About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Hog Island Kitchen Assistant works in coordination with the kitchen staff of Hog Island that also includes a Head Chef, Sous Chef, and the help of a group of devoted Friends of Hog Island (FOHI) volunteers. The kitchen team provides 3 meals a day for up to 80 people during the course of the 6-day, 5-night camp sessions. A commercial-grade kitchen is part of the dining building known as “The Bridge.”

Under direction from the Head or Sous Chef, the Kitchen Assistant will assist with food preparation and clean up including cleaning equipment, cold storage, and pantry spaces. S/He/They will assist in acquiring, transporting, and inventorying orders from farms and distributors, including transport to island by boat. S/He/They will work closely with a team of dedicated FOHI volunteers who will be aiding the kitchen team. The kitchen team will have to abide by standard health and safety protocols, and the Kitchen Assistant will be responsible to abide by these protocols.

The Kitchen Assistant is required to live in housing on Hog Island in order to perform the functions of this position. Audubon will provide the Kitchen Assistant with a room with shared bath. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, and the day revolves around meal planning and service that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a six-day/ five-night program schedule. This is a seasonal role. Weekend work is required. Some weeks will not include a full schedule, and full hours may not be expected all weeks.

** Preferred candidates will be available from May 11 to October 2, 2026 **

• Length of Assignment: May 11, 2026 – October 2, 2026

• Hours: 40 per week

This role is on-site at the Seabird Institute in Bremen, ME.

Compensation:

$19.00 - $20.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Assist with food preparation, cooking, and kitchen assignments.

• Assist with local acquisition of food and supplies, including pickups from local farms and ferrying groceries across from the mainland.

• Interface with kitchen volunteers as necessary to ensure safe and efficient task completion.

• Conduct inventories of food stocks in the kitchen.

• Help maintain a clean and healthy working environment, including regular and deep cleaning of kitchen equipment and spaces.

• Assist with managing kitchen waste streams including trash, recycling, returnables, and compost.

• Regular wipe downs and cleaning in accordance with health and safety protocols.

• Assist in implementing waste reduction measures throughout the kitchen, including managing inventories of prepared food.

• Help to serve and present the kitchen’s sustainability and service mission to diners on a regular basis.

• Participate in weekly meetings with the Hog Island staff

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

• Other job duties as given.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Undergraduate or recent graduate in culinary arts, conservation, or related discipline with experience or interest in culinary arts/and or hospitality is desirable; experience at a residential nature camp is desirable.

• Preferred candidate will be able remain stationary for extended periods and be able to maneuver at least 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day,

• Able to traverse uneven terrain for up to 2 miles at a time with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Sense of humor, strong work ethic, and flexibility are of paramount importance to this position.

• Prior professional food service or cooking experience, solid knife skills, as well as baking experience and/or interest in baking, strongly preferred.

• Must be able to pass a federal background check.

• Must hold valid Driver’s License.

• Current Serve safe and/or TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) training card is a plus.

• Sincere interest in birds and environmental issues is encouraged but not required.

• Interest in farm-to-table/slow food movement is greatly appreciated.

• Experience with or desire to learn use of small motor or row boats required.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Accommodations:

• Living onsite is a requirement for employment.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.