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Wilderness Lodge Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Second Cook

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for assisting the Executive Chef with the preparation and service of high-quality meals for guests and staff at Katmai Wilderness Lodge. Works as part of a small two-person ...

Second Cook

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for assisting the Executive Chef with the preparation and service of high-quality meals for guests and staff at Katmai Wilderness Lodge. Works as part of a small two-person ...

Wilderness Lodge Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do wilderness lodge chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness lodge chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a wilderness lodge chef do?

A Wilderness Lodge Chef is responsible for preparing meals in remote or natural settings, often for guests at lodges or resorts located in wilderness areas. They plan menus, source ingredients—sometimes locally or seasonally—and cook a variety of dishes to accommodate different dietary needs. In addition to cooking, they may manage kitchen staff, ensure food safety standards, and adapt to unique challenges such as limited resources or equipment. Their work often requires creativity, flexibility, and a passion for both cooking and the outdoors.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a wilderness lodge chef?

To thrive as a Wilderness Lodge Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, menu planning skills, and relevant culinary certifications or training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and inventory management systems is essential. Creativity, adaptability, and excellent time management are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality meals in remote settings, often with limited resources and changing guest needs.

What unique challenges might a wilderness lodge chef face compared to chefs in urban restaurants?

As a Wilderness Lodge Chef, you may encounter challenges such as limited access to fresh ingredients, adapting menus based on seasonal availability, and working with minimal staff or equipment in remote settings. Flexibility and creativity are essential to manage supply logistics and to consistently provide high-quality meals for guests. Additionally, you’ll often collaborate closely with other lodge staff, contributing to a team-oriented and community-focused work environment.

What is the difference between Wilderness Lodge Chef vs Resort Chef?

AspectWilderness Lodge ChefResort Chef
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingFood safety certifications, culinary training
Work EnvironmentRemote, outdoor, rustic lodge settingLuxury or large-scale hotel kitchens
Industry UsageHospitality, outdoor resorts, national parksHospitality, resorts, hotel chains
Common Search IntentCooking in outdoor or rustic settingsCooking in luxury hotel environments

The Wilderness Lodge Chef specializes in preparing meals in outdoor, rustic lodge settings, often requiring outdoor cooking skills and adaptability to remote environments. In contrast, the Resort Chef typically works in luxury hotel kitchens, focusing on high-volume, upscale dining. Both roles require culinary certifications, but their work environments and customer expectations differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Lodge Chef jobs?

For Wilderness Lodge Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Second Cook

Kodiak, AK • On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Executive Chef with the preparation and service of meals.

  • Help with food preparation for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and other meal services, following recipes and standards.

  • Wash dishes, clean kitchen areas, and assist with food storage, organization, and inventory management.


Job description

SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting the Executive Chef with the preparation and service of high-quality meals for guests and staff at Katmai Wilderness Lodge. Works as part of a small two-person kitchen team and assists with breakfast preparation and service, food prep, cleaning, dishwashing, organization, sanitation and food storage. Must have a commitment to quality and service, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and take direction. This position will regularly interact with lodge guests and must be personable, professional, and comfortable engaging with high-end clientele.

This position also provides a unique opportunity to work closely alongside and learn directly from an experienced Executive Chef in a small, two-person kitchen environment. The Second Cook will receive significant one-on-one exposure to professional cooking techniques, menu execution, food preparation, presentation, and the operation of a high-end lodge kitchen.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Works closely with and under the direction of the Executive Chef in the preparation and service of meals.

·         Responsible for assisting with and independently preparing breakfast as assigned by the Executive Chef.

·         Assists with food preparation for lunch, dinner, appetizers, desserts, and other meal services as needed.

·         Follows recipes, preparation methods, portion standards, presentation standards, and directions provided by the Executive Chef.

·         Provides friendly, professional, and attentive service when interacting with lodge guests.

·         Contributes to the welcoming and personalized atmosphere expected at a high-end lodge.

·         Works directly alongside the Executive Chef and takes an active role in learning professional cooking techniques, menu execution, presentation, and kitchen operations.

·         Will have certification in Safe Food handling procedures and exercise those procedures in the keeping of lodge kitchen and food storage areas.

·         Will pay close attention to personal sanitation and always have a clean and professional appearance to guests and other staff.

·         Will wash dishes including serving and cooking dishes, utensils, glassware, and kitchen equipment.

·         Assists with receiving, storing, labeling, rotating, organizing, inventory, and stocking of food and kitchen supplies.

·         Must be willing to learn new skills, cooking techniques, recipes, and responsibilities.

·         Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have regular supervisory responsibilities. The Second Cook will work under the direction of the Executive Chef and may be required to independently manage breakfast service, food preparation, or other kitchen responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·         Safe Food handling certification, or ability to obtain certification.

·         Basic cooking and food preparation skills.

·         Ability to prepare breakfast service with limited supervision after training.

Requirements

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

·         Previous culinary, restaurant, catering, lodge, or food-service experience preferred.

·         Must be personable, outgoing, and comfortable interacting with high-end clientele.

·         Professional demeanor appropriate for a luxury guest-service environment.

·         Dependable, punctual, flexible, and willing to assist with cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing.

·         Strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to take direction.

·         Must be eager to learn and take advantage of the opportunity to work closely and receive one-on-one instructions from the Executive Chef.

·         Excellent organization and communication skills.

·         High school diploma or GED preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE 

Temporary seasonal position, will be required to work overtime hours to complete assignments and/or projects. May require flexible work schedule.

TRAVEL

Employee must arrange travel to Kodiak, Alaska. Transportation to the lodge will be coordinated from Kodiak. A seasonal travel stipend may be provided.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·         Must be able to see, hear and verbally communicate with regular frequency.

·         Must be able to walk and/or stand on hard surfaces for extended periods of time.

·         Must be able to kneel, bend and twist at the waist with regular frequency.

·         Must be able to reach at, above and below shoulder height with regular frequency.

·         Must be able to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds with regular frequency.

·         Must be able to maintain balance and maneuver in crowded space with regular frequency.

·         Must possess sufficient fine and gross motor skills to operate equipment with regular frequency.

·         Employee must be able to work in varying conditions for long hours.

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It is Ouzinkie Native Corporation and subsidiaries’ business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment is varied in its requirements with long periods of standing, kneeling, both cold and hot climates that are characteristic of remote lodge operations. Work can be performed in adverse conditions including high humidity, heat, cold, high wind, rain, and various local conditions.

Benefits

Compliance:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply on the company website,  https://apply.workable.com/ouzinkie/
We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Preference will be given to Ouzinkie Shareholders, Descendants of Shareholders and Spouses of Shareholders in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2000e - 2(i).

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