Paid Culinary Intern, The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary (onsite housing provided)
Summary
Assist in preparing and serving plant-based foods, handle customer orders, and support kitchen operations at a vegan sanctuary with onsite housing provided.
***Accepting Applications Until Filled***
Summary: The Culinary internship program focuses on creating and serving plant-based foods in a beautiful sanctuary. It provides hands-on experience assisting in developing unique specialty foods and menu items, focusing on an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced and growing environment.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with daily food preparation
- Work with the chef and line-cook to complete daily food preparation needs
- Assist with customers from order to completion process
- Share knowledge of menu items with guests
- Basic understanding of menu nutritional information and allergens as provided by the chef
- Utilize digital POS system for order tracking
- Assist with special events
- Adhere to cleaning and organizational protocols and policies in place
- Ensure guest satisfaction and a positive experience with a “Customer First” attitude
- Assist with both live and online classes
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Hands-on experience with vegan food preparation and baking
- Customer service skills development
- Exposure to both back-of-house and front-of-house operations
POS system and kitchen technology experience
- Education opportunities to engage in contemporary vegan issues and topics with FS Team Members
Preferred Qualifications:
- Required - Valid Driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Some experience working with customers in a food-oriented setting
- Essential basic kitchen skills for knife handling and kitchen equipment usage
- An understanding of measurements and quantities to assist in completing recipes
- Experience capturing content and editing for social media platforms
- Point of Sale experience, a plus
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Team focus and an upbeat attitude
- Basic knowledge of kitchen safety protocols
- Willingness to commit to Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom.
- Open to learning about and putting into practice the ideals of equity and social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission
We are looking for the best fit for each of our roles, regardless of the type of education or companies in your background, so we encourage you to apply even if your skills and experiences don’t exactly match the job description.
Essential Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to stand for up to 4 hours at a time and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally with proper technique and support.
- Must have basic manual dexterity for safe food preparation, including knife handling and operating standard kitchen equipment with proper training.
- Must be able to work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures and move safely on potentially wet surfaces.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with team members and guests, including reading recipes, menus, and safety instructions.
Job Specifications:
- Terms of employment: Temporary, Full-time, non-exempt position
- Reports to: Chef, Cafe
Location: Watkins Glen, NY
- Pay: $16.00 per hour
- Accommodations:
- Communal housing on sanctuary premises provided and preferred, but not required.
- Each intern is provided with their own bedroom and a shared bathroom.
- Companion animals are not permitted.
- Benefits:
- Eligibility to participate in Farm Sanctuary’s medical insurance plan starting the first day of the second month of the internship
- Additional Specifications:
- This position requires a commitment from June-November.
- Valid driver’s license preferred.
Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We believe that our prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a strength and essential to achieving our mission. A diverse workforce brings many perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions to our complex issues. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we foster a culture of belonging where innovation and growth can thrive. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farmed animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Any photos or videos taken in the scope of employment and/or related to Farm Sanctuary are considered work product and intellectual property of Farm Sanctuary.
Our Process:
- Stage 1: 30-minute virtual interview with a member of the People and Culture Team
- Stage 2: Virtual Interview with Hiring Manager
- Stage 3: Reference checks
- Stage 4: Job offer
As published by greenhouse
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Location
- Gender Pronouns: choose one
- Are you at least 18 years old? choose one
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States, and do you currently reside in the United States? choose one
- How did you hear about this position? choose one
- Have you worked for or interned at Farm Sanctuary in the past? choose one
- The Culinary internship runs from June to November 2026. Are you able to commit to the full duration of the internship? choose one
- If you responded "no" to the previous question, what are your schedule conflicts? written answer · optional
- How does this internship relate to your professional goals? written answer
- Please briefly explain your personal background and experience with animal rights, veganism, and social justice. written answer
- Please discuss any previous work or volunteer experience that highlights your ability to perform the responsibilities outlined in the job description. written answer
- I certify that I have not knowingly withheld any information that might adversely affect my chances for employment and that the answers given by me are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that omission or misstatement of material fact on this application may be grounds for rejection of this application or for immediate discharge if I am employed, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery. I hereby authorize Farm Sanctuary to thoroughly investigate my references, work record, education and other matters related to my suitability for employment (unless otherwise noted on application) and authorize the references I have listed to disclose to Farm Sanctuary any information related to my work records without giving me prior notice of this disclosure. I release Farm Sanctuary from any claims, demands, or liabilities arising out of or related to this disclosure. I understand that, if offered employment by Farm Sanctuary, my employment will be at-will, meaning either Farm Sanctuary or I can terminate that employment with or without good cause and with or without advance notice and agree that nothing conveyed to me during the application process by Farm Sanctuary has altered this at-will employment relationship. I understand that nothing contained in this application or conveyed in any interview is intended to create an employment contract between me and Farm Sanctuary. choose one