D Acres is looking for a unique, flexible individual to step into the role of Kitchen Manager (KM).

We are interested in individuals enthusiastic about community living, education and the development of a micro-enterprise. Historically, the person in the KM role has done the following:

-Managed twice weekly baking of bread and sweet treats for sale from the farm, at the Farmer's Market, and to local vendors

-Delivered baked goods to town, picked up food waste from local establishments, represented D Acres (the organization, philosophies, mission, etc.) in town and increased number of vendors distributing our kitchen products

-Preserved the harvest in coordination with the garden crew

-Hosted and catered events, including monthly breakfasts and potlucks catering to 30-100 guests and our annual harvest celebration catering to 200+ guests)

-Ordered food-stocks and managed purchasing, outreach and sales for Bulk Food Club

-Provided kitchen orientation and nutrition education for new arrivals

-Oorganized weekly cleaning of the Community Building while maintaining commercial kitchen standards of cleanliness, inventory and food safety

-Organized food-related workshops and classes (featuring food preservation, baking, fermentation, etc.)

The Kitchen sits in the center of the Homestead, which is the hub of D Acres. There is a seemingly endless stream of work that can be accomplished by the Kitchen Manager in relation to food. However, our interest is in longevity for staff, so we encourage potential kitchen managers to discuss their specific kitchen related interests so that we can find a balance of responsibilities that harmonize the needs of D Acres and those of the applicant. For example, if this means a focus on food preservation and preparation over baking, or vice versa, the staff at D Acres are willing to negotiate.

Candidate must share the community’s philosophies on food: At D Acres we use unrefined flours, alternative sweeteners (maple syrup, honey and molasses), and prepare produce and other wild edibles according to their season. We strive to locally source ingredients that we cannot produce ourselves. We also support the use of alternative food preparation methods, (i.e. culturing foods), solar cooking, and outdoor wood-fired cooking on our Cob oven and cooktop. In our baked goods operation, meals we make for ourselves, and food that we prepare for guests, we are striving to promote a way of life that is based on the bioregion in which we live.

Food-costing experience and ability to keep clear, accurate records are also important. Entrepreneurial, promotional, and public relations skills are very important for this position. Ability to delegate tasks – provide instruction, check in on progress, and ensure that tasks are completed satisfactorily - is necessary. The KM is not humanly capable of doing all the tasks listed above; the KM is, however, responsible for making it all happen. In order for D Acres to accomplish the goals we have established for this position, the KM must be able to incorporate intern, apprentice and volunteer labor and prioritize daily and weekly in collaboration with other staff.

After a six-week acclimation period, compensation for the KM includes room and board and a $500 stipend per month plus eligibility for catastrophic health insurance after six months for those intending to continue employment. Other benefits of employment at D Acres include: living and working with a committed long-term staff, opportunities to share knowledge, rural farm setting, organic food, and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities. This job is a full-time (preferably residential) position. As a resident of D Acres, the KM is responsible for fulfilling the communal contract – one night of cooking each week, cleaning chores, and community meetings. These responsibilities, shared by all residential staff and learners, require 5-8 hours each week, which are in addition to the 40 work hours required for the job. The KM must be able to commit a minimum of 40 hours each week to the betterment of the community and kitchen related projects.

Accommodations vary with availability. They include treehouses, tent platforms, barn space and limited indoor space.

Kitchen Manager Tasks