Seasonal Assistant Cook - Echo Lake Camp

Job Details Job Location: Echo Lake Camp - Mt. Desert, ME 04660 Position Type: Seasonal Salary Range: $20.00 - $23.00 Hourly Job Shift: Day Job Category: Maine Seasonal: Assistant Cook– Echo Lake Camp Anticipated Season Dates: June 16, 2026 – August 30, 2026 Live and work in beautiful Acadia National Park!

Join us at Echo Lake Camp, a Downeast Maine family camp nestled on the southeast shore of Echo Lake, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Acadia National Park. Since 1922, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has operated this historic camp, offering a unique outdoor experience for guests of all ages. Spend your summer immersed in nature, enjoying activities like hiking, swimming, sailing, sea kayaking, biking, and more. As part of the AMC team, you'll live in a cozy cabin with full access to camp facilities while contributing to a legacy of outdoor recreation and conservation.

About Echo Lake Camp:

Echo Lake Camp is a full-service AMC facility featuring platform tents, three family-style meals per day in the dining hall, a recreation hall, a library, and a private waterfront with swimming and boating. Guests participate in guided hikes, weekly lobster bakes, and more during their week-long stays. Learn more at www.amcecholake.org.

Position Overview:

As the Assistant Cook, you will help prepare meals and provide exceptional service, all while supporting AMC’s mission of conservation and outdoor recreation. Reporting to the Head Cook and Camp Manager, you will support all culinary operations, while contributing to a unique outdoor experience for our guests.

What AMC is Looking For Meal Preparation & Support: Support the preparation of meals and snacks as scheduled, following pre-planned menus and established meal times. Assist the Cook in developing seasonal menus, trail lunches, and specialty dinners. Guest Service: Welcome and assist guests with a friendly and professional attitude, addressing special requests or dietary needs as directed by management.

Kitchen Operations: Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in all kitchen areas, performing daily cleaning and inspections as needed. Support kitchen staff with preparation and cleanup tasks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, adhering to established guidelines. Team Collaboration: Work alongside the kitchen team to ensure efficient operations, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Actively promote AMC programs and encourage membership to support AMC’s conservation and public service efforts.

Other Responsibilities: Ensure camp operations align with safety standards. Attend training and meetings as required. Promote AMC programs and encourage membership to support its conservation mission. Other duties as assigned. This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.

Qualifications:

What AMC is Looking For:

Must be able and willing to work for the full operational season. Previous food service or kitchen experience is required. Professional experience preparing diverse, health-conscious meals in an institutional or group setting is preferred. Prior team management experience is highly desirable.

Certifications & Skills:

A valid Certified Food Protection Certificate issued by the State of Maine is preferred. Exceptional customer service skills including strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Familiarity with and enthusiasm for AMC's mission and programs are a plus.

Personal Attributes:

Flexibility to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings as part of the camp’s schedule. Self-motivated and adaptable to the dynamic demands of camp life.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, sit, and walk for up to 12 hours at a time. Capability to lift up to 60 pounds from waist to head height or from floor to waist height. Comfortable working in and around a standard commercial kitchen with occasional exposure to cleaning products. This position is ideal for an enthusiastic and adaptable individual with a passion for cooking, teamwork, and outdoor adventures. Be part of a vibrant camp community and help create memorable experiences for guests in one of the most beautiful locations in the country!

What AMC Can Offer You Salary range: $20.00 - $23.00/Hourly We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits:

Room & Board: On-site housing and meals included! Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service

Other Team Member Perks:

30% discount on AMC Merchandise Free Annual AMC Membership 4 Free nights at AMC locations Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply:

Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls please. AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application. The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.