Alternative Diets Chef – Join our Organic Summer Camp Kitchen!
Location: Northern California, United States (onsite housing provided)
Position Type: Full-time, Seasonal (May 13th-August 9th)
Compensation: $8,000-12,000 + food, housing, utilities, training, and perks!
A summer camp and real food? Yes – you’ll find it here. Local, organic, freshly prepared, intentionally crafted, cooked and served with love. We nourish people – whatever their dietary restrictions – and we’re seeking staff to be part of our kitchen team.
This is more than just a summer culinary job. It’s an opportunity to be a part of a close-knit 65-person community, grow personally and professionally, enjoy thrilling camp activities (yes, outside the kitchen!), and spend your summer surrounded by nature. Ready to dive in? Keep reading!
Why Camp Augusta?
- Community-focused experience: Work and live alongside a team of inspiring individuals who value connection, growth, and making a difference—one meal at a time.
- Unique learning opportunities: Gain hands-on experience crafting from-scratch meals that cater to various diets, with mentorship from experienced chefs.
- Time outdoors: Enjoy the beauty of nature and participate in camp-wide activities and adventures.
- Fully immersive environment: With food, housing, and utilities provided, this is an opportunity to focus entirely on your craft and personal growth.
Our Food Philosophy
We believe that food service is an integral part of our camp community. Breaking bread together helps to create a sense of community and comfort. We pledge to provide whole food that is nutritious, healthy, alive in flavor, aesthetically pleasing, and presented reverently to our guests and staff. We are committed to providing food services that support a sustainable future. We incorporate the community philosophy of Camp Augusta to maintain and develop a healthy social and working environment. We pledge to take a stand on many issues surrounding our food supply, creating a socially responsible environment.
Read more about our food philosophy and watch a video of our food and space!
Alternative Diets Specialist:
As an Alternative Diets Specialist, you’ll be at the forefront of preparing meals that meet a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. Working closely with the Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef, you’ll help ensure every camper and staff member feels cared for at the table.
This role offers hands-on experience in a professional kitchen while also providing you with the opportunity to take part in 150+ camp activities and epic camp-wide games in the evening.
Read more about this role here.
Dig into our kitchen vibe, culture, and structure, and see if you can imagine yourself here.
Compensation & Perks
- Summer salary: $8,000–$12,000 (based on experience and responsibilities)
- Additional opportunities for pre- and post-season work
- On-site food, housing, and utilities provided
- Countless camp perks: ziplining, woodworking, camp-wide games, and more!
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare, cook, and serve meals that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions
- Work collaboratively with a passionate kitchen team to deliver nutritious, wholesome food
- Ensure that food is served on time and in accordance with dietary guidelines
- Participate in camp activities and clinics to fully experience camp life
- Support a culture of sustainable, socially responsible food practices
What We’re Looking For:
- A love of food: Especially healthy, organic, from-scratch meals for diverse diets.
- Flexibility: This role requires adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Stamina: This is a physically demanding job requiring long hours and attention to detail.
- Great communication skills: You’ll work with a diverse group of people, including staff, campers, and parents from different backgrounds.
- Patience and empathy: In a high-energy environment, you’ll need to stay calm and compassionate with fellow team members and campers.
- An adventurous spirit: You’ll have opportunities to join in fun camp activities and help run epic camp-wide games and events.
Job Requirements:
- Must be at least 19 years old by May 13, 2025
- Available to work from May 13 to Aug 9, 2025 (additionally paid pre/post-season work available).
- Comfortable and knowledgeable in preparing a variety of fresh meals
- Experience with alternative diets is a plus, but a willingness to learn is just as important.
- Basic knowledge of preparing fresh meals and openness to growth in a professional kitchen.
Why Work at Camp Augusta?
Camp Augusta offers more than just a job—it’s an unforgettable experience. Located on 80 acres in the Sierra Nevada foothills, our camp is filled with imagination, adventure, and camaraderie. From themed dinners to horseback rides and jewelry-smithing to ziplining, every day is a chance to create magic.
Do you have any questions?
Send us a message on Handshake, and we’ll get back to you by the end of the next day! You can also send any questions you have to applications@campaugusta.org.
Feeling ready to apply?
1. Take 5 minutes to fill out our interest form.
2. Someone from our hiring team will reach out to you within 24 hours.
3. Schedule an Intro Chat with us, and complete a full application!