Culinary Intern, The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary

***Application Deadline: April 30th, 2025***

Watkins Glen, New York (onsite)

Summary: The Culinary externship program focuses on creating and serving plant-based foods in a beautiful sanctuary. It provides hands-on experience assisting in developing unique specialty foods and menu items, focusing on an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced and growing environment. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily food preparation
• Work with the chef and Assistant Manager to complete daily food preparation needs
• Assist with customers from order to completion process
• Share knowledge of menu items with guests 
• Basic understanding of menu nutritional information and allergens as provided by the chef
• Utilize digital POS system for order tracking
• Assist with special events
• Adhere to cleaning and organizational protocols in place
• Ensure guest satisfaction and a positive experience with a “Customer First” attitude

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Hands-on experience with vegan food preparation and baking
• Customer service skills development
• Exposure to both back-of-house and front-of-house operations

POS system and kitchen technology experience

• Education opportunities to engage in contemporary vegan issues and topics with FS Team Members

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some experience working with customers in a food-oriented setting
• Essential basic kitchen skills for knife handling and kitchen equipment usage 
• An understanding of measurements and quantities to assist in completing recipes
• Point of Sale experience, a plus
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Team focus and an upbeat attitude
• Basic knowledge of kitchen safety protocols

• Willingness to commit to Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom. 
• Open to learning about and putting into practice the ideals of equity and social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission

• To ensure optimal performance of our remote technology, internet connections are required for all remote positions and are not supplied by the organization. 

We are looking for the best fit for each of our roles, regardless of the type of education or companies in your background, so we encourage you to apply even if your skills and experiences don’t exactly match the job description.

Essential Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to stand for up to 4 hours at a time and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally with proper technique and support.
• Must have basic manual dexterity for safe food preparation, including knife handling and operating standard kitchen equipment with proper training.
• Must be able to work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures and move safely on potentially wet surfaces.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with team members and guests, including reading recipes, menus, and safety instructions.

Job Specifications:

• Terms of employment: Temporary, Full-time, non-exempt position 
• Reports to: Manager, Sanctuary Cafe

Location: Watkins Glen, NY

• Pay: $15.50 per hour
• Accommodations: 
• Communal housing on sanctuary premises provided and preferred, but not required.
• Each intern is provided with their own bedroom and a shared bathroom.
• Companion animals are not permitted.
• Benefits: 
• Eligibility to participate in Farm Sanctuary’s medical insurance plan starting the first day of the second month of the internship
• Additional Specifications: 
• This position requires a commitment from June/July-November.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We believe that our prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a strength and essential to achieving our mission. A diverse workforce brings many perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions to our complex issues. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we foster a culture of belonging where innovation and growth can thrive. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farmed animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Any photos or videos taken in the scope of employment and/or related to Farm Sanctuary are considered work product and intellectual property of Farm Sanctuary.

Our Process:

• Stage 1: 30-minute virtual interview with a member of the People and Culture Team
• Stage 2: Virtual Interview with Hiring Manager
• Stage 3: Reference checks
• Stage 4: Job offer