Sous Chef Shoals Marine Lab

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is a prestigious R1 Carnegie classification research institution known for providing comprehensive and high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. Located in Durham, New Hampshire, the campus spans 188 acres and is situated conveniently 60 miles north of Boston and just 8 miles from the Atlantic coast. With a student enrollment of approximately 13,000 and a full-time faculty exceeding 600 members, UNH offers a diverse range of 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The university actively champions a dynamic learning environment that promotes diversity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect, encouraging individuals of varying perspectives and life experiences to pursue their academic and professional objectives in a collaborative atmosphere.

One of UNH’s notable educational resources is the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML), a residential teaching facility located on Appledore Island in the Isles of Shoals, Maine. Open seasonally from May through September, SML supports students, faculty, visitors, and staff, creating a close-knit, sustainable community focused on marine sciences and environmental stewardship. The island serves as a unique and immersive learning environment, combining rigorous academic programming with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community collaboration.

The position available at the Shoals Marine Laboratory is a supervisory kitchen role that reports directly to the Head Chef. This role is integral to the successful operation of the SML kitchen, providing oversight and leadership to a small core team of kitchen employees, student workers, and occasional volunteers. The individual in this role will actively assist in, and at times lead, the planning and preparation of more than 20 meals per week, serving up to 100 residents and day visitors. A key aspect of the position is the commitment to preparing meals from scratch, utilizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to produce hearty, healthy, and well-balanced meals.

This supervisory role requires hands-on involvement in all aspects of kitchen operations, including meal planning for regular service as well as special events, food procurement and transportation, kitchen maintenance, and ensuring cleanliness and food safety compliance at all times. Sustainability and the reduction of food waste are emphasized throughout the role, aligning with the broader environmental values of the SML and UNH communities.

In the absence of the Head Chef, this position assumes full responsibility for kitchen operations, underscoring the importance of leadership and decision-making skills. Additionally, the individual will foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors alike. An important part of this role is providing exemplary customer service and contributing actively to initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Due to the unique and remote setting of Appledore Island, the position also requires availability for emergency responses while on duty. The supervisor will serve as a crew member on commercial vessels and operate small boats as part of their responsibilities, contributing to the smooth logistical operations necessary on the island. The role demands flexibility, a strong team spirit, and readiness to perform tasks beyond the kitchen to support the island community as needed.

This is a seasonal opportunity with a compensation pay rate of $1,250 per week, including room and board on the island. The University of New Hampshire values a diverse workforce and is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment. The position is subject to pre-employment background checks, drug testing, and compliance with relevant state laws regarding child safety due to the educational nature of the facility. Employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while embracing the unique experience of living and working in a remote, tightly-knit academic community.