Chazd's (Charles Dowdell's) News Burps

Sous Chef – Field Camps (2008-2009)

Raytheon Polar Services

Seeking a unique adventure as well as employment? How would you like to be one of the few people on the planet to have the opportunity to live and work in Antarctica? Raytheon Polar Services is the primary contractor for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) U.S. Antarctic Program. We are currently looking for a Sous Chef to deploy to field camps outside of McMurdo Antarctic research station on a contract basis from approximately October 2008 to February 2009.

We are looking for Primary and Alternate employees to fill all contract positions. The Primary is first in line for the position. The Alternate is next in line to deploy should the Primary be unable to meet deployment requirements.

If you like to live on the edge and are interested in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – go to www.RayJobs.com and apply today.

Responsibilities:

Produce high quality meals, in accordance with fluctuating population; maintain clean and sanitary work areas, equipment and tools in a professional manner; assist others as necessary. Could be only cook at field camp with limited cooking facilities.

Monitor water level in kitchen. Assist in facilitation of keeping snow continually supplied to snow melter or stock pot for water production. Monitor condition and stock of food at outside food storage locations, shovel excess snow, as needed.

Coordinate with Chef (if present) on weekly food-pulls from cargo line and freezer cave. Prepare alternate menu items if the population’s consumption exceeds production of a primary menu item. Honors requests for late arrivals via plated food held in warmers or by keeping the service line open.

Prepare weekly menu and confirm availability of ingredients. Keep track of inventory and inform Chef of low supply, maintaining awareness of length of time field camp remains open. Able to follow standardized recipes, as well as develop high-volume recipes as needed.

Responsible for all aspects of safety and sanitation in the kitchen, including proper instruction and monitoring of equipment usage and safety procedures, timely cleaning of all equipment and proper organization of dry storage and refrigerated areas.

Ensure camp personnel and scientists are sufficiently instructed on cleaning duties and adequately supplied with cleaning items.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED SKILLS: High School Diploma or Equivalent is required. Valid Driver’s License is required. Five years cooking experience and menu planning is required, (not including convenience or fast-food), if working at a field camp as the only cook. Minimum of 4 years relevant cooking and menu planning experience is required, if working under supervision of chef.

DESIRED SKILLS: A graduate of a culinary arts program or apprenticeship program to provide production of broad range menus is preferred. Demonstrated ability to work in remote and isolated environments is preferred. Preference given to those who have cooked in field camp settings. Previous cold weather camping is recommended.

Additional Polar Information:

All contract positions include competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. For the time you are in Antarctica compensation also includes travel to and from the ice, room & board, and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus upon successful completion of your contract. FYI – Only authorized personnel are allowed on station and you need to remain on station for the duration of your contract except in case of emergency. Check out our website at http://rpsc.raytheon.com. All applicants must be able to prov! ide proof of U.S. or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency once employment is offered and pass strict physical, dental, and psychological (for winter-over positions) examinations in order to qualify for deployment. Offers of employment are also contingent upon ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action. All employees must also comply with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedure.

Raytheon is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status, or any other protected factor.