Food and Farming Culinary Apprenticeship

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is seeking a culinary apprentice for summer 2026 in Freeport, ME. The role involves assisting in the Farm Cafe, preparing food, maintaining cleanliness, and participating in farm operations. The apprentice will engage in farm-to-table practices, collaborate with local chefs, and help with educational programs. Candidates should have 2-4 years of culinary experience and strong communication skills.
Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is working to build an ecologically and economically resilient food system in the Northeast through regenerative agriculture. Operating as a nonprofit organization since 1997, and based on a diversified, organic farm of over 600 conserved acres on the coast of Maine, Wolfe’s Neck Center’s works to accelerate food systems change through regenerative farming education, demonstration and training, innovative research, and collaborations. Encompassing a demonstration farm, oceanfront campground, wooded trails, and historic buildings, our vibrant campus serves as a unique hub for education and exploration.

Position Overview

Wolfe’s Neck Center seeks a motivated and creative culinary apprentice to join our Visitor Experience team for summer 2026. The nonprofit operates an organic dairy, six acres of organic no-spray fruit and vegetable production, a selection of small livestock, as well as a 152-site campground. In order to serve the mission of connecting people to the food system, Wolfe’s Neck Center operates a Farm Cafe and utilizes as many farm products as possible. All meat and vegetables come from the farm and staff make cheese on-site with the milk from our dairy.

The culinary apprentice will help with the daily operation of the Farm Cafe and the production of the value-added product line. This experience will demonstrate the real world application of farm to table concepts. In addition, there will be opportunities for collaboration with local chefs and restaurants through Wolfe’s Neck Center’s Farm to Table dinner series. Working with the culinary programs team, the apprentice will help with weekly pop-up dinners that will add a change of pace from the grab and go breakfast routine. The apprentice will have the opportunity to participate in all farm operations including: harvesting vegetables, milking cows, and small livestock care. For two weeks in the summer the culinary team works with the summer camp to teach C.H.E.F. (Cook. Eat. Harvest. Farm.)

Key Responsibilities:
• Preparation of hot and cold Grab-and-Go items for sale out of our Farm Cafe and Farm Store.
• Maintain a clean work environment including shared kitchen, walk-ins, and Cafe.
• Help prepare and execute internal catering events.
• Help prepare and execute weekly pop-up dinners.
• Practice safe food handling.
• Clear communication of mise en place and preparation-needs.
• Cleaning and organization of shared spaces.
• Other preparation work needed for all culinary operations.
• Any other assigned tasks to help in kitchen and Cafe operations.
• Assist in butchery projects as needed.
• Spend time helping the Farm Operations team with associated duties including crop production, livestock chores, etc.
• Participate in meetings and cross departmental projects as requested.

Qualifications
• 2-4 years of culinary experience, preferably in a similar style operation
• Punctual, reliable and self starter
• Basic knife skills
• Ability to work both independently, and follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to work in group settings, and be able to function as part of a team
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and retain new information
• Adaptability and problem solving skills
• Basic familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment and their safe usage

Requirements
• Legally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship)
• Holds a ServeSafe food handler certification or equivalent.
• Ability to work at Wolfe’s Neck Center campus in Freeport, ME
• Candidates must be 21 years of age in order to drive farm vehicles

Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and work in varied physical positions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds repetitively, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and tasks requiring manual dexterity.

Benefits
• Low rent, on-site housing options available
• Competitive pay: $18-20/hr pay depending on experience
• Hands on experience with diverse farm operations
• 25% Staff discount in Farm Store and Farm Cafe
• Culinary Skill development in the following areas:
• Baking and pastry skills
• Whole and half animal butchery
• Catering and event planning
• Menu development
• Canning and Value added production
• Farm to table practices
• Culinary instruction and teaching skills
• Cheese Making

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, Wolfe's Neck Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in the hiring of its employees. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior work experience, and references from previous employers.