Head Chef

Position Title: Summer Camp Head Chef, Henry S Jacobs Camp

Location: Onsite: Henry S Jacobs Camp (3863 Morrison Road, Utica MS 39175

Department: Henry S. Jacobs Camp

Employment Dates: May 12-July 30, 2025

Salary Range: $22/hour

Organization: URJ

Employment Type: Seasonal, Not Benefits Eligible

The Role

The Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ) Henry S Jacobs Camp seeks seasonal Summer Camp Head Chef to help manage and oversee the preparation and service of all food, and lead a kitchen staff made up of sous chefs, prep cooks, and international staff during the summer season. The mission of the URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp is to provide a high-quality Reform Jewish camping experience to the children of Southern Jewish communities that enriches and enhances their lives spiritually, intellectually, and physically in a safe and friendly family environment. The role of Summer Camp Head Chef is to support the mission and vision of camp by ensuring that all meals served at camp are nutritious and of high-quality while managing the other kitchen staff at camp.

What You Will Do

Summer Camp Head Chef reports to the Assistant Camp Director and is responsible for the following:

Kitchen Management Activities

• Plan, prepare, and serve well-balanced meals for campers and staff, considering dietary restrictions and allergies.
• Follow the summer menus created by Jacobs Camp and inform the Assistant Camp Director if any changes to the menu become necessary.
• Manage kitchen inventory, assist with ordering supplies, and maintain cleanliness and organization.
• Lead and supervise kitchen staff in their roles, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Receive and stock all deliveries.
• Plan and prepare separate meal options for people with special dietary needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards.
• Foster a positive and inclusive dining experience for campers and staff.
• Collaborate with camp leadership to accommodate special events and dietary needs.
• Communicate with the Kitchen Manager to ensure all dining needs are met.
• Prepare the kitchen to be opened the week of May 19, 2025 and close the kitchen after camp ends on July 30, 2025.

Who You Are & Keys to Success (the must-haves):

To be successful in this job, you excel in the following areas:

• Previous experience as a chef or cook in a camp, restaurant, or similar high-volume setting preferred.
• Knowledge of nutrition, dietary restrictions, and meal planning.
• Positive attitude when working in a high-volume kitchen setting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-energy environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the unique needs of a summer camp kitchen.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent is required.

About Us

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 15 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

We look forward to hearing from you! Apply here or learn more at

The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that is committed to creating a diverse environment. 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 and individuals who identify as LGBTQ . 

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Ability to Commute:

• Utica, MS 39175 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Utica, MS 39175: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22