Professional Chef Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? At Arbor Day Farm, you don't just show up to work-you help create experiences rooted in purpose, service, and impact. Life is short, love where you work.
As one of the world's largest conservation organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Through Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge, Tree Adventure, and our historic properties, we bring that mission to life-welcoming guests to experience conservation firsthand.
Join Arbor Day Farm as our Executive Chef and use your creativity, leadership, and culinary expertise to create memorable dining experiences while advancing the Foundation's mission right here in Nebraska City.
Your Support System
You'll report to the Director of Food and Beverage.
You'll lead and develop the culinary team while collaborating with Food and Beverage, Banquets, Sales, Conference Services, Farm Operations, and leaders throughout Arbor Day Farm.
We believe in servant leadership, open communication, and growing talent from within.
How We Work
Location: Nebraska City, Nebraska-Arbor Day Farm Campus
Schedule: This is a full-time leadership position with a schedule that will vary based on business levels and the operational demands of the kitchen. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events is required.
The Executive Chef is also expected to maintain a visible presence throughout the workweek and attend key meetings to build relationships with leaders and stakeholders, support collaboration, and ensure administrative responsibilities are completed accurately and on time.
Our campus is guest-centered and hospitality-driven. Many roles require flexibility to support weddings, conferences, seasonal festivals, and signature events. We work hard, support each other, and believe if we're going to do something-it's worth doing well.
What You'll Do

• Provide visionary culinary leadership focused on creating memorable dining experiences and serving food our guests will remember as the best they have ever had.

• Design restaurant, banquet, catering, and special-event menus that reflect guest preferences, tell the story of Arbor Day Farm, and showcase exceptional flavor, creativity, quality, and presentation.

• Play an integral role in our farm-to-fork initiatives by collaborating with Farm Operations to expand the kitchen garden and thoughtfully incorporate ingredients grown on the property into our culinary offerings.

• Select, train, lead, develop, and inspire a talented culinary team, including managers, while supporting each team member's success, growth, and recognition.

• Model professionalism and superior service for all internal and external guests while maintaining high standards for food quality, sanitation, safety, consistency, and presentation.

• Build meaningful relationships and promote strong communication and collaboration across departments to support the overall success of Arbor Day Farm.

• Seek feedback from guests and team members and take proactive steps to strengthen satisfaction, loyalty, engagement, and advocacy.

• Manage culinary operations with an entrepreneurial mindset, balancing creativity and the guest experience with labor, food costs, budgets, productivity, and other financial goals.

• Adjust your schedule based on business needs and communicate changes related to events outside regular operating hours so the culinary team receives consistent leadership and support.

• Complete departmental planning, scheduling, purchasing, administrative, and reporting responsibilities accurately and on time.

What You'll Bring

• Proven culinary leadership experience, including responsibility for leading and developing managers and culinary team members.

• A passion for hospitality, service, food, and the Arbor Day Foundation's mission.

• The culinary talent to create food with exceptional flavor, creativity, consistency, and presentation.

• Experience developing menus and culinary concepts that respond to guest preferences while creating a distinctive sense of place.

• Strong financial and operational knowledge, including food and labor cost management, purchasing, inventory, budgeting, and performance goals.

• A leadership approach centered on coaching, accountability, recognition, and the success of those you lead.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with a variety of stakeholders.

• Self-motivation, creativity, sound judgment, and an entrepreneurial spirit suited for an independent property.

• The ability to adapt and lead effectively in a fast-paced operation with changing business demands.

• A commitment to high standards-because good enough is not good enough.

What Success Looks Like
Guests enjoy distinctive, memorable food and service that reflect their preferences and the story of Arbor Day Farm.
The culinary team feels supported, developed, recognized, and inspired to deliver its best work.
Menus and culinary experiences are creative, approachable, financially responsible, and consistently executed at a high level.
The kitchen operates safely, efficiently, collaboratively, and in alignment with established financial and service goals.
Love Where You Work: Benefits & Perks
We're in this together. A culture focused on kindness, collaboration, and doing what's right.
We care about your health. Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage paired with wellness incentives.
We invest in your future. Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match.
We care about your mental health. Access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
We will feed you. One complimentary meal per day.
We'll keep you connected. A company laptop and phone will be provided.
We'll round out the experience. Property-wide events and experiences throughout the year.
Exclusive perks. Free access to Tree Adventure, plus discounts on overnight stays, retail, dining at Timbers and Porters, golf, and more.
Paid time off. Full-time team members are eligible for paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, and end-of-year floating holiday hours.
How to Apply
We're excited you're considering growing your career with us at Arbor Day Farm.
After you apply, we aim to follow up within one to two weeks via email from Paycom with next steps.
Our hiring process typically includes:

• A phone conversation with our Recruiter or People Team

• An in-person interview with the hiring manager

• Additional conversations depending on the role

The Arbor Day Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunities. We will not discriminate against team members or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class"), including, but not limited to, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm your authorization to work in the United States.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete your application or participate in the interview process, please contact us at 402-873-8733.