Retreat Chef

Position Summary

Seasonal position May 1–October 11, 2026. Longer work periods followed by blocks of time off. $25/hour.

Knoll Farm is a 150‑acre working organic farm based in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. We are known for our Icelandic sheep and pick‑your‑own blueberries, as well as residential programs and events. The Refuge at Knoll Farm is nationally recognized as a nonprofit retreat center where leadership, relationships and wellbeing are given space to flourish. For more than 25 years, The Refuge at Knoll Farm has been an anchor and a catalyst for social change leaders.

The Retreat Chef is in charge of the all‑important food program at Knoll Farm, providing three meals a day when programs are in session, as well as cooking for special events such as music nights and professional workshops. Our emphasis is on local and vegetarian food, featuring produce in season and served family‑style in an elegant but casual setting in a gorgeous renovated barn with a new commercial kitchen.

Healthy, delicious food is at the very heart of people’s experience of the farm, so this position is very creative, important, and deeply appreciated.

• Plan creative, mostly vegetarian menus that highlight seasonal produce in our local area.
• Sourcing food from local farms, farmer’s markets, and food stores, aiming for the majority of our food to be locally grown.
• Prepare and present delicious meals and be willing to share how they are sourced and cooked with guests.
• Keep an organized, clean, tidy kitchen and dining area with staff help.
• Cook in the outdoor pizza oven as a community experience.
• Cater to special diets, including gluten‑free, vegan, and others.
• Manage other staff in the kitchen; delegate and prioritize tasks.
• Keep meals on time according to the schedule and plan portions to ensure there is enough food for each group.
• Maintain detailed budgets and manage spending wisely.

We seek candidates who have an approachable demeanor and openness to input from all levels of staff and the general public. Candidates must be sensitive to issues of gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity and inclusion. Food does more than sustain life: it supports people emotionally, represents heritage and culture, and has the power to bring people together across differences. We hope to find someone who shares these values and is able to respond to the diverse needs of our clientele.

Knoll Farm’s mission and core values of equity, fairness, inclusion, and diversity are present in all that we do. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply.

Days in a Retreat Kitchen can be long, typically beginning at 6 am with breakfast prep and ending after 6 pm dinner is over. The chef is responsible for general cleanliness, while other staff handle most dishwashing. This job begins in May with a staff orientation. The work schedule is arranged around the retreat calendar, meaning that intense work periods are followed by blocks of days off.

Days off are not regular, but you can expect to have an average of 2 days off each week. The calendar is usually set by April, although it can change. Flexibility is necessary in this role.

$25 per hour. The schedule will include a set number of pre‑ and post‑season set‑up and clean‑up days. The position does not include health benefits.