Contemplative Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Enso Village
Enso Village is a Zen-inspired community with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, sustainability and contemplative life and care for adults 60+. Enso Village is a collaborative endeavor between the Kendal Corporation—an esteemed, nationally recognized leader in senior living guided by the Quaker values of its founders—and the San Francisco Zen Center, one of the first Zen Buddhist organizations in the US, founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

As America’s first and only Zen-inspired senior living community, Enso Village is a workplace like no other place you have ever worked. Here, our staff and residents engage fully and form close and meaningful relationships. We seek to uphold our professionalism and our humanity in equal measure. We listen with open minds and hearts. We learn something meaningful from every person and every experience. Sustaining others is what sustains us.

The Role

The Cook at Enso Village plays a vital role in providing nutritious, delicious, and well-balanced meals for our residents and staff. You will prepare and serve a variety of meals in accordance with dietary guidelines and preferences, ensuring quality, presentation, and consistency. The ideal candidate will have experience in a commercial kitchen environment, a passion for food, and a commitment to creating an exceptional dining experience in a vibrant, community-focused setting.

Position Duties:

• Prepare all dining room foods (hot and cold) in accordance with high culinary standards and specifications.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of food products, sanitation standards, and kitchen policies/procedures, and apply appropriate culinary techniques.
• Follow menu recipes and instructions from the Executive Chef to ensure meal orders are prepared accurately and served in designated areas.
• Portion food based on production schedules and recipe guidelines, while adhering to safe food handling practices and critical control temperatures.
• Operate all kitchen equipment safely and correctly; ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and utensils during and after each shift.
• Consistently follow all kitchen policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required to support kitchen operations.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 to 2 years of experience in a restaurant or foodservice environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary degree or certificate in Culinary Arts is preferred.
• ServSafe certification is preferred.
• Food Handler Certification is required, or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends and holidays, as needed
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required to effectively communicate with team members, follow instructions, and ensure safety in the workplace.

Physical Requirements:

The following physical demands are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Must be able to stand and walk for up to 90% of the workday.
• Ability to stoop, bend, and stretch frequently, particularly in small or tight spaces.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and hold up to 60 pounds.
• May be exposed to extreme temperatures from ovens, stoves, and freezers.

As a responsible and safety-conscious organization, we are committed to maintaining a secure and drug-free work environment. To ensure the well-being of our team members and uphold our values, we require candidates to undergo a background check and drug testing as part of our selection process.

Compensation and Benefits:

Enso Village is committed to equal pay and transparency. The salary range for this position is $24.00 -$27.00 per hour. This salary range provided as a general guideline and compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, external non-profit market data, and business considerations.

We provide team members with a supportive and inclusive work environment focused on health and well-being. Full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on your first day of employment.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for the future.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
• Healthy Meals: Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development within the organization.

We value applicants of all different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. If you think you could excel in this role (regardless of whether you meet all of the qualifications), we encourage you to apply. Enso Village is an equal opportunity employer which means that we consider applicants for hire and make employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who request an accommodation.