Culinary Program Operations Manager

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Role Details:

Hourly Rate: $25/hour 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Non-exempt, Limited Term/Temporary 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April-September

Location: Appleton Farms, Ispwich, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

Your culinary expertise will ensure the successful operation of the culinary program at Appleton Farms, where rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, vegetable crops, and historic farm buildings comprise this 1,000-acre pastoral landscape, offering a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past. 

The Role: 

As the Culinary Program Operations Manager, you’ll assist the Culinary Program and Food Service Manager in operating within the culinary education, prepared foods, and food service programs at the farm. You’ll collaborate to create prepared foods, retail goods, and fresh breads, enhancing farm store sales with a rotating year-round seasonal menu. This is a production-oriented position, with an emphasis on savory prepared foods and baking, recipe testing, and batch execution. You will also assist in teaching private and public classes that showcase the seasonal aspects of the farm; staff training and scheduling to support all facets of the program, including high-volume production and packaging; and inventory management, marketing collateral, product creation and support in upholding SOPs and kitchen facility management.  

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Assist in recipe development, seasonal product line creation, and batching products in the prepared foods and baking programs 

• Label and package prepared foods to standard 

• Assist and teach curriculum for a variety of public and private seasonal culinary education programs 

• Assist with equipment and facility management, including deep cleans and SOPs 

• Assist with inventory management 

• Assist with product photography and marketing collateral 

• Maintain high standards of sanitation, food safety, and a clean and safe work environment 

• Maintains food safety certifications 

• Maintain and implement the highest standards of excellence for customer service, visitor experience, and facility operations across Appleton’s food service facilities  

• Other duties as assigned 

This is a temporary limited term non-exempt position working 40 hours per week and reporting directly to the Culinary Program Food Service Manager.  

Requirements

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• 3-5 years of related experience 

• 1-3 years of supervisory experience 

• A strong background in culinary service, specifically baking and prepared foods 

• Excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills along with the ability to work independently and as a part of a team  

• Strong work ethic, willingness to be flexible, and a positive attitude and a commitment to achieving the mission of the The Trustees  

• Strong appreciation for working with local farms, the land, and the agricultural and cultural history of Massachusetts   

• Interest in working for a mission-driven organization focused on achieving conservation and agricultural impacts at the local, state, and regional level 

• Ability to manage multiple projects at once 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org. 

Benefits

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time: 80 hours (prorated)
• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated) 
• Floating holidays/personal days (prorated)
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.