Lead Cook

True Friends; Sites (CA); On-site; USD 20,127 - 28,666; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals when hosting groups

Employee Referral Program

Retirement Savings Plan with 3% Employer Match

Cabin Rental Discounts

Organization-wide employee events

Job summary

Join True Friends as a Lead Cook to lead food service operations across its camp and retreat locations in the United States. This hands-on role involves preparing high-quality meals, mentoring kitchen staff, and ensuring exceptional dining experiences for guests. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills and prior experience in food service.

In addition to competitive pay, the position offers part-time hours year-round and various perks including free meals and a retirement savings plan.

Qualifications

• Ability to pass a True Friends background study.
• Previous food service experience preferred.
• Strong food safety knowledge.
• Organization and time management skills.
• Hold or obtain Minnesota Food Manager License.
• Ability to read and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to recipes and production requirements.
• Lead, train, and support kitchen staff.
• Maintain inventory and make substitutions as needed.
• Complete production sheets and opening/closing duties.
• Maintain sanitation and food safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Food preparation and production

Time management and organization

Communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Join the True Friends Culinary Team and lead food service operations across our camp and retreat locations. As a Lead Cook, you'll oversee daily kitchen operations, prepare high-quality meals, support and mentor kitchen staff, and help create exceptional dining experiences for campers, retreat guests, participants, and staff. This hands‑on leadership role is ideal for someone who enjoys cooking, leading a team, and making a meaningful impact through hospitality.

Schedule

• Part-Time | Year-Round
• Weekday and Weekend Availability Needed
• Day and Evening Shifts Available

Pay

$17.71

Locations

• Camp Friendship – Annandale, MN
• Camp Courage – Maple Lake, MN
• Camp Eden Wood – Eden Prairie, MN

Location assignments are based on organizational needs and employee availability.

Why You'll Love It

• Leadership opportunities
• Supportive and mission-driven team
• Free meals when hosting groups receiving food service
• Employee Referral Program
• Retirement Savings Plan with opportunity for 3% Employer Match
• Cabin Rental Discounts
• Organization-wide employee events
• Beautiful outdoor camp and retreat settings
• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities

How You'll Contribute

• Prepare meals according to recipes and production requirements
• Lead, train, and support kitchen staff
• Maintain inventory and make substitutions as needed
• Complete production sheets and opening/closing duties
• Maintain sanitation and food safety standards
• Communicate updates with supervisors
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring

• Ability to pass a True Friends background study
• Previous food service experience preferred
• Strong food safety knowledge
• Organization and time management skills
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Hold or obtain Minnesota Food Manager License
• Ability to read and communicate in English

Skills You'll Use

• Leadership and team development
• Food preparation and production
• Time management and organization
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively in person
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout a shift
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment
• Ability to work in kitchen environments with varying temperatures, noise levels, and busy service periods

About True Friends

True Friends is a nonprofit organization providing life‑changing experiences that enhance independence and self‑esteem for children and adults with disabilities. Programs include camp, respite, retreats, team building, therapy, adaptive riding, and travel experiences, serving more than 25,000 individuals annually throughout Minnesota.