Kitchen Lead on production schedules and ingredient needs
• Meet deadlines for farmstand offerings and meal programs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace at all times
• Follow all established food safety and health protocols
• Support other kitchen tasks and assist team members as needed

Qualifications

• Ability to work both independently and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Ability to follow recipes and directions with attention to detail
• Strong time management skills and ability to stay on task in a busy kitchen setting
• Comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification when needed
• Receptive to constructive feedback and able to adapt to changing tasks and priorities
• Professional kitchen experience is preferred, but not required. A willingness to learn and a positive attitude are what matter most.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on your feet for the duration of a shift

Compensation

The Kitchen Assistant position is full-time or part-time and seasonal, with benefits including paid leave, fresh produce, a 20% discount at our farmstand and cafe, access to an employee assistance program, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match. Pay range is $15-17/hr, depending on experience. Ability to work the full season is a plus.

Cedar Circle Farm is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.