What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sous Chef, URJ Camp Newman position at Union for Reform Judaism?
Description
Sous Chef
Location: Camp Newman (4088 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404)
Organization: Union for Reform Judaism
Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible, ADMIN, Non-Exempt
Department: Camps & Immersives – Camp Newman
Reporting to: Executive Chef
Start Date: April 1, 2025
Salary Range: $23.00 - $25.00/hour with an annualized salary of $41,8684 - $45,504 plus competitive benefits package
Level/Salary Grade: Operational Contributor (Intermediate) / A
The Role
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camp Newman is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. Located in the picturesque Sonoma County, California, Camp Newman offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for youth, families, and staff. As a key member of the kitchen team, the Sous Chef will help oversee the preparation and delivery of nutritious, delicious, and diverse meals for our camp and retreat community. This is a year-round position, with primary responsibilities during the summer camp season (June – August) and Retreat/Rental season (August – May).
What You Will Do
Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will play a critical role in supporting the camp’s food service operations, including:
You are an experienced culinary professional with a passion for creating high-quality meals for large groups. You thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment and are committed to maintaining high standards of food safety, quality, and customer service.
Keys to Success (the must-haves)
Every team member at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) plays an essential role in our mission to create a whole, just, and compassionate world. Our team is creative, thoughtful, and innovative. Each member of the team is empowered to make meaningful contributions to achieving our shared goals. Our diverse team is made up of individuals with different skills and backgrounds and every team member is willing to take risks as well as take action to develop and create big ideas for the future of the Reform Movement. While this position focuses on a particular area of work, every team member is a vital part of our overall success.
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking opportunities, our over 850 congregations and 14 residential camps create opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.
Application Process
Apply online and include a one-page cover letter along with your resume, outlining your skills and experience and how you meet the essential functions and qualifications of the position. We look forward to hearing from you!
The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA , and other often underrepresented groups.
Sous Chef
Location: Camp Newman (4088 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404)
Organization: Union for Reform Judaism
Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible, ADMIN, Non-Exempt
Department: Camps & Immersives – Camp Newman
Reporting to: Executive Chef
Start Date: April 1, 2025
Salary Range: $23.00 - $25.00/hour with an annualized salary of $41,8684 - $45,504 plus competitive benefits package
Level/Salary Grade: Operational Contributor (Intermediate) / A
The Role
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camp Newman is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. Located in the picturesque Sonoma County, California, Camp Newman offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for youth, families, and staff. As a key member of the kitchen team, the Sous Chef will help oversee the preparation and delivery of nutritious, delicious, and diverse meals for our camp and retreat community. This is a year-round position, with primary responsibilities during the summer camp season (June – August) and Retreat/Rental season (August – May).
What You Will Do
Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will play a critical role in supporting the camp’s food service operations, including:
- Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals for large groups, ensuring quality, consistency, and nutritional value. Help manage food preparation, portioning, and cooking techniques in alignment with camp policies.
- Train and support kitchen staff, including seasonal cooks, kitchen aides, and dishwashers, on food preparation, safety standards, sanitation practices, and the proper use of kitchen equipment. Foster a positive, collaborative team environment.
- Assist with managing kitchen inventory, tracking food supplies, and ensuring all ingredients are stocked and available for meal service.
- Assist the Executive Chef with optimizing the Front of House/meal service guest experience, including working directly with clients during their stay on site.
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, including food storage, handling, and sanitation. Oversee daily cleaning and upkeep of kitchen equipment and workspaces to meet health code standards.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef in planning seasonal menus that provide a variety of meal options catering to diverse dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, kosher, allergy-friendly). Adapt meals for special events or specific dietary requirements as needed.
- Work closely with camp and retreat staff to accommodate dietary preferences, special requests, and event needs, providing excellent service and ensuring a positive dining experience for campers, staff, and visitors.
You are an experienced culinary professional with a passion for creating high-quality meals for large groups. You thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment and are committed to maintaining high standards of food safety, quality, and customer service.
Keys to Success (the must-haves)
- Culinary Expertise: You have experience working in a professional kitchen, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role. You are skilled in meal preparation for large groups and can ensure consistency, taste, and nutritional quality.
- Collaborative Teamwork: You have experience training, supporting, and working with a diverse kitchen team. You excel in managing multiple tasks and maintaining a positive, efficient work environment in a dynamic, fast-paced kitchen.
- Food Safety Knowledge: You are familiar with all aspects of food safety, from proper food storage to safe food handling and sanitation practices, and you can enforce these standards among your team.
- Passion for Community: You are passionate about using food to bring people together, creating meals that contribute to a positive and inclusive camp community. You enjoy working in a fun, energetic environment where you can make a lasting impact.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: You are flexible and can adjust to changes in meal plans, dietary requests, and schedule shifts, all while maintaining a high standard of food quality and service.
- Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a hot kitchen environment.
- Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work evenings, weekends, and long hours during the camp season.
- Culinary Certification: Preferred but not required.
- Experience: 3 years of experience in a kitchen, preferably in a large-scale or camp setting.
Every team member at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) plays an essential role in our mission to create a whole, just, and compassionate world. Our team is creative, thoughtful, and innovative. Each member of the team is empowered to make meaningful contributions to achieving our shared goals. Our diverse team is made up of individuals with different skills and backgrounds and every team member is willing to take risks as well as take action to develop and create big ideas for the future of the Reform Movement. While this position focuses on a particular area of work, every team member is a vital part of our overall success.
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking opportunities, our over 850 congregations and 14 residential camps create opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.
Application Process
Apply online and include a one-page cover letter along with your resume, outlining your skills and experience and how you meet the essential functions and qualifications of the position. We look forward to hearing from you!
The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA , and other often underrepresented groups.
Salary : $45,504 - $418,684
