LEAD COOK/FIELD HAND HYBRID - 6 MONTHS

At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities”, the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.  

Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.

• This full-time role is a hybrid position that will support both the Esalen Kitchen and Farm & Garden. As a culinary team leader, you will supervise the daily production of meals for the community (guests, staff, faculty) in our teaching kitchen. You will also assist the kitchen management in supporting the kitchen’s daily operations. This role requires shift work. The Lead Cook reports to the Food & Beverage Manager and is located on property in Big Sur. Certain designated days, this role will also support the Farm & Garden Manager in all aspects of production and operation of the Farm and Garden.
• Prior work experience at Esalen is preferred. Candidates that have  graduated from Esalen’s 3 month REEP program or a current staff member who has been employed for at least three months will be given top consideration.

• In addition to providing the Kitchen with a safe, sanitary, and efficient Kitchen operation, this position is the direct supervisor of all Kitchen personnel scheduled for the chef’s shift. The chef’s main duties include:
• Preparing healthy, tasty meals, baked breads and desserts
• Establishing a positive, productive work environment that fosters learning and creativity
• Supervising and managing proper safety and sanitation practices in the kitchen
• Supervising proper organization (label, date, shelf order) of all storage and work areas
• Working with kitchen manager in menu planning
• Supporting the community and kitchen policy of composting and recycling
• Minimizing loss (spoilage, careless waste, theft, etc.);
• Ensuring at least one kitchen manager or staff person is present in the kitchen at all times of the shift
• Assuming the responsibility for the secure lock-up and opening of the kitchen outside the hours of operation (6am – 8 pm)
• Harvest a variety of crops and wash/pack (3 times per week)
• Compost, including mechanized turning
• Bed preparations and plantings
• Soil cultivation and weeding
• Irrigation of annual and perennial crops at both the farm and garden
• Nursery management, including weekly sowings and daily watering
• Mechanical cultivation with tractor implements
• Support production of value added Farm & Garden products; which may include fermented foods and herbal medicines.
• Assist development of packaging, material acquisition, and coordination with retail outlets for delivery and display.
• Leading and directing crews ranging from 2-8 people with a wide range of experience and backgrounds, from one-time volunteers with little to no experience to apprentices who are 6 months into a 12 month program.

• Previous chef experience and/or culinary training are preferred
• Ability to take responsibility, be held accountable, flexible and make on the spot decisions
• Ability to balance the needs of Esalen’s guests and seminarians with the resources available in the best possible way
• Ability to react and respond calmly and graciously in stressful and demanding situations
• Strong communication skills, with an emphasis on listening, empathy and common sense
• Must have an avid interest in food and culinary pursuits
• Experience in cooking and managing a kitchen of comparable size
• At least 6 months experience working in a production garden or equivalent training.
• Experience overseeing and directing work crews.
• An understanding of sustainable gardening principles and practices including soil health and fertility, irrigation systems, composting techniques, pest control, weed control etc.
• Working knowledge of organic crop production, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs, native and perennial crops.
• Working knowledge of creating and cultivating value added products such as; fermented foods and herbal medicines.
• Skilled in clear and authentic communication, including ability to share in and support personal sharing circles. 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds in various situations.
• Demonstrated ability to safely lead and participate in physically demanding work on uneven terrain.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds in various situations.
• Demonstrated ability to safely lead and participate in physically demanding work on uneven terrain.
• Experience in and/or willingness to learn Esalen communication skills using methods such as the Conscious Leadership Group and Gestalt. 
• Experience in and/or willingness to learn Esalen communication skills using methods such as the Conscious Leadership Group and Gestalt. 

• Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.

• While performing the duties of this job, the teammate must be able to maneuver on uneven ground, stand for long periods of time, squatting and bending, often carry and lift up to 50 pounds, operate food preparation appliances and machinery, tolerate exposure to changes in temperature, and be able perform daily repetitive hand movements as it pertains to food preparation.

• 6 Month position
• Wage range $18-$20/hour
• Full Time - 40 Hours/week
• Housing available on-site (residential fee charged)
• All meals provided
• The pay for this position is commensurate with experience. Esalen gives teammates access to an extensive range of daily experiential classes (yoga, dance, tai chi, and meditation), and ongoing in-house education and training programs. In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of  personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.

Esalen is an equal opportunity employer. Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without  regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or  gender expression.