Cook part time

Land of Medicine Buddha; Soquel (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, CA is seeking a part-time on-site Cook to prepare nutritious meals for retreat guests, staff, and visitors, following established menus and dietary guidelines.

You will plan and organize meal preparation, cook and bake, maintain a clean and safe kitchen, and store ingredients properly. The role may support large events and collaborate with kitchen and retreat staff.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic to intermediate cooking techniques and plating for groups.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices in a commercial or institutional kitchen.
• Ability to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills for coordinating meal schedules.
• Effective communication and teamwork with staff, volunteers, and participants.
• Previous cook/kitchen assistant experience in retreat centers or similar settings preferred.
• Stamina to stand for extended periods and lift kitchen supplies.
• Interest in contemplative environments and mindfulness is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize meal preparation for retreats and events.
• Cook and bake nutritious meals following established menus.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen and properly store ingredients and leftovers.
• Coordinate with retreat staff on dietary needs and special requests.
• Assist with inventory and ordering of kitchen supplies.
• Support large group events and collaborate with kitchen and retreat staff.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food safety

Dietary accommodations

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Previous retreat/kitchen experience

Job description

Company Description

Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) is a Tibetan Buddhist center located in Soquel, California, dedicated to supporting spiritual practice through study programs, group rentals, and contemplative retreats. The community provides meditative tools to help individuals understand the nature of their minds and realize their potential for the benefit of all beings. LMB serves practitioners from diverse traditions and is inspired by the vision of its founder Lama Thubten Yeshe and Spiritual Director Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The center is set on a serene 108-acre forested property with holy objects and peaceful surroundings that support retreat and reflection. LMB is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT, Inc.), an international network of over 160 centers.

Role Description

The Cook is a part-time, on-site role based at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, CA. This role is responsible for preparing nutritious, wholesome meals for retreat guests, staff, and visitors, following established menus and dietary guidelines. Day-to-day tasks include planning and organizing meal preparation, cooking and baking, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen, and properly storing ingredients and leftovers. The Cook will ensure food is prepared on schedule for retreats and events, coordinate with retreat staff on special dietary needs, and assist with inventory and ordering of supplies. This role may also involve occasional support for large group events and collaborative work with other kitchen and retreat staff.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess skills in basic and intermediate cooking techniques, including meal planning, preparation, and plating for small to medium-sized groups.
• Candidates should possess knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, including proper storage, handling, and cleaning procedures in a commercial or institutional kitchen.
• Candidates should possess the ability to accommodate dietary needs (such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) and follow recipes or guidelines aligned with the center’s values.
• Candidates should possess strong time-management and organizational skills to coordinate meal schedules for retreats and events.
• Candidates should possess effective communication and teamwork skills to work respectfully with staff, volunteers, and retreat participants in a diverse spiritual community.
• Previous experience as a cook or kitchen assistant in a retreat center, restaurant, or similar setting is preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and carry kitchen supplies, and work safely with kitchen equipment is required.
• Interest in or respect for contemplative and spiritual environments, including Buddhist values of compassion and mindfulness, is beneficial.