Chef

ChefThe Healing Order, Corbett, OregonThe Healing Order is a clinical, spa, and retreat-based practice rooted in classical Chinese medicine, located at the historic View Point Inn in the Columbia River Gorge.

Our work is centered on cultivating an environment that supports genuine healing. Every aspect of the guest experience, including the kitchen, is held to a high standard of intentionality, integrity, and care. The kitchen is not simply a place of food production, but a central expression of our philosophy.

Position OverviewWe are seeking a Chef to lead daily kitchen execution in a low-volume, high-touch retreat environment.

This role is best suited for someone who understands food as a central pillar of health and is deeply aligned with principles of vitality, purity, and non-toxicity. Beyond culinary skill, this position requires a strong knowledge base and personal commitment to minimizing harmful exposures in the kitchen environment.

This includes a working understanding of:

The impact of plastics and food storage materials;The risks associated with non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon and related compounds);Environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors;The evolving realities of organic labeling and sourcing integrity.

Our retreat experience includes educational components around these topics, and it is essential that the kitchen reflects the same level of awareness and integrity.

Meals are simple, precise, and deeply nourishing. Equal attention is given to flavor, timing, presentation, digestibility, and energetic quality, with the understanding that truly healing food must also be deeply satisfying and enjoyable to eat.

Compensation & Schedule$65,000 $69,000 annual salary, based on experience;Full-time, on-site position;Schedule aligned with retreat operations, including weekends;Low daily volume, typically serving 2 10 retreat guests per meal service (plus formal tea service).Core ResponsibilitiesMeal Preparation & ExecutionPrepare daily meals based on an established menu, including congee, soups, stews, vegetables, and thoughtfully prepared proteins;Execute meals with consistency, proper timing, and attention to detail;Maintain a clear distinction between simple staff meals and refined guest meals;Ensure quality across flavor, presentation, nutrition, digestibility, and timing.

Ingredient Integrity & SourcingSource ingredients with a high level of discernment, prioritizing clean, non-toxic, and nutrient-dense foods;Work closely with local farms, CSAs, and trusted suppliers who align with these values;Evaluate sourcing beyond labels, including farming practices and environmental exposure;Maintain strict avoidance of materials and inputs that compromise food quality or safety.

Kitchen Environment & Materials AwarenessMaintain a kitchen environment that minimizes exposure to harmful substances;Avoid the use of plastics, non-stick cookware, and other materials known to introduce toxins into food;Ensure that storage, preparation, and cooking methods support both safety and vitality.

Connection to Land & Seasonal ExpressionIncorporate seasonal ingredients and, where possible, elements from the garden or responsibly wildcrafted sources;Engage with the story of the food, its origin, and its role in the broader healing environment;Support a kitchen that reflects a living connection to place and season.

Kitchen OperationsMaintain a clean, organized, and fully operational kitchen at all times;Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards;Establish and maintain simple, repeatable systems for daily kitchen function.

Inventory & Cost ControlManage ordering, inventory, and storage of ingredients;Maintain strong portion control and minimize waste;Operate with clear awareness of food cost and resource utilization.

Operational OwnershipSupport licensing and regulatory compliance for kitchen operations;Take ownership of kitchen readiness as retreat operations expand;Collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment with overall mission and guest experience.

QualificationsMinimum 5 years of experience in a commercial kitchen;At least 2 years in a leadership or lead role;Strong cooking fundamentals with consistent execution;Demonstrated knowledge or deep interest in food quality, sourcing integrity, and environmental health factors;Highly organized, reliable, and able to work independently;Calm, grounded presence with strong time management.

Preferred:

Experience in retreat, wellness, or low-volume, high-quality environments;Familiarity with traditional or therapeutic food systems;Interest in seasonal cooking, gardening, or wildcrafted ingredients;Personal alignment with food as a foundational component of health and healing.

Benefits (After 90 Days)Health and dental insurance (50% employer-covered);401(k) with 4% employer match;Paid time off and sick leave;Complimentary meals during shifts.

About the RoleThis is not a traditional restaurant position. The kitchen operates at a deliberately low volume, with a focus on nourishment, integrity, and consistency rather than scale or complexity.

The Chef plays a central role in expressing the values of The Healing Order through food, including not only what is prepared, but how it is sourced, handled, and brought into the environment.

To ApplyPlease submit your resume and a brief cover letter to:

Please include a short note describing your experience with ingredient sourcing, kitchen materials, and your perspective on food quality and toxicity in a modern kitchen.