Retreat Cook

Position Summary

Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) is currently seeking a Retreat Cook to further its mission and contribute to the overall culinary vision and direction providing high quality, nutritious and creative culinary offerings.The Retreat Cook will be responsible for ensuring that BBRC’s culinary offerings are of the highest quality, conducive to meaningful, healing and transformative retreat  experiences. They will join the kitchen team to ensure meal service is well planned and runs smoothly.

BBRC Overview

Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) is a retreat destination located on +/-100 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest - and bordering 800 acres of protected forest. Founded in 2018, BBRC was envisioned as a Southern California meditation residential retreat destination. Our main offerings continue to be silent meditation retreats, but part of BBRC’s mission also includes providing retreat space for other groups, with a focus on being an accessible center to people who may not otherwise experience retreats.

BBRC offers meditation, dharma, and respite retreats, as well as non-meditation retreats for other mission aligned organizations and individuals. BBRC has collaborated with partners to provide inclusive meditation retreats including the first residential transgender and gender expansive retreat, Spanish language retreat, Black Women’s retreat, teens of color retreat, and more. Big Bear Retreat Center has also partnered with or hosted non-profit and social justice organizations across Southern California. 

Big Bear Retreat Center is located a 2.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, nestled in the ancient Juniper forests of the San Bernardino Mountains at a 7,000-foot elevation (four mountain seasons) near the town of Big Bear Lake.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Participate in the overall operational needs of the kitchen and ensure it is managed effectively and in alignment with BBRC’s mission, vision, values, and standards 

• Engage with all levels of staff to ensure the values, vision, and mission of BBRC - as well as a vibrant  staff community culture of trust, respect and open and inclusive communication are upheld
• Contribute to a strong kitchen team that is responsible for delicious, creative, fresh and inclusive cuisine
• Collaborate closely with the Retreat Chef to ensure the effective and seamless creation of menus, production activities, consistently  providing a high quality culinary experience to faculty and guests  
• Participate in an effective learning and feedback-friendly environment including setting clear  expectations, accountability checks, on-going feedback
• Participate in the  development of standard operating kitchen procedures, safety protocols and employee  code of conduct - including compliance with Injury and Illness Prevention and  Emergency Procedure programs 
• Support kitchen operations by inventory and ordering in the Chef’s absence
• Prepare and serve homemade, high-quality vegetarian and non vegetarian meals 
• Ability to bake breads, cakes, cookies and other desserts
• Maintain a clean, orderly and efficient workplace 
• Perform support cook duties including food preparation, cleaning, organizing and special projects.
• Ensure the work environment meets or surpasses hygiene and safety standards.
• Train and support retreatants in performing kitchen yogi tasks.
• Able to follow Chef and Kitchen Manager’s instructions and support them to complete daily tasks.
• Impeccable time management skills, including punch in at scheduled time, finish each task in a timely manner, and manage break in between the meal time.
• Maintain a high level of operational integrity, accountability, transparency and clear  communications regarding all the activities under their responsibilities.  Support and protect the retreat environment; uphold ethical principles.
• Attention to detail is a must, as is demonstrated culinary expertise. The kitchen staff embody the creativity and passion to help us produce international, healthy vegetarian cuisine to enhance the overall retreat experience for our guests. 
• Serve as a positive and proactive ambassador of BBRC to all its constituencies and stakeholders,  including neighbors and members of the local community. 

Role Requirements :

• Interest in culinary excellence, efficiency and creativity. 
• Open mindedness and willingness to learn new skills in the kitchen.
• Understanding of the importance of BBRC’s mission and purpose and possess a personal belief in the power of mindfulness and connection 
• Capability to act proactively, bring forth new ideas, move quickly and persuasively, focus on priorities and organize team to accomplish tasks on time and on budget 
• Possesses an authentic passion for and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Ability to maintain stable performance and models equanimity when under heavy pressure or stress 
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions, and cope effectively with complexity and change in a collaborative environment 

Additional Helpful Experience: 

• Personal experience with and interest in multi-day residential silent meditation retreat practice. 
• Passion for and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Passion and drive to continue to push BBRC’s culinary offerings forward in creativity and sustainability.
• Desire to live and work in a mountain community.

Required Outcomes: 

• Ensure that the kitchen is impeccably clean and well maintained
• Ensure that food service / kitchen operations / dining experience are a highlight of the guest  experience 
• Ensure that the food service / kitchen operations meet all health code requirements—and that  kitchen / dining facilities are kept clean, tidy and well maintained—to the highest standards
• Follow BBRC recipes and Chef instructions to produce creative, healthy and nourishing cuisine
• Collaborate on menus, recipes and culinary innovation with the team
• Assist in creating a mindful kitchen environment

Work Environment:

• The role requires you to work onsite. Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed. 

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, often for the duration of a shift. This role requires frequent bending, lifting, and carrying of items up to 50 pounds, including pots, food supplies, and equipment. The ability to safely operate standard kitchen tools and appliances, work in a fast-paced, high-temperature environment, and maintain focus during repetitive tasks is essential. 

Flexibility:

• BBRC functions best when all staff work toward the common mission. With this 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 BBRC’s and your team’s needs.

Big Bear Retreat Center is an equal opportunity employer. At BBRC we strive for equity, celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Qualified candidates who self-identify as a Black Indigenous Person of Color (BIPOC) and/or are part of the LGBTQI community are especially encouraged to apply.