Galley Assistant

FULL SEASON: May 15 - August 29, 2026COMPENSATION: Minimum $15.35/hour, Non-exemptThis is a paid, contracted position without benefits.Employees receive rustic housing for the entirety of their contracted employment. Meals are provided on Hurricane Island when our programmatic season is in session.Wages are commensurate with experience.Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane Island) is seeking a Galley Assistant for the 2026 island season.The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island and operates under the supervision of the Galley Manager/Head Cook. The Galley Assistant helps prepare and serve all daily meals and special events for a multi-aged island community of staff, students, program participants, and visitors. Galley Assistants work collaboratively with the Galley Manager/Head Cook and the Cooks. The successful candidate must reflect Hurricane Island's core mission of leadership and sustainability, through positive energy and enthusiasm for sustainable food practices and systems, including thoughtful food purchasing, meal and event preparation, and waste management (e.g., trash, compost, recycling). Galley Assistants are expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the island and help maintain our collaborative and intentional community. A successful candidate must be well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working environment. Additional responsibilities to those described here may be required, as needed.Responsibilities & Expectations Assist with food preparation and service of three meals a day for an island community of approximately 40-60 people. Support an open and welcoming work environment in the kitchen that is aligned with Hurricane Island's core values and that supports a diverse educational learning community. Work under direction of the Galley Manager/Head Cook and Cook to meet dietary needs at every meal. Follow and enforce Maine Food Code health and sanitation regulations. Assist in solving problems that arise regarding any aspect of foodservice. Maintain kitchen cleanliness, food storage, and overall organization. Help support program participants' involvement in washing dishes and kitchen clean-up. Work with Facilities Staff to keep common areas clean and sanitary. Participate as a full member of Hurricane Island's intentional community, including following and enforcing campus policies and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about Hurricane Island's mission and work, participating in community tasks, performing other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required. Ability to pass a Maine Department of Education background check, including fingerprinting. Essential Qualifications Some experience in food preparation and service. Currently have or be willing to obtain a current Serve Safe certificate. General knowledge of commercial kitchens and required operations. Organized with attention to detail. Self motivated, responsible and able to follow directions. Knowledge of or interest in sustainable food practices and systems. Work well on a team, providing and accepting feedback as appropriate. Able to routinely move, lift, carry, pull or push objects or materials often exceeding 50 lbs. Ability to work in a noisy, energetic environment while remaining welcoming to community members. Ability and willingness to work and live in a remote island community with rustic and off-the-grid accommodations where all staff share living and work spaces. Interest and enthusiasm for working with youth. Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects by working independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Authorized to lawfully work in the United States. Preferred Qualifications Certification in basic CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder. (WFR course is available on Hurricane Island in the spring) Experience working with diverse communities, including racial and ethnic minority groups, English language learners, urban youth, low-income and immigrant communities, LGBTQ individuals, people with special needs, and other groups underrepresented in environmental education. Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership is a transformative learning community on Hurricane Island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Our mission is to integrate science education, applied research, and leadership development through year-round educational programs and a seasonal, environmentally-sustainable island community. Through experiential education programs and research opportunities in STEM disciplines we aim to excite people about doing science and about being leaders in the next wave of scientific discovery and environmental conservation.Required Application Materials:Applications are due on a rolling basis unless otherwise indicated in the specific job description. We will continue to review applications until the position has been filled. Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant experience Resumé or CV, which includes contact information for two references. We want a complete picture of you so don't be afraid to include details that may not pertain directly to this job. Copies of any relevant certifications or training experience. Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Because we are licensed with the State of Maine as a Limited Purpose private school and we work with middle and high school students, we are required to obtain fingerprinted background checks through the Maine Department of Education for all employees.