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SOUS CHEF 6 Month Contract
Job Location:
Job Location:
Big Sur, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 25 - 35
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
19 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
16 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
At Esalen we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 60 years ago Esalen co-founders imagined a place where people can realize their human potentialities through the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating a culinary experience that promotes deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder though healing nutrition.
OVERVIEW
- This role serves on the culinary management team as an on the floor leader in the kitchen and reports to the Chef and F&B Manager. Responsible for supporting and ensuring food safety and culinary standards protocols and processes are in compliance. Professionalism maturity attention to detail strong work ethic and big picture approach to customer service are strengths required for this position.
- The Culinary team is responsible for the preparation and delivery of all meals and maintaining/monitoring all areas related to meal service. We focus our efforts on providing our community with meals that offer variety cohesive menu planning restrictive diet options mindful food preparation using healthy sustainable products.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead by example and manage the preparation of buffet style meals for approximately 250-300pp 3 times a day in a timely manner
- Supervises kitchen staff of 20 employees
- Direct the efficient running of kitchen operations
- Plans and handles the procurement production preparation and presentation of all food at Esalen in a safe sanitary and cost effective manner
- Inventorying ordering receipt and accounting of food and supplies produce meat fish dairy goods dry goods from both external vendors and Esalens farm and garden
- Assists in menu preparation ensuring dynamic and diverse menus including daily gluten-free vegetarian and vegan options
- Manages employees during the shift and ensures appropriate professional standards of behavior work standards productivity practices and guest care are adhered to
- Train all kitchen staff in their individual duties required knowledge and skills
- Collaborate with leadership in order to attract retain and motivate staff while providing a safe environment: hire train develop empower coach counsel conduct performance reviews conflict/problem resolution provide open communication vehicles and discipline as appropriate
- Control waste and spoilage through constant attention to detail
- Preparation and delivery of food for Esalen special events and catering
- Learn staff scheduling and payroll
- Monthly orientation and training of work scholars
- Daily staff/student check-ins and weekly kitchen staff meetings
- Communication with upper management and other departments as required
- Other various tasks as assigned
- Work in collaboration with Farm and Garden around produce and Menu design
QUALIFICATIONS
- Lead staff by delegating empowering positive attitude
- Strong communication skills with an emphasis on listening empathy and common sense
- 5 years verifiable competency in management positions focused on high volume operations and large staff; previous banquet chef experience helpful
- Experience and ability in meeting deadlines in a changing environment
- Experience in menu preparation in a creative and financially responsible way
- Experience working within a like-minded organization is preferred
- Ability to work within a team in a creative compassionate and direct way
- Takes responsibility inspires and leads with integrity
- Flexibility and the ability to make on the spot decisions
- Ability to provide superior guest experiences in demanding situations
- Willingness to connect with and care for residents and guest
- Takes initiative detail oriented with awareness of the larger picture
- Support and drive an Esalen Culinary culture
- Passionate about the details and ability to understand time records labor budget and inventory reports
- Promote better health through nutritional guidelines for people
- Develop mindful programs with a focus on exploring and nourishing the mind body health and global connections
- Food handler certification
FLEXIBILITY
- Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalens and your teams needs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- While performing the duties of this job the teammate must be able to maneuver on uneven ground stand for long periods of time often carry and lift up to 50 pounds operate food preparation appliances and machinery tolerate exposure to changes in temperature and be able perform daily repetitive hand movements as it pertains to food preparation.
COMPENSATION
- This role offers a generous benefits package including competitive pay commensurate with experience medical and dental insurance and paid time alignment with Esalens mission in advancing human potential staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.
- Housing available on-site (residential fee charged)
- All meals provided
$25 - $35 an hour
Pay is commensurate with experience and internal equity.
Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability genetics sexual orientation gender identity or gender expression.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
About Company
Esalen is a not-for-profit holistic educational center offering wild comfort and space for emergent transformation and internal exploration since 1962.
