Who We Are

Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. We offer transformative learning experiences to help educators and students create a better world.  Our home campus is a 1,400-acre working farm located on the traditional, unceded and contemporary homelands of the Winooskik band of the Abenaki.  

Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Shelburne Farms recognizes that justice, equity, and access are central to sustainability. We are committed to translating these values into action across the organization by improving equitable outcomes in our culture, programs, and services.  Shelburne Farms is working to create experiences of belonging for all, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and people of all economic realities.

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Seasonal Catering Sous Chef

Seasonal
|
Full Time
|
$25 - $28/hour

 

Position Title:  Seasonal Catering Sous Chef

Supervisor:  Farm Functions Chef

Employee Status:   Seasonal, Full Time, hourly 

Location:  On-site (99 Inn Road, Shelburne, VT 05482)

Start & End Date:  March 20th - October 31, 2026

Application Deadline: 2/20/26 

Salary Range:  $25-28/hour 

Staff housing: Please inquire as there are very limited options available for seasonal positions. 

Schedule:  7 day operation; Typical schedule is 5 days/week and hours depend on schedule and availability

 

Who We Are

 

Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. We realize our mission by integrating three key areas of activity: our programs, place, and products.

 

Who we are Looking For

This role will collaborate across the entire farm by supporting culinary needs for programs, campus-wide events, and hospitality services, ensuring that food experiences align with Shelburne Farms’ sustainability values. Supporting the Farm’s mission, the Farm Functions Sous Chef plays a vital role in connecting hospitality with sustainability and education. This position supports the Farm Function Chef and collaborates with the Catering Management Team and education team to ensure exceptional culinary experiences in educational programs and campus wide events. The Sous Chef is a hands-on leader who combines operational excellence with creativity, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and a passion for food systems. 

 

This role requires strong leadership, culinary expertise, and a commitment to sustainability. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values teamwork, and is passionate about creating memorable dining experiences that reflect Shelburne Farms’ mission.

 

Key Responsibilities Include

  • Culinary Leadership: Oversee daily catering kitchen operations, oversight of food truck food quality and consistency, manage BOH facilities and equipment, and support team development through hiring, training, and mentorship. While working closely with both the Farm Function Chef and Catering coordinator.
  • Hospitality Administration: Assist with scheduling, inventory, purchasing, vendor relations, and compliance with health and safety protocols.
  • Event Cook Functions: Prepare event menu items with precision, maintain cleanliness and organization, uphold food safety standards, and contribute to sustainability efforts such as composting and waste reduction.
  • Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with all staff and ensure smooth, guest-centered service.

 

Core Qualifications

  • 4 years or more savory cooking experience in a high volume, professional kitchen. This is an active cooking position.
  • Experience creating and sharing locally sourced, simply prepared and beautifully presented, great tasting nutritious food. 
  • Experience curating menus with considerations of food allergies and special dietary requirements.
  • Kitchen leadership experience as you’ll be managing a small group of seasonal culinary staff.
  • Strong organizational, administrative, problem solving and communication skills. 
  • Schedule flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
  • Excellent knife skills and extensive understanding of various cooking techniques, both savory and pastry. 
  • Valid driver’s license as you may be operating a work vehicle to help transport items on and off the property.

Additional Valued Qualifications 

  • Serve Safe Certification - if you don’t have this we will provide you with the training.
  • A passion for farm to table food and hospitality.
  • Experience using systems and tools such as Google Workspace (all Google Suite tools), event planning, point of sale, dining and room reservations. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

  • Being active for extended periods of time and working in settings with limited air conditioned work environments depending on the location.
  • Fast-paced work environment. 
  • Carrying and moving items up/down stairs and over uneven terrain, weighing up to 40 lbs.
  • Indoor and outdoor work environment. 
  • Moving over uneven terrain. 
  • Maintaining a tidy shared workspace.

Benefits 

To Apply 

If our vision and mission excite you, we hope you will share with us your experience and skill set that you feel would qualify you to make a contribution to the Farm.

Click here to submit an application and please include responses to the following questions. These are not meant to be a writing exercise but to introduce yourself in a meaningful way.

  • Tell us about your unique characteristics and life experience that will help you thrive in this role.
  • How did you hear about this position?

 

Shelburne Farms is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and we strongly stand against discrimination and harassment of any kind. 

If you need accommodations throughout the application process or have general questions, please contact us at jobs@shelburnefarms.org or 802-985-8686.

Date Posted: January 20