Relief Head Chef - Shoals Marine Lab

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is a renowned R1 Carnegie classification research institution located in Durham, New Hampshire. With a sprawling 188-acre campus situated 60 miles north of Boston and just 8 miles from the Atlantic coast, UNH offers a vibrant academic environment with rich access to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. Established as a comprehensive university, it provides high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs across 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate fields. The university serves approximately 13,000 students with a dedicated full-time faculty of more than 600, promoting a dynamic and inclusive learning atmosphere enriched by diverse perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds. The University System of New Hampshire emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting mutual respect and shared inquiry amongst all community members.

Within this prestigious academic framework, the Shoals Marine Laboratory kitchen on Appledore Island plays a vital role in supporting the island’s seasonal educational programs. The laboratory is situated on Appledore Island in the Isles of Shoals, Maine, and operates seasonally from May through September. It serves students, faculty, visitors, and staff within a close-knit, sustainable island community dedicated to marine science research and education. This unique environment requires all staff to work collaboratively and contribute beyond their immediate roles to maintain the sustainability and safety of the community and the facilities. Room and board are provided for island staff, who participate fully in upholding a safe, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere for all residents and visitors.

The position of Shoals Marine Laboratory Kitchen Supervisor is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operations on Appledore Island. This position includes managing the preparation and planning of over 20 meals per week for up to 100 residents and additional groups of visitors. The kitchen supervisor leads meal production primarily from scratch, emphasizing the use of local producers, farms, and fishers to provide hearty, healthy, and well-balanced meals. Sustainability and food waste reduction are core priorities alongside menu planning, budgeting, purchasing, and compliance with health and safety regulations. The successful candidate supervises a small core team of kitchen staff, student workers, and volunteers, ensuring a respectful and professional work environment.

Beyond culinary duties, this role involves maintaining food storage, kitchen cleanliness, and operating within Maine Department of Health regulations, FDA HACCP, and Serve Safe guidelines. The supervisor ensures exemplary customer service and transparent communication with the island community regarding food sourcing. A notable requirement includes availability for emergency response, serving as a crew member on commercial vessels, and occasionally operating small boats. The position demands excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a physically demanding, isolated environment. The role offers compensation ranging from $75 to $100 per meal scheduled, varying by experience, and highlights the enriching experience of living and working remotely in an educational marine setting. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about sustainable cooking practices, community engagement, and marine science education support.