Seasonal Lead Sous Chef

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.

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.

Employee Status
:
Seasonal, Full Time, hourly

Start & End Date
:
March 30th - October 31, 2026

Final date to receive applications
: 2/5/26 with interviews to begin in mid-February

Salary Range
: $29/hour

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

Housing
:
Housing potentially available for this role - note in application if interested

Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. We believe that transformative learning experiences sow the seeds for a thriving and more just world. Our work seeks to create the space, spark the conversations, and share the stories to inspire educators, students, and learners of all ages to build a better future for everyone.

As part of this mission, the Sous Chef plays a vital role in connecting hospitality with sustainability and education. This position supports the Executive Chef and collaborates with the Hospitality Management Team to ensure exceptional culinary experiences at the inn and restaurant. 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.

• Culinary Leadership: Oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain food quality and consistency, manage BOH facilities and equipment, and support team development through hiring, training, and mentorship.
• Hospitality Administration
  :
  Assist with scheduling, inventory, purchasing, vendor relations, and compliance with health and safety protocols.
• Line Cook Functions: Prepare and plate 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Being active for extended periods of time and working…