If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@cord.edu or 218-299-3339, or visit the
Human Resources Home Page.
Position Details
Position Title:
Summer Camp Chef (Any Language)
Location:
Bemidji, Minnesota
Employment Type:
Seasonal Recreation Exempt, Temporary, Full-time
General Employment Period:
Varies: May - September
General Work Schedule:
Varies; includes days, evenings, and weekends
General Shift Hours:
8-10 hours/day based on program needs
Minimum Salary:
$1000/week
Position Opening Date:
11/6/2026
Screening Begins:
12/1/2026
Position Closing Date:
Open Until Filled? Yes
Why Concordia Language Villages?
At Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, your work contributes to something bigger. Every role plays a part in creating immersive experiences that inspire curiosity, build connections across cultures, and prepare people to engage thoughtfully with the world.
Here, you'll join a collaborative community where your contributions are valued, and your work can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants.
About the Role
Position Overview
As a Summer Camp Head Chef at Concordia Language Villages, you'll lead a collaborative Culinary Arts team in creating authentic international dining experiences that bring language and culture to life. Working alongside Village leadership, you'll oversee daily kitchen operations, develop culturally appropriate menus, manage food purchasing and preparation, and supervise and mentor kitchen staff. This is a unique opportunity to combine your culinary expertise and leadership skills while sharing the traditions and flavors of cultures around the world with a vibrant summer camp community.
What You'll Do
- Research and prepare culturally appropriate ethnic recipes
- Plan menus in conjunction with the dean one week in advance of a planned meal
- Budget and purchase food supplies as needed in accordance with guidelines set by Concordia Language Villages
- Prepare and serve meals with the assistance of the other kitchen staff
- Schedule, supervise, mentor and provide feedback to kitchen staff
- Uphold and enforce sanitary requirements in the kitchen in keeping with state regulations for health and safety.
- Record menus, recipes, and kitchen policies: report challenges and suggestions at the end of the employment period
- Approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments
- Adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
- Follow policies and procedures; complete projects and tasks correctly and on time; support organizations goals and values
- Communication
- Communicate effectively and appropriately; use good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished; speak in clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience; listen to others and allow them to make their point
You'll Thrive Here if You:
• Enjoy working collaboratively and building positive relationships with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Are adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic, community-oriented environment.
• Take pride in contributing to a welcoming, supportive, and engaging experience for others.
• Bring enthusiasm, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
• Find meaning in helping others explore languages, cultures, and new perspectives.
Essential Functions of Positions Related to Culinary Arts
Click here to view the essential functions that apply to all CLV Culinary Arts positions.
- Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely
- Ability to determine the cleanliness of dishes, food contact surfaces, and kitchen area
- Must be able to comply with Minnesota Food Code in food preparation
- Must be able to maintain appropriate inventory of food and supplies
- Must be able to work with the foods uses to prepare our international cuisines without impact on the worker's physical health
- Ability to stand and walk
- Ability to sit, stoop, kneel, and crouch
- Ability to use hands/fingers (dexterity) and lift up to 10 pounds continuously
- Ability to reach with hands and arms and lift up to 25 pounds frequently
- Ability to hear and listen
- Ability to work with chemicals
- Ability to work around noise
- Ability to work in dirt/dust
- Ability to work in extreme heat
- Ability to work in extreme cold occasionally
Provision of essential functions helps assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
General Responsibilities for All Positions
Click here to view the general responsibilities that apply to all CLV positions.
- Be familiar with and abide by specific policies set forth in the "Personnel Policies," which are designated by Concordia Language Villages administration and individual Village deans.
- Read and become familiar with the responsibilities for your specific area of assignment.
- After receiving your Staff Handbook and other material, read all the information carefully and thoroughly before arriving at the Village.
- Report to orientation prior to your first session as designated by your staff agreement.
- Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
- Speak the target language with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
- Live in community living arrangements, assigned according to gender; nearly all positions include living and sleeping in a cabin or other housing unit with villagers (participants) of the same gender; positions that do not include living with villagers do include living with other staff members of the same gender.
- Be prepared to use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender; shower and toilet stalls are private but situated within common bathroom areas shared with other staff and villagers.
- Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to the health and welfare of the villagers.
- Remain one day after your final session for cleanup, inventory, and evaluation of the program.
- Be at least 16 years of age to be considered for a staff position.
- Be at least 18 years of age to be considered for a staff position if you are not a United States citizen.
Essential Functions of All Positions
Click here to view the essential functions that apply to all CLV positions.
- Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities specifically in the busy, noisy, communal environment that is the Village.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and manage your own needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
- Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups in respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Provision of essential functions helps assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Qualifications
What We're Looking For
We're looking for skilled, organized, and adaptable culinary professionals who are passionate about food, leadership, and cultural exploration. Successful candidates bring strong kitchen management skills, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to guide and support a diverse team in a fast-paced environment. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy planning and preparing meals, mentoring others, solving problems, and creating memorable dining experiences that connect people through food and culture.
Required Education & Experience
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Interest in cooking and preparing culturally appropriate food
- Culinary-related major or minor, or equivalent experience
- Experience with planning menus and ordering food and supplies
- Knowledge of sanitation practices and procedures
Preferred Education & Experience
- Experience with quantity cooking at a camp, resort or public or private institution
- Oral proficiency in the target language
- Previous Concordia Language Villages or camping experienceble
Required Skills and Abilities
Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:
- Willingness to learn and grow in culinary and leadership skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Exhibits maturity & good judgment
- Demonstrate adaptability in changing situations
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse environmentable
Seasonal Perks
Seasonal employment at Concordia Language Villages offers opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and build meaningful connections with people from around the world.
Depending on the position, seasonal employment may include:
- Housing provided during residential employment.
- Meals provided during residential employment.
- Paid training and orientation.
- Applicable tuition discounts for children attending Concordia Language Villages.
- Opportunities for professional development, intercultural learning, and language immersion.
What to Submit with Your Application
Complete the online application to be considered for this position. We encourage you to share details about your experience, skills, and interests to help our hiring teams get to know you and understand what you could bring to the team. You are also welcome to include a resume, cover letter, or other supporting materials that highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.
Additional Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants will be asked to provide contact information for at least two professional references before an offer of employment is made. References are not required at the time of initial application.
Employment Contingencies
Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check. Culinary Arts positions are not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates who already hold independent authorization to work in the United States are welcome to apply; however, Concordia College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States to be considered.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Concordia College does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status. The College is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to the Office of Human Resources, Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56562, 218-299-3339.