Seasonal Head Cook - Echo Lake Camp

Job Details Job Location: Echo Lake Camp - Mt. Desert, ME 04660 Position Type: Seasonal Salary Range: $1,500.00 - $16,500.00 Salary Job Shift: Any Job Category: Maine Seasonal: Head Cook– Echo Lake Camp Anticipated Season Dates: June 15, 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:

The Head Cook plays a vital role in ensuring a high-quality experience for guests while overseeing daily meals and managing the camp crew (“Croo”). Reporting to the Camp Manager, you will lead all culinary operations, creating family-style, health-conscious meals for camp guests while fostering a welcoming and engaging dining experience.

What You'll Be Doing at AMC Meal Preparation & Menu Planning: Prepare three meals a day for approximately 85 guests, and occasional snacks, according to pre-planned menus at established mealtimes. Collaborate with the Camp Manager to design weekly menus, including specialty picnic meals and trail lunch days. Approximately half the meals are recurring on a weekly and yearly basis, while the other half are flexible.

Guest Services: Welcome and assist guests with professionalism, accommodating occasional special dietary needs or requests based on direction from manager. Provide an inviting atmosphere during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and trail lunch service. Kitchen Operations: Ensure a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times. Supervise kitchen operations, including daily upkeep, food preparation, and meal service. Monitor inventory levels and manage food and supply orders on a tri-weekly basis. Oversee food storage, preparation, and service in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Team Leadership: Direct and support kitchen staff in meal preparation, set-up, and clean-up duties creating a fun team learning environment. Create task lists, and foster a positive work environment for the kitchen crew. Ensure tasks are completed efficiently and within allocated staff work hours.

• Support & Sustainability: Assist with preparation and service for special meals, trail lunches etc. Actively participate in AMC's recycling, composting, and green initiatives, incorporating fresh and local ingredients into meals when possible.

Other Responsibilities: Ensure camp operations align with safety standards. Attend training and supervisory 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 required. Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. Familiarity with and enthusiasm for AMC's mission and programs are a plus.

Personal Attributes:

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team. 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 a culinary professional who values teamwork, enjoys engaging with guests, and thrives in an outdoor environment. Be part of an extraordinary experience in one of the most beautiful locations in the country!

What AMC Can Offer You Salary range: $1500-$1650 a week 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 and Board: Onsite housing + meals provided for FREE 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 10 Free nights at AMC locations Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply:

Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies 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.