Seasonal Head Cook - Camp Dodge

Job Details Job Location: Camp Dodge - Gorham, NH 03581 Position Type: Seasonal Salary Range: $22.00 - $23.00 Hourly Job Shift: Day Job Category: New Hampshire Season Dates: April 1 2026 to October 30, 2026. Two positions will be hired, one to start April 1, one to start May 1. Season dates could be flexible for the right candidate.

Come live and work in the heart of White Mountain National Forest! Join nearly a hundred years of history at Camp Dodge – operational in some capacity since 1935, it has served as a base for gear testing, WWII conscientious objectors, and conservation corps. Nestled in Pinkham Notch, you get breathtaking views of the Northern Presidential Range and incredible access to hiking, biking, swimming, and more.

After nearly four decades of AMC use, renovations in 2020 transitioned the facility from a volunteer center into the North Country trails operations hub. The facility expanded to have new staff housing, an updated kitchen and bathhouses, a new workshop, and a large pavilion for trails training and community meals. It serves as basecamp for the AMC’s professional trail crews, AmeriCorps crews, volunteer programs, backcountry caretakers, research interns, and some Forest Service employees.

The Seasonal Head Cook is expected to lead a crew of two to three people executing two hot meals a day and maintaining high levels of cleanliness inside and outside the kitchen. Meals are served buffet style with indoor or outdoor seating. Our aim is to support the crews during the work week and on their days off with exciting, nourishing meals and provide them with clean, comfortable housing. The work week is ten-hour days - four days on, three days off with a mix of weekdays and weekends. A $75 per week paycheck deduction covers all employee food and housing for days on and off. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING AT AMC:

Kitchen Operations: Ensure a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times. Orchestrate 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.

Meal Preparation & Menu Planning: Prepare two meals a day for up to 150 guests, and occasional snacks, according to pre-planned menus at established mealtimes. Collaborate with Camp Supervisor to design creative and nutritious weekly menus. Team Leadership: Direct and support camp crew 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 crew. Ensure tasks are completed efficiently and within allocated staff work hours.

• Support & Sustainability: Actively participate in AMC's recycling, composting, and green initiatives, incorporating fresh and local ingredients into meals when possible.

Qualifications:

WHAT AMC IS LOOKING FOR:

This position is ideal for someone who values community teamwork, creatively playing with food, and thrives in an outdoor environment. Be part of an extraordinary experience in one of the most beautiful locations in the country! Physical Abilities Comfortable working in and around a standard commercial kitchen with exposure to cleaning products.

Capability to lift up to 60 pounds from waist to head height or from floor to waist height. Ability to stand, sit, and walk for up to 12 hours at a time. Ability to work in a camp setting in all weather conditions.

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. A positive attitude and commitment to fostering community and doing good work. Ability to open and effectively communicate. Camp Dodge is a small community of people who live and work together for the duration of the season which requires every individual to have a positive, respective attitude and be community minded. Comfort with giving and receiving feedback is important.

Past Experience & Skills:

Prior team management experience is highly desirable. Professional experience preparing diverse meals in a similar setting to Camp Dodge is preferred. Previous food service or kitchen experience is required. Ability to work for the full operational season is required.

WHAT AMC CAN OFFER YOU:

Salary range: $22.00-$23.00/hr 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: Bunkhouse housing for $75/week– 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 (blackout dates apply) 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.