Lead Cook

Featherrivercamp; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 29,480 - 32,924; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free housing

Meals included

Laundry services

Job summary

A summer camp organization in California is seeking a Lead Cook for Summer 2026. This role is responsible for planning and cooking meals, managing kitchen inventory, and training team members. Ideal candidates have cooking experience, leadership skills, and the ability to stay organized under pressure. This position offers competitive pay, free housing, and a collaborative work environment filled with joy and community spirit.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Comfortable leading a team.
• Able to lift, stand, and move throughout a workday.

Responsibilities

• Plan and cook meals following menu guides.
• Prepare ingredients, cook food, and serve meals.
• Keep cooking and food-prep areas clean and safe.

Skills

Cooking experience

Team leadership

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Spend Your Summer Making an Impact

Oakland Feather River Camp isn’t only a summer job - we are a community that cares, collaborates, and welcomes everyone to access the magic of nature. Summer at OFRC is fast‑paced, joyful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. If you want work that’s meaningful, outdoors, and full of real connection, you’re in the right place!

What You’ll Get at OFRC

This is a real job with real responsibility - and real support.

• Free housing, meals, laundry, utilities and camp store discounts.

• Highly competitive, transparent pay.

• Five‑day work week with true time off - a rarity in the summer camp world.

• Professional leadership training.

• A team culture built on respect, communication, and accountability.

• A diverse, inclusive community where different identities, backgrounds, and experiences are valued.

• A chance to create unforgettable experiences in nature for families.

We work hard here. We take care of each other. And we make space for joy, rest, and real connection.

Lead Cook - Summer 2026

Oakland Feather River Camp | Quincy, CA
$21.40-$23.90 per hour | Seasonal | On‑site | Free housing and meals

About the Role

The Lead Cook is a hands‑on role that helps keep daily kitchen work moving. You cook meals, prep ingredients, and support the team during busy shifts. You help newer staff learn the routine, check that tasks get done, and step in wherever things are backing up. You support the Food Service Manager and help make sure each day runs smoothly and safely.

This role gives you steady work, kitchen leadership experience, and a chance to be part of a team that supports each other.

Full Job Description: Lead Cook - 2026 Job Description

What You Will Do

• Plan and cook meals following menu guides.

• Prepare ingredients, cook food, and serve meals.

• Keep cooking and food‑prep areas clean and follow safety rules.

• Manage meal service flow and help the kitchen team stay organized.

• Restock kitchen supplies and manage inventory.

• Help train and support kitchen helpers and dishwashers.

• Handle clean‑up after meals including dishes, pots, pans, and surfaces.

• Support kitchen needs and other camp tasks when needed.

Your work ensures every meal is served safely, on time, and with care.

Who We Are Looking For

• Someone who shows up on time and works hard.

• Comfortable leading a team and helping the team stay organized.

• Able to lift, stand, and move throughout a workday.

• 18 or older.

• Has cooking experience.

• Communicates clearly and keeps a calm attitude under pressure.

• Helps teammates when tasks get busy or heavy.

We treat staff like adults. We expect people to show up fully, work hard, communicate clearly, and support one another.

The Right Fit

If you like steady kitchen work, want to help others learn the job, and want a role where your effort keeps camp running well, this could be the right fit for you!

Our Culture & Hiring Philosophy

At OFRC, we work hard, support each other, and build a community where everyone belongs. We value people who show up with heart, effort, curiosity, and a willingness to learn - no matter their background or experience level. We welcome candidates from traditional and nontraditional paths, and we believe diversity makes our team stronger. You don’t need to meet every single qualification to be a strong candidate here; if this role feels right for you, we encourage you to apply and tell us what you’d bring to our community.