Growing Routes Summer 2025 - Chef / Gardener Job Description

Job Title: Chef / Gardener [ Camp Description @ Twigg Farm ]
Location: Union, Maine
Employment Type: Seasonal (Spring - Fall), time off throughout summer
Compensation: Weekly stipend of $800 -1,400 + housing and meals provided

**UPDATE: At this time, we have filled our Cook/Gardener position for Summer 2025. We are always interested in talking with potential future Growing Routes team members and thinking through additional ways to involve our community. If you would like to connect, feel free to submit an interest form or reach out to info@growingroutes.org. Thank you for your interest in working with us!

Position Overview:

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated person to join our summer camp in Maine as a Chef/Gardener. This individual will be responsible for cultivating and tending to our camp’s garden, providing fresh produce for meals, leading educational programs on sustainable farming and planning, shopping, cooking, and preparing delicious, wholesome meals for campers and staff.

You will play a crucial role in fostering a sense of connection to the environment and the land we live on, teaching campers about where their food comes from, and engaging them in hands-on cooking and gardening experiences.

Although this role includes a range of responsibilities, it can be tailored to your unique skills and interests. The weekly time commitment will be collaboratively determined by you and the Growing Routes Director, considering the camp's schedule and needs, while limiting the workload to what feels manageable for everyone involved. Your schedule will also allow for ample time to relax and enjoy the lake, explore nearby mountains, connect with the local community, and immerse yourself in the idyllic Maine landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Garden Management:

    • Start planting in the spring and tend to the garden throughout the season (spring through fall).

    • Plan and execute the cultivation of vegetables, herbs, and fruits to be harvested for use in the camp kitchen.

    • Implement sustainable gardening practices and maintain a healthy, thriving farm environment.

    • Manage the camp’s compost system, incorporating food and garden waste to create nutrient-rich soil for future planting.

  • Meal and Menu Planning:

    • Develop seasonal menus using fresh, garden-grown produce supplemented with grocery store items.

    • Prepare meals for 8-20 campers and 4-6 staff members, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences.

    • Serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks with a focus on nutritious, delicious, and diverse options.

  • Cooking and Baking:

    • Lead cooking and baking programming for campers, teaching them basic skills and fostering a love for fresh, homemade food.

    • Integrate campers into the kitchen to help prepare meals, encouraging teamwork and responsibility.

  • Education and Camper Engagement:

    • Organize hands-on educational programs to teach kids about sustainable farming, the importance of local food systems, and how to grow and cook their own meals.

    • Lead gardening activities, from planting to harvesting, encouraging campers to participate in all aspects of farm life.

  • Grocery Shopping and Supply Management:

    • Handle all grocery shopping for items not available from the garden, ensuring a stocked pantry and kitchen.

    • Maintain a budget for food supplies and manage inventory efficiently.

    • Plan menus and ingredient use carefully and creatively to minimize food waste, aligning with the camp’s sustainability goals.

  • Certified Food Protection Manager:

    • Serve as the camp’s Certified Food Protection Manager to ensure safe food practices, including proper storage and handling, allergen management, and maintaining clean and safe kitchen and dining areas.

    • Monitor food quality, avoiding the use of any spoiled or unsafe ingredients, and enforce health and safety standards in meal preparation and service.

  • Living on the Farm:

    • Live on-site in provided housing and immerse yourself in camp life, working closely with staff and campers to create a vibrant, engaged community.

    • Help maintain the general cleanliness and upkeep of the camp kitchen, dining areas, and garden spaces.

Qualifications:

  • Experience in farming, gardening, or horticulture with a focus on sustainable practices.

  • Professional culinary experience or a strong passion for cooking and menu planning.

  • Interest in working with children and teaching them about gardening and cooking, and sustainability.

  • Strong organizational skills for managing food production, meal preparation, and grocery shopping.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team.

  • Willingness to live on-site and fully engage with camp life.

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the USA without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Weekly stipend of $900 - $1,400 depending on experience.

  • Housing provided on the camp premises.

  • Meals provided from camp kitchen and garden produce.

  • One day off per week, with additional time off during slower periods: more flexibility before camp begins in mid-June and after camp ends in mid-August.

  • Free time during the day as the camp schedule allows.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by promoting sustainability, self-sufficiency, and a love for fresh, homemade food in a close-knit, outdoor-oriented camp environment. If you’re passionate about gardening, cooking, and working with kids, this job is for you!

Application Process: All applicants must complete a formal application, which includes submitting a written application, references and criminal background checks, and 1–2 interviews.

  • To include a Cover Letter with your application, please email info@growingroutes.org

  • Only candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interested but not yet ready to apply? Fill out the interest form!