Sous Chef

Tonglen Lake Lodge is a small full-service all inclusive lodge looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join our team.  Dinner service features five to seven prix-fixe courses, with a nightly changing menu focused on local and fresh ingredients. The season runs from late May through early September, with approximately one week of training/shut down on either end.  All employee housing costs are covered by Tonglen Lake Lodge in addition to an hourly rate of $18-$25/hr depending on experience plus pooled tips ranging on average from an additional $8-$12/hr.

Tonglen Lake Lodge is located just minutes away from Denali National Park.  It is a seasonally run operation of 13 units, 11 of which are private cabins. The café, restaurant and grounds are open to the public as a space for local artisans, community members, and performers.  Summer 2025 will run from June 1-Sept 8, with training starting on the 23rd of May and closing completed  by the 10th of September. Our Sous Chef works approximately 40 hours a week over five shifts.  Staff includes 15-20 people.

Duties will include:

• Menu planning for evening dinner service (All meals are included in the cost of accommodations for up to 45 lodge guests daily).

• Developing regularly rotating dishes using variably available local ingredients.

• Assisting the Executive Chef with recipe development.

• Assisting with costing of menu items.

• Assisting with ordering supplies, receiving orders and maintaining proper storage.

• Maintaining accurate inventory, with a focus on using fresh and local ingredients above all else, cross-utilization of ingredients, and running down stock during the final portion of the season without sacrificing quality.

• Maintaining the agreed-upon standard of cleanliness, safety, and procedures.

• Improving efficiency in the flow of prep and kitchen set up.

• Occasional guest support, including answering questions about the lodge and the area as well as providing beverages upon request.

Requirements: 

• At least 3 years experience in commercial kitchens.

• Valid & current ServSafe Certificate.

• Ability to stand, squat, reach, and lift up to 50lbs.

• Ability to lead a team and keep a positive atmosphere in the kitchen as well as the dining room.

• Ability to effectively teach others.

• A positive attitude and an interest in contributing talents and energy toward the efforts at Tonglen Lake.

• Ability to be flexible and communicative.

• Interest in being part of a small, close-knit team of seasonal employees.

• Willingness to work flexible hours to support both AM and PM service.

Desired Skills and Experience:

Our ideal candidate has a variety of experience in food & beverage, hospitality management, and familiarity with the operation of a seasonal business.  They also possess an interest in upholding the standards of our restaurant service, as well as  improving our efficiency, quality, and creativity within the confines of the seasonal, remote location.

Compensation:

The hourly wage for the Sous Chef position is $18.30-25/hr. All staff are provided housing and one meal per day as part of their compensation.  The position is also a part of the tip-pool, which has averaged an additional $8-$15/hr.

BONUS: An end of season completion bonus for staying through the duration of the employment contract is paid at $1 per hour for every hour worked over the entire season.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Every staff member will be provided housing at no cost to them.  In addition, Tonglen will provide one staff meal per day, as well as access to kitchen equipment to cook personal meals.  Local companies regularly provide the opportunity to join complimentary tours/excursions for staff of other local businesses.  This includes opportunities such as flightseeing tours of Mt. Denali, rafting trips down the Nenana river, ATV tours, horseback riding and more.

TIPS: Our high end clientele at Tonglen Lake tend to be very generous and Summer 2024 had our staff earning an additional $8-$12/hr in gratuity.  Tips are pooled and split between ALL staff members by hours worked per pay period.

Overtime is available on occasion when pre-approved by your manager.  Payroll is run every two weeks.

If you are interested in joining our team in remote Alaska for a seasonal summer position, please apply!  We offer a unique and wonderful way to spend the summer season.

Note: Though personal transportation is definitely not a requirement (we have a vehicle available for staff to borrow depending on availability) we find our staff that have their own vehicles seem to have more experiences in Denali and around Alaska.  This is fully a personal preference!