Culinary & Facilities Steward

Culinary Steward Position at Ocean Hour Farm

Ocean Hour Farm is one of the last remaining active farms on the south end of Aquidneck Island. The rugged and rolling coastal pastures and historic stone village provide a unique character to this 43.2 acre bucolic farm. Its mission is to serve as a center for education, scientific research, and demonstration of regenerative agricultural practices. The property is adjacent to the Narragansett Bay, making it an ideal location for highlighting the critical connection between land use and ocean health. The vision of the farm is to provide a living example of regenerative land stewardship – an integrated system where plants, animals, and people heal ecosystems while producing food and fiber for the community.

Running the farm is truly a collaborative effort. All employees, no matter the department, participate in some capacity in carrying out educational programming, research activities and whole systems design work for the farm. All roles will therefore require excellent organizational skills, the ability to collaborate with staff in other departments as well as a deep understanding of the land to sea connection.

Job Summary

The ideal person for this position will be hard working, have an ability to multi-task as well as interest and experience in the culinary arts. They will be a key support for the farm culinary program. This person will report to and assist the Farm Chef & Culinary Manager in the preparation, serving and clean-up of on-farm meals in support of programmatic events and staff lunches. Additionally, the Culinary Steward will play an active role in the processing and preservation of seasonal produce, and in the execution of seasonal Farm-to-Table events hosted at OHF.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Farm Chef & Culinary Manager in hands-on preparation of all meals served at OHF including programmatic breakfasts, lunches and dinners, unique seasonal dinners, and staff lunch program. This will include dishwashing, prep cook duties, set-up, break-down and beyond.
• Daily cleaning of kitchen equipment, serveware and facility according to organizational standards.
• Follow any waste management processes according to our efforts in maintaining on-farm circular systems.
• Maintenance of food storage systems, and creation of extended season products for year round use.

Minimum Previous Experience, Training, and Education

• Minimum 2 years of kitchen experience with an interest in learning more
• Comfortable working in a fast paced environment that requires you to be on your feet while completing physical tasks.
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Bring a passion for the mission of Ocean Hour Farm and intersectional aspects of regenerative farming.
• Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to interface and coordinate professionally with a number of diverse internal and external contacts, including partners, vendors, and fellow team members.
• Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work legally in the United States.
• Confident in using the basics of Google Suite, including email, drive and calendar.
• Familiarity with RI Department of Health standards is a plus.

$25 - $25 an hour Compensation & Location This is a temporary full-time, in-person position at Ocean Hour Farm in Newport, RI. June 1, 2026 through November 2026. Relocation assistance is not provided; candidates must reside within commuting distance of Newport, RI or relocate at their own expense.

Working Environment/Minimum Physical Requirements

This position requires both indoor and outdoor work, depending on the task. Approximately 75% of time spent on the job involves standing and being on your feet. This position will require lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending. Employees must be able to cope effectively with deadlines and multi-tasking. Ability to work occasional nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis is required.

Other Information

Employees must adhere to all applicable organizational policies and procedures. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Willingness and ability to travel and work non-standard business hours, such as nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis is required. Employees must be able to cope effectively with deadlines and multiple demands. A background check will be conducted to finalize a candidate.

This is a non-exempt position.

Ocean Hour Farm is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. Ocean Hour Farm believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grant-making and other related investments. Ocean Hour Farm is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.