Cafe Associate
10 days ago
Hillsborough
Job Description Title: Café Associate Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J. Reports to: Executive Chef and Culinary Program Lead Status: Full time, non-exempt How to Apply: Click here to apply. Please submit a résumé. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. BACKGROUND Located in Hillsborough Township, N.J., Duke Farms is a center for applied conservation and sustainability that restores nature and ecosystems, demonstrates equitable climate transition strategies and engages leaders and visitors with the wonder of nature to spark change. Our wide-ranging sustainability efforts include the operation of a 1,000-acre park and associated infrastructure supporting over 150,000 public visitors a year. Duke Farms is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future by investing in artists and the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.) POSITION The Café Associate (Cook) supports the daily food preparation and service for the Duke Farms café and assists with event catering under the direction of the Executive Chef. This is an early-career culinary role focused on hands-on cooking, learning professional kitchen skills and supporting a mission-driven food program rooted in sustainability and farm-to-fork values. The role is primarily responsible for preparing menu items, maintaining kitchen cleanliness and safety, and supporting efficient food service during café hours and select events. The Café Associate also plays a key public-facing role, delivering warm, attentive and inclusive customer service to ensure every guest feels welcomed and valued. This position executes established food menus for the café and events, and collaborates closely with the Executive Chef and other Duke Farms staff, vendors and guests to ensure a high-quality culinary experience. YOUR IMPACT AT DDF As the Café Associate (Cook) at Duke Farms, you will: • Deliver a mission-aligned culinary experience rooted in sustainability and quality., • Prepare fresh, thoughtfully crafted menu items that reflect Duke Farms’ farm-to-fork values and commitment to environmental stewardship., • Contribute to a welcoming café and event experience that enhances each guest’s connection to Duke Farms and the Doris Duke Foundation’s mission., • Strengthen operational excellence and responsible stewardship in the kitchen., • Uphold the highest standards of food safety, sanitation and inventory management to ensure integrity, efficiency and minimal waste., • Support accurate transactions and thoughtful inventory practices that protect foundation resources and promote sustainability., • Advance a collaborative and inclusive kitchen culture., • Partner closely with the Executive Chef and Duke Farms team members to ensure seamless service and shared accountability for outcomes., • Experience in an early-career culinary position or a candidate with foundational cooking skills required. Formal culinary training a plus., • A valid ServSafe Food Handler Certificate and knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices are required., • Passion about sustainable food systems, farm-to-fork cooking and Duke Farms’ mission of conservation and supporting sustainable, local, seasonal eating., • Experience in customer service, preferably in a café or restaurant environment., • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with visitors and team members., • Experience with inventory management., • Experience with Square front-end and back-end systems and reporting., • Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting., • Understanding of the demands of a busy kitchen during peak meal service times., • Ability to prepare food and beverages according to standard recipes or tailored for customers, including accommodating adjustments like temperature, ingredient quantities or substitutions., • Ability to follow directions while demonstrating initiative, independence and reliability within established guidelines., • Experience operating point-of-sale systems and handling transactions accurately in a fast-paced service environment or demonstrated ability to learn and apply such systems quickly., • Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property as well as travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions., • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods and perform other physical kitchen tasks., • Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes., • Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays, to support café hours and event support. WHAT WE OFFER • Anticipated hourly range is $16.54 to $24.81, and the final offer will depend on experience., • Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off, and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement., • A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and diversity, equity and inclusion. The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.