Part-Time Cook Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center | North Bend, WA $30 hour, 3-hour shift minimum | Part-time | Variable schedule Tucked in the forest at the base of Mt. Si, Rainbow Lodge is a nonprofit retreat center that creates opportunities for guests to experience spiritual, personal, and professional growth in a peaceful and natural environment. We host groups ranging from approximately 20-65 guests who come from throughout the region and across the country. Hospitality is at the heart of what we do. We want our guests to feel genuinely cared for, welcomed, and at home—and we believe that starts with how we treat one another as a staff. We are a small, close-knit team that values kindness, communication, professionalism, flexibility, and a willingness to work together. We are seeking an experienced, dependable Part-Time Cook to join our Food Services team. This position is best suited for someone who is comfortable working independently in a commercial kitchen, can confidently prepare meals for groups, understands dietary restrictions, and enjoys working within an established menu and kitchen system. What We're Looking For Professionalism, Reliability & Teamwork Be dependable and arrive on time for all scheduled shifts. Because one cook is often responsible for an entire guest meal, consistent attendance is essential. Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with the Food Services Director and other members of the Lodge staff. Work collaboratively with other cooks so that meals, prep work, food storage, and kitchen responsibilities transition smoothly from one shift to another. Be comfortable receiving direction and feedback while also possessing the experience and judgment necessary to work independently. Maintain a calm, professional approach in a busy kitchen environment. Contribute to a workplace culture that is welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable. Interact warmly and professionally with guests when answering questions or responding to meal-related needs. Cooking & Meal Service Independently prepare and serve high-quality meals for groups of approximately 20-65 guests. Follow Rainbow Lodge's established menus, recipes, portion guidelines, and food-service procedures. Prepare straightforward, wholesome meals consistently and well. Our meals generally emphasize well-prepared proteins, grains or potatoes, vegetables, soups, salads, breads, and similar retreat-style meals rather than complicated restaurant-style cuisine. Be comfortable cooking primarily from scratch and using ingredients thoughtfully and cost-effectively. Understand batch cooking, portioning, timing, and preparation for group food service. Ensure meals are ready and served on time. Adjust preparation appropriately based on group size while minimizing unnecessary food waste. Use leftovers according to established kitchen procedures rather than creating unplanned menu substitutions. Dietary Restrictions Dietary accommodations are an important part of our food service program. The Cook must be comfortable preparing meals for guests with common dietary restrictions and preferences, including: Gluten-free Dairy-free Vegetarian Vegan Food allergies Other group-specific dietary requirements The Cook is responsible for carefully reviewing dietary information, following instructions, preventing cross-contact when necessary, and ensuring that every guest has an appropriate meal. Experience preparing food for groups with multiple dietary restrictions is strongly preferred. Kitchen Operations Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and professional kitchen throughout each shift. Leave the kitchen organized and ready for the next cook or staff member. Properly label, date, store, freeze, and rotate food. Follow established procedures for leftovers and food storage. Clean work areas, cookware, equipment, and surfaces used during food preparation. Communicate clearly about remaining food, prep completed, items needed, or concerns that the next cook should know. Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries when needed. Follow Washington State food-safety requirements and Rainbow Lodge kitchen procedures.

Experience & Qualifications Required:

Previous professional cooking experience in a commercial, institutional, catering, retreat, camp, senior-living, school, healthcare, or similar kitchen environment. Demonstrated ability to independently prepare meals for groups. Working knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, cooking techniques, food safety, and food storage. Ability to follow recipes, menus, written instructions, and established procedures. Ability to manage multiple components of a meal so they are completed and served together on time. Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Reliable transportation. Current Washington State Food Worker Card, or willingness to obtain one before beginning work.

Especially helpful experience includes:

Institutional or high-volume cooking. Catering or banquet cooking. Preparing meals for guests with multiple dietary restrictions. Cooking from standardized menus and recipes. Working independently as the primary cook for a meal service. Formal culinary-school training is welcome but not required. Relevant professional kitchen experience, good judgment, reliability, and the ability to execute meals independently are more important to us than credentials. Training New cooks will receive orientation and training from the Food Services Director before being expected to independently manage meals.

Training will include:

Rainbow Lodge's kitchen systems and equipment Standard menus and recipes Portion expectations Dietary procedures Food storage and leftover procedures Meal timing and guest-service expectations Our goal is to provide clear systems and expectations so that experienced cooks can quickly become comfortable working independently. Scheduling Rainbow Lodge operates differently from a traditional restaurant, and our schedule changes based on retreat bookings. Most groups stay for several days at a time, which means cooking shifts frequently occur Thursday through Sunday , although weekday work is also available. We are particularly interested in applicants who have consistent recurring availability , such as specific mornings, weekdays, evenings, or weekends that they can reliably commit to. Typical cooking shifts are approximately 3-6 hours , depending on the meal, group size, and amount of preparation required. This position may include breakfast, lunch, or dinner shifts. Applicants who are able to work multiple meals or consecutive days during busy retreat periods are especially valuable. Our busiest seasons are generally spring through fall, with fewer hours available during the winter. Because of this seasonal schedule, this position can work particularly well for someone who has another job or source of income and is looking for dependable supplemental cooking work. Compensation & Benefits $30 per hour Meals provided during scheduled shifts. Staff may take home available leftovers A beautiful workplace surrounded by forest at the base of Mt. Si. A small team where your contribution directly affects the experience of our guests. More Than Just a Cooking Job Rainbow Lodge exists to provide a place where people can gather, connect, learn, reflect, and grow. The kitchen is an important part of that experience. Guests remember being welcomed with a warm, healthy meal, having their dietary needs taken seriously, and feeling cared for throughout their stay. We are looking for someone who takes pride in preparing good food, enjoys working independently while being part of a team, and understands that consistency, reliability, and hospitality matter just as much as culinary creativity. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

From $30.00 per hour Expected hours: 3.0 - 15.0 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid time off Paid training Application Question(s): Have you independently prepared and served a complete meal for 20 or more people in a professional setting?

Experience:

Cooking:

1 year (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

North Bend, WA 98045 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person