Job Description

Concordia College is fully committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment decisions in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, for all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Director, Human Resources, Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56562, Lorentzsen Hall, Room 150, 218-299-3339. We are committed to providing equal opportunity in the recruitment process for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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 Cook (Any Language) - Concordia Language Villages

Position Type:
Seasonal

Location:
Bemidji

Employment Type:
Seasonal Recreation Exempt

General Employment Period:
Up to 5 months between May - September

Summer Staff Orientation Dates:
SSO 1: June 7-14
SSO 2: July 12-19
SSO 3: July 19-26

Program Dates:
First Half: June 15-July 18
Second Half: July 27-August 22

General Work Schedule (days of week):
Varies; includes days, evenings, and weekends

General Shift Hours:
8-10 hours/day based on program needs

Minimum Salary:
$650/week

Under the direction of the Culinary Arts Manager, Summer Camp Cooks will work together to prepare culturally appropriate food for the villagers and staff. This position will assume full kitchen responsibilities in the absence of the Summer Camp Head Chef and may be asked to assist with all kitchen management duties, including inventory, ordering, and kitchen staff supervision.

Perks:

• Free Meals
• Free Lodging
• Paid, on-the-job training
• Tuition Discount for your child at camp

About Concordia Language Villages:

Named one of Minnesota’s Best Summer Camps by Star Tribune readers for three years in a row, we bring language alive at Concordia Language Villages! In the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota, we create a place that is both culturally authentic and uniquely our own. At the Language Villages, everything from the music played to the dishes used in the dining hall reflects the culture each was designed to represent.

That’s where you come in! Our dedicated staff is essential to creating the unique, immersive experience our participants have come to love. Share your passion for language and culture with the next generation and beyond by joining us at one (or more) of 14 Language Villages.

Position Responsibilities:
(Employees must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation)

1. Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations
   
   1. Prepare culturally appropriate recipes
   2. Assist the Summer Camp Head Chef with menu changes based on program needs
   3. Assist Summer Camp Head Chef with purchasing food supplies as needed following guidelines set by Concordia Language Villages.
   4. Prepare and serve meals with the assistance of the other kitchen staff, ensuring food quality, safety, and timeliness
   5. Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with Minnesota health and safety regulations.
2. Leadership & Supervision
   1. Supervise, mentor and provide feedback to kitchen staff
   2. Assist with kitchen scheduling as needed
   3. Model professional behavior, teamwork, and a positive work environment
3. Professional Skills
   
   1. Follow organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards
   2. Communicate clearly and appropriately with staff and leadership
   3. Manage competing demands and adapt to frequent change typical in a camp environment

Essential Functions of Positions Related to Culinary Arts
Ability to stand, use hands/fingers (dexterity) and lift up to 10 pounds continuously; walk, work in extreme heat, hear and listen, reach with hands and arms and lift up to 25 pounds frequently; sit, stoop, kneel, crouch; work with chemicals, work around noise, work in dirt/dust, work in extreme cold occasionally; operate kitchen equipment safely; determine the cleanliness of dishes, food contact surfaces and kitchen area; comply with Minnesota Food Code in food preparation; maintain appropriate inventory of food and supplies, work with the foods used to prepare our international cuisines without impact upon the worker’s physical health.

General Responsibilities for All 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

• 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).

Position Opening Date:
12/15/2025

Position Closing Date:

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Screening Begins:
1/15/2026

EEO/AA Statement:
Concordia College will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s 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.

Employment Contingencies:
Background Check

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Concordia Language Villages follows a standard hiring timeline each year. Applicants can expect notification by the following dates based on when they apply:
• Returning staff who apply by January 15 will be notified by March 1
• All staff who apply by February 15 will be notified by April 1
• All staff who apply by March 15 will be notified by May 1

All staff must be able to attend their scheduled Summer Staff Orientation Week.
• SSO 1: June 7-14
• SSO 2: July 12-19
• SSO 3: July 19-26

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.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Required Documents
  • None
• Optional Documents
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • List of References
  • Licensure
  • Certification
  • Training
  • Other