Job Title: Remote Cook
Hours: 7 days a week, 14 to 16-hour days; permanent or rotational shift options
Location: Kaktovik, AK (Barter Island in the Beaufort Sea)
Reports To: KIC President/CEO
About Us: Kaktovik Inn is owned and operated by Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation (KIC) the local village corporation, whose shareholders make up the Kaktovikmiut. Kaktovik Inn is more than a hotel; it's a community-driven establishment committed to preserving local culture and providing exceptional Inupiat hospitality.
Summary: This permanent position offers a unique opportunity to work in remote Alaska, where you may even have the chance to spot a polar bear! As the Remote Cook, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Kaktovik Inn. Your responsibilities will include managing kitchen operations and collaborating closely with hotel staff to maintain the day-to-day functioning of the Inn. This position also requires the ability to adapt to the unique challenges of living in rural Alaska. Room and board are provided.
Key Responsibilities:
Food Service Management:
- Plan, prepare, and serve meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including cakes, pastries, snacks, desserts, and catering requests, as possible).
- Supervise and delegate tasks to the hotel staff, as needed.
Coordination with Hotel Staff:
- Work closely with the hotel staff to align kitchen operations with overall camp management and guest services.
- Collaborate on managing inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and addressing operational issues.
- Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of common areas and dining facilities.
Budget and Inventory Management:
- Maintain accurate records of food and supply inventory.
- Work within budget constraints, ensuring cost-effective purchasing and resource management.
- Provide regular reports on kitchen operations and budgetary matters to the KIC Corporate Office.
- Coordinate with hotel staff for ingredient procurement and inventory management.
Adaptability:
- Work with various kitchen setups and equipment, adapting to different environments to consistently produce quality dishes.
- Handle repairs and adjustments as needed due to the challenging Arctic conditions.
Communication:
- Maintain open and transparent communication with team members and guests.
- Provide updates on progress and seek clarification and support when needed.
Quality Control:
- Monitor food quality, taste, and presentation to ensure consistency and customer satisfaction.
- Perform tasks in compliance with the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation regulations.
Hygiene and Safety:
- Adhere to proper food handling, safety, and sanitation standards.
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace, including dishwashing and sanitizing restaurant equipment.
Dietary Considerations:
- Accommodate special dietary needs such as allergies or specific nutritional requirements, when possible.
- Additional Duties:
- Undertake additional responsibilities as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the inn.
- Operate the POS system by following all opening and closing procedures, while adhering to cash handling protocols and reporting any discrepancies.
- Willingness to train on the hotel booking system and check and respond to emails.
- Ability to answer phone calls, take orders, and communicate messages to hotel staff or the corporate office.
Requirements:
Ability to work independently and efficiently in a remote Arctic setting.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Current State of Alaska Food Worker Card.
Documented SERV Safe Training.
Driver’s License (preferred, not required).
Willingness to fly in small aircraft.
Proficiency in speaking, reading, understanding, and writing English.
Must meet criminal history and background requirements.
Minimum 5 years' experience as a cook, with at least 3 of these as a camp cook.
Willingness to work up to 6 weeks straight, with 14-16 hour workdays, or longer if coverage is not available.
Be flexible to stay in camp when weather, sickness, or other unforeseen problems prevent the relief cook from arriving on schedule.
Willingness to delegate and train the Kitchen Attendant to assist in meal coverage to reduce working hours.
Ability to work well with other employees.
Must be able to lift at least 70 pounds.
Must be free of health or physical problems that would interfere with duties or pose a risk to yourself or other personnel.
Handyman skills and arctic experience are helpful but are not mandatory qualifications.
