Description:

JOB TITLE: Assistant Lead Cook (Full-Time)

REPORTS TO: Food Service Manager

SCHEDULE: Monday -Thursday (6:00am-2:30pm)

LOCATION: Camp Paivika - Crestline, CA

STATUS: Full-Time, up to 40hrs/wk., Non-Exempt

DURATION: Seasonal (January 22 to May 22, 2026)

SALARY RANGE: $20.00/hr

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, located in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest, provides a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for children and adults with disabilities. Our Food Service team plays a key role in supporting campers' health and well-being through nutritious, well-prepared meals.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Assistant Lead Cook, you will be responsible for assisting with the preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals for campers and staff in a residential camp environment. You’ll ensure food safety, cleanliness, and quality standards are maintained while contributing to a positive and supportive dining experience. This seasonal position is ideal for someone who enjoys cooking in a collaborative environment and takes pride in serving others.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Work with the Lead Cook to prepare, cook, and serve meals for campers and staff, including accommodating special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, allergies).
Follow pre-planned menus, portion control standards, and food safety procedures.
Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, equipment, and dining areas. This includes washing dishes and pots and pans.
Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including proper food storage and handling.
Collaborate with other food service staff for meal prep, serving, and cleanup.
Track and manage inventory of kitchen supplies and notify supervisors of needs.
Assist in receiving, storing, and organizing food deliveries.
Occasionally support special events, theme meals, or birthday celebrations.
Prepare to take on any necessary roles as directed by the Camp Director in emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers, guests, and staff.
Report any maintenance or safety concerns to the Facilities Manager.
Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements:

SKILLS YOU’LL NEED:

High School Diploma or GED is required.
At least 1 year of institutional cooking experience is preferred.
1-2 years of experience in food service, cafeteria, or kitchen support is preferred.
A valid Food Handlers Permit is required as mandated by the San Bernardino County Health Department, or have the ability to pass San Bernardino County Food Safety Card training within two weeks of employment.
Physical capability to stand for prolonged periods and to perform tasks involving lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling is required.
Comfortability working with and interacting with individuals that have special needs is required.
Must be comfortable working in a rustic, outdoor environment for the duration of the season. This is a requirement.
Proficiency in conflict resolution and problem-solving is required.
Strong computer skills for effective record-keeping is required.
Excellent communication skills for training and supervising staff.
Independence in decision-making and business judgment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of standing, walking and lifting
Kitchen environment is loud, fast paced?
Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-50 pounds at times.
Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment such as dishwasher, manual and electrical kitchen equipment/tools, cleaning equipment/tools?

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. AbilityFirst reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and AbilityFirst, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the AbilityFirst staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Seasonal Employees are not eligible for benefits.

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. AbilityFirst does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application

Compensation details: 20-20 Hourly Wage

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AbilityFirst

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