Banquet Sous Chef

Arbor Day Foundation; Nebraska City (NE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off

Complimentary daily meal

Tree Adventure access

Job summary

Arbor Day Foundation seeks a Banquet Sous Chef to lead culinary execution for weddings, conferences, and large events at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. You will translate event orders into actionable plans, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure high standards for quality, safety, and presentation.

You will collaborate with Banquet Operations, Conference Services, and food & beverage teams to deliver memorable hospitality experiences for guests across seasonal festivals and events.

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary teams in high-volume event environments.
• Ability to translate banquet event orders into production plans and timelines.
• Strong focus on food safety, quality, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead food preparation and culinary execution for weddings, conferences, plated meals, buffets, and events.
• Review banquet orders and translate into production plans, prep lists, timelines, and assignments.
• Provide daily direction, coaching, training, and support to the culinary team.
• Ensure recipes and portions meet quality standards and event expectations.
• Coordinate with Banquet Operations and service teams for seamless event execution.
• Respond to last-minute changes and dietary accommodations professionally.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Banquet experience

Plated meals & buffets

Banquet orders interpretation

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Lied Lodge - Nebraska City, NE 68410

Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? At Arbor Day Farm, you don’t just show up to work—you help create experiences rooted in purpose, service, and impact.

Life is short, love where you work.

As one of the world’s largest conservation organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Through Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge, Tree Adventure, and our historic properties, we bring that mission to life—welcoming guests to experience conservation firsthand.

Join Arbor Day Farm as our Banquet Sous Chef and help create memorable culinary experiences while advancing the Foundation’s mission right here in Nebraska City.

Your Support System

You’ll report to the Executive Chef.

You’ll collaborate with leaders and team members throughout Food and Beverage, Banquet Operations, Conference Services, Event Sales, Stewarding, and other departments across the property.

We believe in servant leadership, open communication, and growing talent from within.

How We Work

Location: Nebraska City, Nebraska, Arbor Day Farm Campus

Schedule: Full-time. The schedule varies based on event needs and will include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Our campus is guest-centered and hospitality-driven. This position helps support weddings, conferences, banquets, seasonal festivals, and signature events. We work hard, support each other, and believe if we’re going to do something—it’s worth doing well.

What You’ll Do

• Lead food preparation and culinary execution for weddings, conferences, plated meals, buffets, festivals, and other special events.
• Review banquet event orders and translate event details into clear production plans, prep lists, timelines, and team assignments.
• Work alongside the culinary team while providing daily direction, coaching, training, and support.
• Ensure food is prepared and presented consistently according to recipes, quality standards, portion guidelines, and event expectations.
• Coordinate closely with Banquet Operations, Conference Services, Event Sales, and service teams to support timely and seamless event execution.
• Respond professionally and thoughtfully to last‑minute changes, special requests, food allergies, and dietary accommodations.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, temperature control, labeling, and proper food storage.
• Assist with ordering, inventory, receiving, food‑cost control, labor management, and reducing unnecessary waste.
• Help create an organized, respectful, and team‑focused kitchen environment where team members can learn and grow.
• Support other culinary outlets and property‑wide events when business needs require it.

What You’ll Bring

• Passion for hospitality, culinary excellence, and the Foundation’s mission.
• Previous culinary leadership experience, preferably within banquets, catering, hotels, resorts, or other high‑volume operations.
• Experience executing plated meals, buffets, receptions, and large‑scale events.
• Ability to read and interpret banquet event orders, recipes, production sheets, and event timelines.
• Strong culinary knowledge, including preparation methods, kitchen equipment, presentation standards, and food‑safety practices.
• A calm, organized approach with the ability to prioritize multiple events and adjust quickly when plans change.
• A team‑first leadership style and a willingness to work alongside the team.
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem‑solving skills.
• Food‑safety certification or the ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods and safely lift and move items commonly used in culinary operations.
• Commitment to high standards and consistency because good enough is not good enough.

What Success Looks Like

• Banquet meals are prepared and served safely, on time, and according to event expectations.
• Food quality, presentation, portions, and consistency reflect the standards of Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge.
• Culinary team members receive clear direction, feel supported, and are prepared to execute each event successfully.
• Kitchen operations remain organized, sanitary, efficient, and responsive during high‑volume events.
• Guests and event partners experience thoughtful service and memorable hospitality.

Love Where You Work: Benefits & Perks

• We’re in this together. A culture focused on kindness, collaboration, and doing what’s right.
• We care about your health. Competitive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, paired with wellness incentives.
• We invest in your future. Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match.
• We care about your mental health. Access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
• We will feed you. One complimentary meal per day.
• We’ll round out the experience. Property‑wide events and experiences throughout the year.
• Exclusive perks. Free access to Tree Adventure and discounts on overnight stays, retail, dining at Timbers and Porter’s, golf, and more.
• Paid Time Off. Team Members are eligible for paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, and end‑of‑year floating holiday hours.

The Arbor Day Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunities. We will not discriminate against Team Members or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”), including but not limited to veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

We participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm your authorization to work in the United States.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete your application or participate in the interview process, please contact us at 402‑873‑8733.