Sous Chef

Arbor Day Foundation; Nebraska City (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture focused on kindness

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company-paid disability & life

Employee Assistance Program

One complimentary meal per day

Tree Adventure access & discounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Arbor Day Foundation in Nebraska City, NE seeks a dynamic Executive Chef to lead the kitchen team at Arbor Day Farm. You will develop seasonal menus, supervise staff, ensure food safety and quality, and collaborate with events and banquets for weddings and conferences.

As a hands-on leader, you’ll train cooks, manage inventory and schedule, and uphold hospitality-driven standards. This full-time role offers growth, competitive benefits, and a chance to contribute to a meaningful conservation

Qualifications

• Leadership and team coaching capabilities.
• Strong culinary knowledge and kitchen operations experience.
• Clear communication skills with staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to plan and execute menu development.
• Vigilant in food safety and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and create seasonal menu options based on demand.
• Supervise training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure safety, sanitation, and compliance with regulations.
• Lead kitchen operations in Executive Chef’s absence with strong leadership.
• Provide support to junior kitchen staff across tasks such as line cooking and plating.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Communication

Team development

Operations supervision

Job description

Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? At Arbor Day Farm, you don’t just show up to work — you help create experiences rooted in purpose, service, and impact.

Life is short, love where you work.

As one of the world’s largest conservation organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Through Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge, Tree Adventure, and our historic properties, we bring that mission to life — welcoming guests to experience conservation firsthand.

Your Support System

You’ll report to our Director of Food and Beverage.

You’ll collaborate with leaders and team members across the property, including Timbers and Banquets.

We believe in servant leadership, open communication, and growing talent from within.

How We Work

Location: Nebraska City, Nebraska – Arbor Day Farm Campus

Schedule

This is a full-time leadership position with a schedule that will vary based on business levels and the operational demands of the kitchen. Flexibility to work mornings/evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events is required.

Our campus is guest-centered and hospitality-driven. Many roles require flexibility to support weddings, conferences, seasonal festivals, and signature events. We work hard, support each other, and believe if we’re going to do something — it’s worth doing well.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and create. New menu options based on seasonal changes and customer demand. Assisting with the preparation and planning of meal designs.
• Supervise. Establish training plans, engage team members, performance evaluation, scheduling, staffing, and inventory.
• Implement. Always adhering to safety and sanitation regulations, training new team members in these areas
• Manage. In the Executive Chef’s absence, you are running the kitchen and managing the staff with strong leadership and communication skills.
• Provide Support. To junior kitchen employees with various tasks, including line cooking, food preparation, and dish plating

What You’ll Bring

• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Leadership skills. Ability to coach, support, and develop kitchen team members.
• Positive energy. A hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary expertise. Knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, with 1+ years of related experience.
• Strong communication. Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational mindset. Able to prioritize tasks, manage time, and maintain attention to detail.
• Commitment to high standards — because good enough is not good enough

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver high-quality, consistent dishes that exceed guest expectations.
• Leads and supports the kitchen team to maintain a positive, productive work environment.
• Ensures food safety, cleanliness, and operational standards are met at all times.
• Maintains an organized, efficient kitchen, even during high-volume service.
• Collaborates effectively with the Executive Chef and team to achieve department goals.
• Operations run safely and efficiently.
• Team members feel supported and empowered.
• You contribute to a culture rooted in kindness, collaboration, and excellence.

Love Where You Work: Benefits & Perks

• We’re in this together. A culture focused on kindness, collaboration, and doing what’s right.
• We care about your health. Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage paired with wellness incentives.
• We invest in your future. Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match.
• We care about your mental health. Access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
• We will feed you. One complimentary meal per day.
• We’ll round out the experience. Property-wide events and experiences throughout the year.
• Exclusive perks. Free access to Tree Adventure, plus discounts on overnight stays, retail, dining at Timbers and Porters, golf, and more.
• Paid time off. Full-time team members are eligible for paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, and end-of-year floating holiday hours.

The Arbor Day Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunities. We will not discriminate against Team Members or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis [“protected class”] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform servicemember status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm your authorization to work in the U.S.

If you need reasonable accommodation to complete your application or participate in the interview process, please contact us at 402-873-8733.