Antarctica: Culinary Manager (Contingency Hire)

Title:

Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR!

Program Summary

The Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) supports the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) scientific mission in Antarctica. The U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) manages three year-round stations (McMurdo, Palmer, and South Pole), two research vessels, and numerous field camps to facilitate both summer and winter campaigns. Each year, approximately 150–200 science research projects are conducted across the USAP, involving the movement of 3,000 participants to and from these stations, vessels, and field camps. This program is dynamic and exciting, requiring unique qualifications to meet its demands.

Job Summary

The Culinary Manager will oversee all food service operations for the Antarctica Program, ensuring high-quality meals, exceptional service, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards. This role includes menu planning, inventory management, and team leadership while operating in a remote and challenging environment. The Culinary Manager will collaborate with various stakeholders to execute special events and continuously improve operational efficiency. A strong focus on organization, creativity, and adaptability is essential for success. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a culinary team in one of the most extraordinary locations on Earth.

Please note: This position is contingent upon award and will be based onsite in Antarctica.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare menus in alignment with program budgets and dietary requirements.

• Procure ingredients and supplies, manage inventory levels, and ensure the kitchen is well-stocked.

• Maintain compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards, creating a safe and hygienic environment.

• Train, schedule, and supervise kitchen staff while fostering professional growth and teamwork.

• Monitor and evaluate staff performance, providing constructive feedback and leadership.

• Coordinate with the Program Executive Chef and other departments to plan and execute events, such as Ice Stock, holiday celebrations, and Distinguished Visitor (DV) meet-and-greets.

• Oversee the preparation of meals and beverages, ensuring consistency and adherence to established recipes.

• Develop and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality.

• Communicate effectively with site management, customers, and NSF representatives to meet program goals.

Basic Qualifications

• Culinary degree in Food Service or related field.

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in a food service management role.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Ability to pass the required physical qualifications for deployment to Antarctica.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in remote or isolated environments.

• Expertise in planning and executing large-scale or high-profile events.

• Familiarity with Antarctic or extreme environment operations and protocols.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

At KBR, we are passionate about our people, sustainability, and our Zero Harm culture.

These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a more inclusive and diverse company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment of real collaboration across cultures and locations. Our individual differences and perspectives bring enhanced value to our teams and help us develop solutions for the most challenging problems. We understand that by embracing those differences and working together, we are more innovative, more resilient, and safer.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.