Food Program Specialist

American Youth Foundation; Grant Township (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

All meals provided

Job summary

The American Youth Foundation is seeking Food Program Specialists to participate in food preparation and service, kitchen clean‑up, and dish washing, helping to maintain a clean and organized kitchen, support responsible management of inventory and resources, and ensure a positive environment with healthy, safe meals for all staff and campers.

Housing and meals are provided at no cost during the employment period.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older.
• ServSafe certification plus 1 year of food service experience and/or culinary training.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Commitment to safe food handling and allergy/diet accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation and service for staff and campers.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of food prep and storage areas.
• Receive and stock orders; manage inventory with accuracy.
• Support meal service with accommodations for dietary restrictions.
• Participate in food program meetings and problem‑solving discussions.
• Contribute to a positive, safe camp environment and rapport with staff and participants.

Skills

Attention to detail

Desire to learn new skills

Passion for serving youth

Interpersonal skills

Solution‑based problem solving

Resilience under pressure

Team collaboration

Education

ServSafe certification

Culinary training

Job description

Description

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

Food Program Specialists participate in food preparation and service, kitchen clean‑up, and dish washing, helping to maintain a clean and organized kitchen, support responsible management of inventory and resources, and ensure a positive environment with healthy, safe meals for all staff and campers.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Positions may be extended through Community School Programs before or after the summer camp sessions.
• Housing and all meals are provided at no cost to employees during the employment period.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Commit to “camp life,” including residing at camp for the duration of training and the two three‑week summer camp sessions. Housing and all meals are provided for staff throughout the employment period.
• Serve as an active member of the Food Program team, supporting colleagues and taking on responsibilities as directed by the Food Program Director, Food Program Lead, or Assistant Food Program Manager.
• Participate in learning culinary and food management skills and demonstrate that knowledge in practice.
• Assist in the preparation and service of meals, accommodating specialty diets and allergies for staff and participants.
• Assist in receiving and stocking orders; support accurate and effective inventory management.
• Maintain daily cleanliness and organization of all food prep and storage areas, tools, and equipment, including prep surfaces, pots, pans, and sweeping/mopping of floors.
• Practice and oversee safe food handling procedures, according to local, state, federal, and ACA regulations.
• Complete all job functions, including requested records, written reports, and other duties as assigned.
• Engage in solution‑based problem solving and positive communication.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions with staff and campers.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Establish personal and professional goals for the season and work toward those goals.
• This is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities and tasks; additional responsibilities may be assigned as required to meet program and departmental needs.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Must be at least 18 years or older
• Current Food Manager ServSafe certification plus a minimum of 1 year’s food service experience and/or culinary training is required at Miniwanca; at Merrowvista, ServSafe certification is not required but training is offered before staff training begins.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Attention to detail.
• A desire to learn new skills.
• A passion for serving youth.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Participate in Food Program team meetings, engaging in solution‑based problem solving and positive communication.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast‑paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self‑care practices for maintaining overall wellness and hygiene.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) employee handbook.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities, as work schedule allows.

Preferred:

• Experience cooking for large groups.
• Experience with dietary restrictions and allergies.
• Experience in food preparation and handling.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.