Description

Organizational Mission & Overview

Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. 

PEAK’s Four Beliefs

Every living being has inherent value.

The community is better when everyone contributes.

We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes.

Everyone has the power to change their world.

POSITION SUMMARY: This role will be responsible for guiding the culinary education and standards practiced during all Garden Program activities, including training and high school interns in the delivery of safe, educational cooking classes for all camp.

POSITION AVAILABILITY: From June 1 - June 24 and August 8 - 31, this position has variable hours at 5-20 hours per week. From June 28 - August 5, this position is typically Monday - Friday with the availability to work 8am - 12:30pm. This position must be available the following dates:

Pre-camp preparation: June 1 - 17

Staff Orientation: June 18 - 24

Session 1: June 28 - July 8

Session 2: July 12 - 22

Session 3: July 26 - August 5

Teen Camp and Camp Clean-up: August to 8 - 13

Family Camp: August 14 - 16

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY 

Establish a safe, sanitary cooking environment for groups of up to 16 campers ages 8-14. This includes setting up a cooking space and proper introduction of high risk activities, like using a hot plate and knife skills, to high school interns, campers, and staff. 
With guidance from the Garden Program Coordinator, design food menus based on timing and availability of garden produce, adjusting the menus as the growing season allows. 
Mentor high school Interns, as they develop their facilitation and culinary skills. Interns will observe the delivery of a high-quality cooking class, following PEAK’s Program Quality Standards, until they are properly prepared to lead the class independently. 
With guidance from the Garden Program Coordinator, develop an age-appropriate class flow for the garden cooking classes prioritizing sensory experiences in the garden, such as a sensory garden tour, harvesting their own produce, and incorporating as many garden elements into their meal as possible.
Assist with garden maintenance tasks, such as weeding and mulching, as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is compensated at a rate of $18 per hour, pre-tax.
Summer seasonal staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

A belief that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. 
Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments.
Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives. 
Ability to live with, support, and work with all camper age ranges at camp.
Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by camp leadership.
Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary.
Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible. 
Demonstrated experience and/or training in garden-based and experiential education. 

EDUCATIONAL, CERTIFICATIONS, & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma/GED before the position start date to apply.

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Garden Culinary Instructor reports to the Assistant Director of Camp Programs with direction from the Garden Program Coordinator and the Garden Consultant.
 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS 

The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Staff are required to actively participate in all camper activities, including water-related activities.
Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5+ miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.
Camp activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings.
The camp environment is often hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning. 
All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.