Chef- Alaska Bear Camp

Natural Habitat Adventures is seeking a gourmet chef for our remote “Alaska Bear Camp,” a remote luxury tent camp on the Alaska Peninsula within Lake Clark National Park, during the summer season. The chef, along with an assistant, provides fabulous food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, happy hour and dinner) daily for rotating groups of 14 guests plus 2 guides and 5-6 Camp staff throughout the season, which runs between late May and early September. This is an independent contractor position. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ordering of food and supplies as needed pre- and during season with local suppliers.
• Assist with camp set up/proper placement of kitchen items and work stations to ensure a functional, efficient, and clean working space at all times.
• Ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen throughout the season, including creating delicious and creative meals and maintaining a clean work environment. 
• Create an innovative Alaskan menu with variety and balance in ingredients and methods of preparation. Food should be of consistent high quality, locally sourced, and made from scratch as much as possible.
• Understand and accommodate special dietary needs (both those that are forewarned and those that appear without warning). 
• To the greatest extent possible, strive for an ambiance of luxury with meal presentation and table settings. 
• Serve meals on time and with beautiful presentation. 
• Respectfully delegate other staff members to assist in food preparation and food service / presentation when needed. 
• Control costs and ingredient inventory to minimize waste. 
• Strive for sustainability in food sourcing and preparation. 
  
• Maintain an updated, detailed inventory of kitchen equipment, food, and pantry items. 
• Communicate in a friendly manner with guests, guides, lodge staff. 

• Represent NHA as a fully trained, professional staff member.  
• Complete all paperwork in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Support end of the season breakdown, cleaning, storage and inventory of kitchen. 

 
TIME & SEASONALITY 
This position is a contract-based position, spanning the prime season of late-May to early-September. Specific dates will be determined before hiring.

While hours will vary from day to day, it is virtually certain that the Bear Camp Chef will need to work long hours to accomplish our goal of ultimate customer service to ensure Bear Camp runs smoothly. Early mornings and late evenings are likely required. 

 
REQUIREMENTS 

• The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of experience as a chef and a passion for creating high quality, creative, culinary dishes using available, locally sourced ingredients. 
• Experience as a chef in the travel industry (lodges, expedition ships, etc.) is preferred; experience working at a remote luxury lodge is highly preferred 
• Experience menu planning and resourcefully utilizing sometimes limited ingredients  
• Experience cooking for and knowledge of various dietary restrictions and how to meet them with often limited ingredients 
• Proven leadership abilities, including a strong track record of dependability and interpersonal skills 
• Proven ability to think on your feet, problem solve, get creative in the kitchen and be resourceful 
• Ability to walk, stand and/or bend continuously to perform essential job functions  
• Ability to work under pressure and thrive even under stressful situations during busy periods  
• Ability to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of guests  
• Ability to work long hours to include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills  
• High levels of integrity, maturity, patience and enthusiasm  
• Proven ability to work individually and in harmony as a part of a larger team 
• ServSafe Certification 

• Ability to safely navigate and ascend a ladder 
• Be able to lift items up to 50 pounds 
• Must be first-aid and CPR certified 

 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 
Aside from daily compensation, Nat Hab provides housing, meals, transportation to/from location for any travel, as well as branded gear.   

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT 
Natural Habitat Adventures is a growing company that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We seek to foster and maintain a welcoming, inclusive and high-performing culture in our office and in the field. Even if you don’t have experience in the travel sector, we invite you to show us how you can help Nat Hab become an even stronger company. 
 
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT 
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.