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ABOUT SERENITY RIDGE: Serenity Ridge Retreat Center is the headquarters of Ligmincha International, an organization dedicated to sharing meditation and spiritual practices from the Bön Buddhist tradition of Tibet. Located on a hundred acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just thirty minutes south of Charlottesville, the center offers retreats and teachings throughout the year from the Bön tradition as well as hosts events for other spiritual and contemplative groups.
We are currently looking for mature, reliable, self-directed, collaborative cooks to join our kitchen team. We operate a vegetarian kitchen, serving simple, nutritionally-balanced, buffet-style meals for retreatants and staff. Group sizes currently range from 5-70.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
Meal preparation - wash, peel, chop, mix, roast, bake, cook, serve, etc.
Ensuring pacing of the shift to ensure meals get out on time
Menu adjustments based on availability of ingredients
Keeping an eye on inventory and creating prep lists for the following shift
Maintaining and resetting a clean and orderly work space, including dishwashing
Ensuring cleanliness, presentation, and stocking of all “front of house” food and beverage areas (serving area, coffee station, guest kitchenette, dining hall)
Communicating with and accommodating guests
Keeping an eye on proper care and maintenance of kitchen equipment
Routine closing tasks, including laundry, sweeping, mopping, taking out compost, recycling and trash
Front of house cleaning before and after each retreat
Back of house deep cleaning/"putting the kitchen to bed" at the end of a busy stretch
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Desire to contribute to a positive and healthy work environment
Reliable and punctual
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Interest in nutritionally-balanced vegetarian cooking, with emphasis on vegan and gluten-free
Skill and familiarity with basic cooking and baking techniques
Willingness and ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
Attention to detail, cleanliness, and hygiene
Ability to multitask and keep your eye on the “big picture”
Ability to work safely and efficiently, in a calm and focused manner, under pressure of scheduled meal times
Ability to stand for an 8 hour shift, with breaks
Ability to comfortably and safely lift 40 lbs
Willingness and ability to orient, train, and supervise new staff and volunteers
Strong social skills, including interaction with guests and other kitchen staff in a professional, cooperative, and helpful manner
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience cooking for large groups or working in a high-volume restaurant setting
Self-motivation and ability to work effectively without direct supervision
Food handlers permit
Interest in Buddhism, meditation, or other forms of contemplative practice
SCHEDULING:
Weekly hours will vary, depending on the retreat schedule. Current upcoming dates are:
3/22-3/28
3/30-4/2
4/3-4/9
4/10-4/14
4/25-5/1
5/15-5/19
6/22-7/6
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
$15-$18/hr, depending on qualifications
Meals during shifts
Possibility to stay on-site during retreats, if desired (saving you on gas and commute!)
Wooded walking trails and Rockfish River for swimming
TO APPLY:
Send us a resume, brief cover letter, and two professional references. Applicants need not be available for all dates. However, preference will be given to folks who can work multiple shifts/week. We look forward to hearing from you!
