At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 60 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities”, the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.
Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.
This role is a key position in the Esalen kitchen. As a full-time culinary team leader, you will supervise the daily production of meals for the community (guests, staff, faculty) in our teaching kitchen. You will also assist the kitchen management in supporting the kitchen’s daily operations. This role requires shift work. The Lead Cook reports to the Executive Chef and is located on property in Big Sur.Prior work experience at Esalen is preferred. Candidates that have graduated from Esalen’s 3 month REEP program or a current staff member who has been employed for at least three months will be given top consideration.
In addition to providing the Kitchen with a safe, sanitary, and efficient Kitchen operation, this position is the direct supervisor of all Kitchen personnel scheduled for the chef’s shift. The chef’s main duties include:Preparing healthy, tasty meals, baked breads and dessertsEstablishing a positive, productive work environment that fosters learning and creativitySupervising and managing proper safety and sanitation practices in the kitchenSupervising proper organization (label, date, shelf order) of all storage and work areasWorking with kitchen manager in menu planningSupporting the community and kitchen policy of composting and recyclingMinimizing loss (spoilage, careless waste, theft, etc.);Ensuring at least one kitchen manager or staff person is present in the kitchen at all times of the shiftAssuming the responsibility for the secure lock-up and opening of the kitchen outside the hours of operation (6am – 8 pm)Other various tasks as assigned
Previous chef experience and/or culinary training are preferredAbility to take responsibility, be held accountable, flexible and make on the spot decisionsAbility to balance the needs of Esalen’s guests and seminarians with the resources available in the best possible wayAbility to react and respond calmly and graciously in stressful and demanding situationsStrong communication skills, with an emphasis on listening, empathy and common senseMust have an avid interest in food and culinary pursuitsExperience in cooking and managing a kitchen of comparable size
Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.
While performing the duties of this job, the teammate must be able to maneuver on uneven ground, stand for long periods of time, often carry and lift up to 50 pounds, operate food preparation appliances and machinery, tolerate exposure to changes in temperature, and be able perform daily repetitive hand movements as it pertains to food preparation.
3 or 6 Month positionWage range $18.50-$24/hourFull Time - 40 Hours/weekHousing available on-site (residential fee charged)All meals providedThe pay for this position is commensurate with experience. Esalen gives teammates access to an extensive range of daily experiential classes (yoga, dance, tai chi, and meditation), and ongoing in-house education and training programs. In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.
REEP Apprentices have the opportunity to earn an Esalen certification over their 6 month contract that highlights the departmental core competencies and transferable skills fulfilled, and acknowledges the hours spent engaging in professional and personal development. The certification process honors individual learning tracks, giving participants credit for their holistic engagement in Esalen’s educational community, and celebrates a graduation point with a capstone project. 
Big SurFull-timelead
