Culinary Intern, Sanctuary Vegan Cafe – The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary

• Application Deadline: July 2nd, 12pm EST***

The Intern plays a pivotal role in culinary operations under the guidance of the Manager, Sanctuary Cafe. This position involves learning guest services and adhering to the Sequence of Service Standards. The Intern will actively participate in special events, showcasing dedication to creating exceptional culinary experiences. The internship is designed to allow interns to demonstrate and build skills in culinary and guest services while learning on the job. 

Responsibilities:

• Prepares dining room for guest service adhering to safety and cleanliness standards
• Aids patrons with food and beverage selection by suggesting courses, presenting Chef specials, identifying appropriate beverage pairings, and answering food preparation questions, taking into consideration dietary restrictions.
• Develop a vast knowledge of the Kitchen menu items and ingredients.
• Transmits orders to the kitchen staff. 
• Delivers orders to guests promptly, efficiently and enthusiastically, including all pickup purchases
• Use Point of Sale (POS) system to manage daily orders and complete end of shift functions
• Adheres to and successfully demonstrates all sanitation and safety protocols and maintains clean work areas, utensils, and equipment
• Occasional light prep duties for special events and daily support

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or graduated student of culinary program, certificate or experience in vegan and non-vegan roles of cook, line cook, chef or sous chef aspiring to master their craft. 
• Effective verbal and written communications skills. 
• Efficient organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to monitor and perform multiple tasks at once 
• Comfortable with learning and using cloud-based software systems such as GSuite Square POS.
• Polite and enthusiastic customer service
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Align with Farm Sanctuary’s compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom values. 
• Familiarity, commitment to, and experience with the practice of equity and social justice and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission

We embrace candidates from various backgrounds and experiences, regardless of whether they satisfy all the specified requirements. We encourage you to apply, even if you have an unconventional or non-traditional background.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work in conditions of exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, fumes, and smoke.
• Must be able to follow all standard kitchen safety precautions.
• Range of sedentary to medium work. Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 35 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Must be able to perform repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information by means of the spoken word in person, via telephone, video conferencing and other forms of electronic communication utilizing computers and smartphones. 
• Worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity including but not limited to: preparing food, reading menus, entering information into the POS, and reading temperature gauges. Must be able to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. 
• Must be able to bend, lift, push, stoop, stretch, climb, and crawl and other strenuous physical activities. Must be able to ascend or descend ladders, stairs, and ramps onsite.
• Exposure to and must be able to operate motor vehicles, kitchen equipment and other motorized equipment.
• Position is subject to environmental conditions. Must be able to regularly perform job responsibilities in a variety of weather conditions; some work is done in an outdoor setting that is not climate controlled with remaining work performed in the kitchen or front of restaurant. 

Program Perks:

• Attend weekly Farm Sanctuary education workshops that include presentations, staff Q&As, team building exercises, and hands-on learning opportunities
• Gain beneficial work experience in nonprofit employment, especially within vegan, animal rights, and sanctuary organizations
• Make strong professional connections and references
• Gain valuable insight about farmed animal care, rescue, and education

Specifications:

• Terms of employment: Temporary, Full-time, non-exempt position
• Reports to: Manager, Sanctuary Cafe
• Location: Watkins Glen, NY
• Pay: $15.00 per hour
• Accommodations:
• Communal housing on sanctuary premises provided and preferred, but not required.
• Each intern is provided with their own bedroom and a shared bathroom.
• Companion animals are not permitted.
• Benefits:
• Eligibility to participate in Farm Sanctuary’s medical insurance plan starting the second month of the internship
• Additional Specifications:
• This position requires a commitment of two-three months (July-August) and an extension (until November) may be allowed for qualified interns
• Valid driver’s license preferred

Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We believe that our prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a strength and essential to achieving our mission. A diverse workforce brings many perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions to our complex issues. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we foster a culture of belonging where innovation and growth can thrive. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farmed animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Our Process:

• Stage 1: 30-min virtual interview with People & Culture
• Stage 2: 30-min virtual panel interview with supervisors 
• Stage 3: Reference checks
• Stage 4: Job offer

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