The LightEn Center of Consciousness & Action (LCCA) is a new retreat center in the Blue Ridge mountains in Marshall, North Carolina, set to open in Fall 2025. LCCA will serve as a soul-focused sanctuary and learning center for individual and collective growth, exploration and transformation, focused on catalyzing the evolution of consciousness needed to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. The Center will host current and emerging leaders to cultivate and deepen the inner work needed to be more effective change agents in the world. LCCA is the home of LightEn US, which is part of the overall LightEn network.
OVERVIEW:
LightEn’s team is collectively working to deliver on an ambitious and world-changing mission, providing a world-class culture through a purpose driven lens. Further, this project is truly one-of-a-kind and is led by an extraordinary vision of its founders, transforming everyone who takes part. The Cook role represents an exceptional opportunity for a diligent and creative professional to join LightEn US in its start-up phase.
LCCA is located in Marshall, NC, approximately 30-minutes north of Asheville. Within the 489-acre property, the center is comprised of approximately 125 structures (existing + planned) spanning 100 acres. The center features 76 guest cabins, two teaching spaces, an 8500+ sq ft spa, fitness center, auditorium, event space, dining hall, horticultural complex including a greenhouse & 2 acre garden, and over 7.5 miles of hiking trails. Future phases of the project include an additional 30 guest cabins, a third teaching space, and team member accommodations; including a housing complex, cafeteria, and wellness center for staff use.
Currently, there are about 20 LCCA team members, and we are forecasted to grow to over 50 team members by late-2025. The Cooks will report directly to the Executive Chef and support an exceptional dining experience for staff and guests at the dining hall, which is named the Kitchen Table. In addition to the core competencies outlined below, the right candidate will have resonance with LightEn’s vision, be flexible, have a desire to learn, maintain a willingness to contribute when needed, and an ability to lead from a place of inclusiveness, kindness and service.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Cook role supports all aspects of kitchen and dining operations at the Kitchen Table by preparing and presenting high-quality food, ensuring organization, safety and sanitation standards, and contributing to an exceptional work culture and guest experience. This role emphasizes craftsmanship, teamwork, and genuine heart felt hospitality.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Food Preparation & Quality
Prepare, cook, and portion food according to established recipes, guidelines, and guest expectations.
Ensure food presentation meets quality and aesthetic standards.
Conduct line checks for each station during meal service periods.
Maintain clean, stocked, and organized preparation and service areas.
Guest Experience
Provide warm, welcoming, and professional interactions with guests.
Anticipate and respond promptly to guest needs or requests.
Demonstrate knowledge of menu items and answer food-related questions confidently.
Safety & Compliance
Adhere to all food safety and handling guidelines, including proper labeling, dating, and storage.
Keep refrigerators and freezers clean, organized, and compliant with health regulations.
Report unsafe conditions immediately and maintain a safe, calm working environment.
Collaboration & Communication
Work closely with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef to communicate operational needs, challenges, and feedback.
Support accurate purchasing by directing ordering needs to chef leadership.
Collaborate with colleagues to continually improve service standards and achieve team goals.
Participate in cross-training and other projects as assigned by leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Required:
2–3 years of professional cooking experience.
Serious adherence to kitchen operational standards, cooking skills and knife skills
Ability to follow recipes, guidelines and work within the operational framework to achieve consistent results
Strong organizational, communication, and active listening skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Proficiency with basic computer programs (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel).
Preferred:
Culinary degree or certification.
Experience in vegetarian and/or vegan cuisine.
Previous hospitality or guest-facing experience.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Stand for extended periods of time in a fast-paced environment.
Lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
Regular bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting.
Strong visual acuity including close, color, peripheral, and depth perception.
Ability to work in varying weather conditions and navigate uneven terrain.
Must wear LCCA-provided uniform and maintain a neat, professional appearance.
WORKPLACE CULTURE & TEAM SUPPORT
Contribute to a calm and respectful kitchen atmosphere, even during high-volume service.
Support colleagues with teamwork, patience, and encouragement to ensure smooth operations.
Communicate thoughtfully, listening actively and offering constructive feedback.
Model humility, kindness, and professionalism in all interactions with guests and team members.
Practice mindfulness in daily work to maintain focus, consistency, and balance under pressure.
Approach challenges with solutions-oriented thinking while maintaining composure.
AAP/EEO Statement
LightEn provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, LightEn complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation. and training.
LightEn expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of LightEn’s team members to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
APPLY:
To apply for this position, please email your resume to LCCAcareers@light-en.org with the subject line “Cook”. In the body of your email please include a summary about why this role resonates with you, how you feel aligned with LightEn’s mission, and how you would apply your skills and experience to be successful in this role.
We will review applications on a rolling basis. Given the volume of applicants, we may not be able to reply to reach individual applicant and will only be in touch with those candidates we wish to schedule interviews with.
