Executive Chef – Farm-to-Table & Purpose-Driven Dining

Arbor Day Foundation; Nebraska City (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Complimentary daily meal

Laptop and phone provided

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Arbor Day Foundation’s Lied Lodge in Nebraska City seeks an Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and craft memorable dining experiences aligned with our mission of conservation and hospitality.

You will design menus for restaurant, banquets, and events, mentor staff, manage food costs, and collaborate with farm operations to source ingredients from our grounds, delivering exceptional guest experiences while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Proven culinary leadership experience managing managers and culinary teams.
• Strong hospitality mindset with focus on guest experience.
• Experience developing restaurant, banquet, and event menus.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary culinary leadership and guest-focused dining experiences.
• Design menus for restaurant, banquet, catering, and events reflecting Arbor Day Farm’s story.
• Lead and develop a culinary team including managers, fostering growth and recognition.
• Collaborate with Farm Operations to expand kitchen garden and source onsite ingredients.
• Balance creativity with budgets, labor, and food costs to meet financial goals.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, safety, and presentation.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Hospitality mindset

Menu development

Financial & cost mgmt

Communication

Staff coaching

Adaptability

Entrepreneurial spirit

Job description

Arbor Day Foundation’s Lied Lodge in Nebraska City seeks an Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and craft memorable dining experiences aligned with our mission of conservation and hospitality.

You will design menus for restaurant, banquets, and events, mentor staff, manage food costs, and collaborate with farm operations to source ingredients from our grounds, delivering exceptional guest experiences while upholding safety and quality standards.