Cook

About Teton Science Schools

Teton Science Schools (TSS) inspires curiosity, engagement, and leadership through transformative place-based education. Through programs for students, educators, and participants of all ages, TSS connects people to the natural world, to their communities, and to themselves. By integrating education, conservation, and community, we create meaningful learning experiences rooted in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Position Purpose

As a Cook at Teton Science Schools, you help create one of the most memorable parts of the participant experience: the food. Time and time again, we hear that when students return home, one of the first things they talk about is not just the wildlife they saw or the memories they made, but the incredible meals they shared while they were here.

This role is essential to making our programs feel welcoming, nourishing, and exceptional. Our kitchen team prepares high-quality, safe, and satisfying meals for participants and staff across our Jackson-area campuses. Through your work, you help build community, support sustainability, and fuel meaningful learning experiences in the Tetons.

Responsibilities

Food Service & Operations

• Prepare and serve meals in a timely and cost-effective manner using menus, dietary guidelines, and logistical information
• Apply best practices in food safety, sanitation, and health code compliance to ensure a safe dining environment
• Determine appropriate portion sizes based on age groups, program needs, and consumption patterns to ensure excellent service while minimizing waste and controlling costs
• Utilize a full range of cooking methods—including baking, broiling, sautéing, braising, grilling, frying, roasting, and steaming—appropriately and consistently
• Support food ordering, inventory control, and proper storage practices as assigned

Community & Customer Experience

• Communicate openly, professionally, and warmly with TSS staff, graduate students, AmeriCorps members, and program participants
• Contribute to a positive dining experience that reflects TSS’s commitment to hospitality, care, and community

Sustainability & Systems

• Support and steward systems and practices that advance environmentally and socially responsible food service operations
• Collaborate with kitchen and program teams to continuously improve efficiency, sustainability, and service quality

TSS Responsibilities

• Engage and collaborate across TSS program areas 
• Proactively and positively represent the TSS mission and program structure to internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to inclusive work and learning environments by continually developing cultural competency and supporting equity and belonging across the organization

Qualifications

• ServSafe Certification (required or ability to obtain)
• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification (required or ability to obtain)
• Experience in a commercial kitchen, preferably with high-volume meal preparation
• Demonstrated proficiency across a wide range of cooking methods and culinary techniques
• Working knowledge of food preparation, safe food handling, inventory control, and culinary math (weights, measurements, and scaling recipes)
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Willingness to take initiative, solve problems, and manage multiple tasks calmly and effectively
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and the workplace
• Proficiency with digital communication tools, including Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, etc.)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in commercial kitchen environments across TSS Jackson-area campuses
• Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods (up to 10 hours per day)
• Ability to travel between different TSS campuses
• Manual dexterity to operate kitchen appliances, tools, and equipment safely
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime to support programs and special events

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned in compliance with federal and state laws.