In this administrative position, the Kitchen Manager directs management processes, resources and people, efficiently and ethically, seeking to identify and adequately respond to the needs of the NOLS Patagonia operation. The Kitchen Manager directs, plans, creates, and serves delicious and nutritionally balanced meals to students and faculty. During the busier summer months, takes a leadership role supporting several seasonal kitchen assistants. This position presents the opportunity to: Possesses outstanding teamwork, leadership skills; considering the use of a second language. A professional degree in the field of gastronomy is desirable. 

Key Logistical Points:

• This benefited position is 8 months per year, from August 19th, 2024, to April 30th, 2025, with unpaid time off typically from September to April during the winter months. There is an option for renewal.

• Ability to speak, write and read in Spanish and English.

• Start date: August 19, 2024

• Benefits: According to the Chilean Legislation. Housing possibilities on the NOLS Patagonia campus with a reasonable monthly fee.  

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

• Your interview would be in English and spanish.

What does the Kitchen Manager do

As the Kitchen Manager, you'll work on a small close-knit kitchen team as part of the bigger Patagonia campus operations team. You’ll be involved in the following: 

• Oversee the efficient and productive operations in a commercial kitchen and adjacent dining room.

• Supervises the processes of gastronomic production in the areas of quality, service to our students, instructors and staff, manages times and the team and the optimization of resources, in accordance with legal regulations.

• Oversee the preparation of meals for 10-95 people. 

• Plan menus, purchase food and supplies, and schedule shifts according to the campus operating calendar. Have a 1 month plan of menus in advance.

• Hire, train, and supervise temporary and seasonal Kitchen Assistants, and peak kitchen assistants.

• Cater occasional special events and execute special projects at the Patagonia Campus.

• Work with the operations manager to develop the annual kitchen budget and long-term planning. Control and oversee kitchen expenditures.

• Ensure proper handling of food to avoid cross-contact of allergens.

• Cater to a range of dietary needs with care and excellence.

• Clean all food service areas at the end of each shift. This includes sweeping, mopping, dishes, and sanitizing surfaces in the kitchen, dining room, BBQ area, and storage areas.

• Promote practices that seek to reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle as much as possible.

• Ensures the satisfaction of the experience of NOLS students and instructors in the area of ​​food and hospitality, guided by NOLS' own protocols

• Driving license, in order to support the logistics of the NOLS patagonia campus and the NOLS Patagonia kitchen.

• If needed  go to Transitions or activities out of the NOLS campus

What makes a great Kitchen Manager at NOLS Patagonia? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Experience, education, and/or interest in food service and kitchen management, especially for large groups and for people with food allergies and other dietary needs. 

• Supervisory and communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate needs and receive/provide thoughtful, timely feedback.

• Excited to work independently for the fall through spring, and lead a team during the busier summer season.

• Ability to work early mornings and weekends

• Ability to execute planning and intense budgeting at least 3 times in the season

• Committed to serving people with special dietary needs (e.g. Celiacs, vegan, peanut allergy, and many others) with care and excellence. 

• Able to lift and carry 50+ lbs (items such as bags of flour, full pots, and boxes of produce).

• Able to work while standing for extended periods of time, and able to function well in a variety of outdoor conditions (e.g. grilling outside on a hot summer afternoon).

• Proficiency with email, digital calendars, Google Suite,  Microsoft and ability to learn new software. 

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Oversee the planning, preparation, and service of food to hundreds of NOLS students through meals in the dining room, “road meals” packed in coolers, and celebratory end-of-course Lunch.

• Lead the kitchen team through the Spring and summer season in Chile.

• Become intimately familiar with the NOLS Patagonia campus operations and how the kitchen team fits into the puzzle. 

• Be part of a managers team at the Patagonia campus, be a part of a weekly meeting to plan, organize and execute the task for every day for the next 2 weeks in advance.

• Have update and control of the kitchen budget, the inventory of the kitchen. Be able to arrange and project the budget if needed.

• Evaluating and giving feedback to your team orally and writing at least one a month.

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader.

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

Founded in 1990, NOLS Patagonia is located in Coyhaique, Chile. The NOLS Patagonia is a central hub for many NOLS courses in Chile, offering extended semesters and standalone expeditions that focus on many skill types such as backpacking, mountaineering, Sea Kayaking, cultural sections, and rock climbing. The core team at NOLS Patagonia is deeply invested in student and instructor experiences and inspired by the power of transformative experiences at NOLS. 

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• We offer discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• All employees can benefit from free Outdoor Equipment "Rental" at our various locations

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits packages. 

Additional Information

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.