Seasonal Cook at Spiritual Retreat Center

Ring Lake Ranch, a non-profit, ecumenical spiritual retreat center, provides "renewal in sacred wilderness" by offering one- and two-week summer retreats with evening programs led by internationally renowned speakers, trail rides and hikes in the mountains, and interaction with fascinating people. Ring Lake Ranch is located in the Wind River Mountains about 10 miles outside Dubois, WY, 70 miles from the Tetons and Jackson Hole, and 90 miles from Yellowstone. More information about our programs is available at  .

Our cooks prepare tasty, healthy meals for between 25-45 guests and about a dozen staff each week. The cook will work with our head cook and an assistant cook in meal preparation, menu planning, tracking inventory, and supervising cleanup. As a non-profit center, we're more of a community than a traditional guest ranch. Our guests and staff eat together, do dishes together, and everyone may take part in sessions with internationally known presenters.

The work schedule is full-time but rarely more than two meals per day, with breaks between meals and time off between Saturday morning and Sunday evening meals. The cooking team determines the work schedule based on each person's experience and abilities.

We take seriously the quality of the work experience for our staff. Our staff handbook says that our mission as staff is to:

• assist our guests and the other staff to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit
• be hospitable – giving a cordial reception and offering a pleasant, sustaining environment
• serve each other with kindness and generosity,
• listen to one another with respect,
• affirm the contributions each of us makes to the common good,
• work efficiently and effectively at all tasks,
• remain flexible to help with tasks that need to be done in any area of the Ranch,
• value the privacy and variety of needs of each person,
• use the inevitable conflicts as opportunities for growth and for creative resolution.

The position begins May 15th and ends when the Ranch closes on September 10th. Schedule adjustments may be made to accommodate schooling.

Qualifications: Experience with cooking safely and efficiently for large groups is essential; a sense of humor comes in handy; flexibility never hurts; ability to work harmoniously with others genuinely important; stamina is virtually required. The Ranch does complete a background check on all staff and volunteers. All staff members are expected to be comfortable interacting with our guests.

Staff members receive competitive salaries and equal shares of guest tips. Room and board are provided at no charge. Lodging is typically one person per room with a shared bathroom; most staff rooms have beautiful views of the wilderness setting. Staff may attend our evening seminars, and can enjoy hiking in the mountains, canoeing, and fishing during free time, as well as trail rides, depending on availability.

Our general Summer Staff Employment Application is available here:  .

Pay: $625.00 per week

COVID-19 considerations:
Guests and staff are required to wear masks in the dining hall (except when eating) and kitchen. Guests and staff are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated. Staff quarters are generally one person per room with a bathroom shared with one other staff.

Why work here

At Ring Lake Ranch, we take seriously the quality of the work experience for our staff. Our staff handbook says that our mission as staff is to:

• assist our guests and the other staff to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit
• be hospitable – giving a cordial reception and offering a pleasant, sustaining environment
• serve each other with kindness and generosity,
• listen to one another with respect,
• affirm the contributions each of us makes to the common good,
• work efficiently and effectively at all tasks,
• remain flexible to help with tasks that need to be done in any area of the Ranch,
• value the privacy and variety of needs of each person,
• use the inevitable conflicts as opportunities for growth and for creative resolution.