Cook & House Manager

Field Engine is hiring a Seasonal Cook & House Manager to support a field crew during a two-and-a-half-month deployment from 15 August to 31 October 2026. This role's objective is to support a field team including: preparing healthy, balanced dinners seven days a week, stocking and managing the kitchen, organizing and prepping field lunches, and keeping shared spaces clean, organized, and running smoothly. Secondary responsibilities include errands, supply runs, and assisting with transportation as necessary. This is a defined short-term W-2 seasonal employee position with set start and end dates. It is well suited to candidates between contracts, in transition, or looking for a defined seasonal commitment with housing and meals provided. Participation in this role will position the candidate for consideration on subsequent deployment opportunities across the U.S. and internationally. You will support a field crew of approximately 8 biologists at a central operations site in California with a kitchen and other typical rental house facilities. The location is not isolated. A small town is nearby for shopping, supplies, and errands. Housing and meals are provided on-site as part of the position at no cost to the employee, and a work-related vehicle is provided throughout the deployment. Living on-site is offered for convenience and is not a condition of employment; a candidate who prefers to live locally in the nearby town can do so. The primary focus of the role is meal and shared space management: preparing healthy, balanced meals and ensuring an evening meal and transportable lunches are available every day of the week, and keeping the kitchen stocked so the field team can manage their own breakfast. You will manage the food budget, run grocery and supply trips to town, and maintain the kitchen. Secondary to food, you will support general house and operations site management, including errands, laundry logistics, and keeping shared spaces organized and running smoothly. One day off per week is provided and can flex around field schedules and supply runs.

WHO YOU ARE

This role suits someone who is self-directed, organized, and comfortable running service operations independently with limited supervision. You enjoy meal planning and preparation for a hungry, hardworking field team and take pride in keeping a kitchen and shared spaces clean and welcoming. You are a steady, low-drama presence who understands that a well-run base station is what allows efficient field work to happen. Strong communication is essential. You will coordinate daily with the project lead on schedule changes and supply timing. For candidates with higher energy and capacity, there may be opportunity for basic field support (i.e., assisting with equipment prep, gear logistics, or light support tasks in the field). This is not a core expectation of the role but is available to those interested and capable.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience cooking for groups of 6 or more, in an unconventional camp, lodge, retreat center, ranch, field research, or similar setting Comfort accommodating common dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and food allergies Strong meal planning, grocery shopping, and food budget management skills Valid U.S. driver's license and acceptable driving record; comfortable driving a small truck or SUV for supply runs Legally authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship provided Willingness to complete a pre-employment background check and motor vehicle records check Ability to live and work harmoniously with a small field crew for the duration of the deployment Self-directed, organized, and able to anticipate site needs without close supervision Food handler's card (California requires within 30 days of hire; required before handling food for the crew) Physical ability to stand for extended periods, carry groceries and supplies up to 40 lbs, and manage kitchen workload Willingness to commit to the full two-and-a-half-month deployment, August 15 through October 31, 2026 PREFERRED

QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience supporting wildlife or field research crews Basic trailer towing experience Basic first aid and CPR certification Experience operating radio communication devices Interest in additional seasonal deployments on future Field Engine projects

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE

This is a seasonal W-2 employee position running August 15 through October 31, 2026.

Classification:

Short-term W-2 seasonal employee, non-exempt

Pay:

$32.00 per hour (negotiable for the right candidate), with overtime paid in accordance with California law Scheduled hours: 10 hours per day, 6 days per week (approximately 60 scheduled hours/week, including overtime per California daily and weekly overtime rules)

Schedule:

6 days on, 1 day off per week, with flexibility around field schedules and supply runs Housing and meals: private room, shared bathroom, and all meals provided on-site at no cost to the employee. Living on-site is offered for convenience and is not a condition of employment Company vehicle: a Field Engine vehicle is provided for work-related errands, supply runs, and travel between the operations site and town Paid sick leave: 24 hours (3 days) of paid sick leave provided up front at the start of the deployment, in accordance with California paid sick leave law Workers' compensation: provided as required by California law

Travel:

round-trip travel to and from the field site is covered