Type: Non-Profit
Department: Operations
Title of the Role: Sous Chef, Cafe
Short Description of Role: ***Rolling Applications: Applicants will be reviewed upon receipt until position is filled***

***This position is offered free onsite housing for the duration of the employment***

Summary: The Sous Chef of The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary will support the Head Chef by overseeing the cafe's day-to-day operations, ensuring exceptional service while maintaining excellent quality standards in a fast-paced and inspiring environment.

Responsibilities:

Execute and help oversee the opening and closing procedures set in place with the Operating Procedures.
Coordinate food and beverage inventory and garden produce usage, including tracking, receiving, storing, and cleaning.
In Partnership with the head chef, assist in tracking menu item costs by entering ingredients into our recipe cost tracker and aligning with grocery invoices.
Ensure adherence to all protocol and safety standards with equipment startup/shutdown, maintenance schedules, and cleaning protocols.
Maintain and monitor food safety compliance by providing a clean and sanitary work environment and report any issues to Head Chef.
Provide exceptional customer service to guests and resolve any issues promptly.
Coordinate with staff in order-taking, food preparation and delivery, cafe operations, and service flow to ensure a positive guest experience.
Assist the Head Chef to train staff, interns, volunteers on proper guest interactions, food safety, and food quality, as assigned
Provide day-to-day guidance to support the Cafe intern in their day-to-day job functions.
Ensure the highest food quality standards in preparation and execution as directed by the chef.
Assist with both live and online classes and content creation for social media
Support cost control efforts through proper usage of ingredients and supplies and adherence to established processes.
Complete daily reporting through on the Point of Sale system and communicate key updates with the Head Chef
Prepare and submit a weekly report on the number of B&B guest breakfasts to Chef.

Required Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s license and a clean driving record
Food handler license

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum 2-4 years of kitchen or relevant experience
Exceptional Communication and interpersonal skills for positive interaction with guests and employees
Experience in the Food Service industry
Knowledge of Food Safety Procedures
Collaborative team player
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays
Experience in food preparation
Successful track record in the ability to think quickly and multi-task during peak business hours
Demonstrated skills with the use of knives and kitchen equipment
Safe Food Handling Certification compliance with the State of New York
Alignment with Farm Sanctuay’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom.
Familiarity, commitment to, and experience with the practice of equity and social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission

We are looking for the best fit for each of our roles, regardless of the type of education or companies in your background, so we encourage you to apply even if your skills and experiences don’t exactly match the job description.]

Essential Physical Requirements:

Stand/walk continuously for minimum 4-hour periods
Maintain full manual dexterity for safe knife handling, kitchen equipment operation, small object manipulation
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance
Work in variable temperatures (hot kitchen environment and outdoor weather conditions)
Bend, stoop, and reach frequently throughout shift in confined kitchen spaces
Communicate clearly in person, via electronic devices, written instructions
See clearly both close-up and at a distance for food prep and safety
Maintain balance while carrying items and navigating wet/slippery floors

Job Specifications:

Terms of employment: Seasonal, non-exempt, full-time position (April 15-November 8, with option to extend into December pending organizational needs)
Reports to: Chef, The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary

Direct reports: NA

Location: Watkins Glen, New York
Pay: $22.00-$24.00 non-exempt
Travel: None
Benefits: Onsite Housing; Competitive benefits package, prorated sick time; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 403(b) plan; flexible spending accounts; long-term disability insurance; free access to the CALM meditation app; and access to the Nivati wellness platform

Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We believe that our prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a strength and essential to achieving our mission. A diverse workforce brings many perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions to our complex issues. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we foster a culture of belonging where innovation and growth can thrive. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farmed animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Any photos or videos taken in the scope of employment and/or related to Farm Sanctuary are considered work product and intellectual property of Farm Sanctuary.

Our Process:

Stage 1: 30-minute virtual interview with Recruiter
Stage 2: TBD
Stage 3: Reference checks
Stage 4: Job offer
Location: North America
Country: United States
City: Watkins Glen
Application Deadline: April 06, 2026
Application Link: https://grnh.se/s7ig2djl3us
Remote: No
Time Commitment: Full-time