Kitchen Associate

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.

In 1944,
Heifer International
’s founder, Dan West, began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War.

He had seen firsthand that giving people food was a short-term solution, whereas providing them with animals offered a steady supply of nutritious food for an entire family. His philosophy still inspires Heifer International
’s work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, we create unique solutions to local challenges.

Today,
Heifer International has operations in 19 countries around the world, working alongside local farmers, business owners and their communities, as they mobilize and envision their futures. Together, we build inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.

To date, we have supported more than 42 million farming families across Africa, Asia and the Americas and in the past five years alone. We have worked alongside 2.7 million families to close the living income gap or set them on a path to doing so. Between now and 2030, we will support an additional 10 million people to reach a living income by scaling up our signature programs.

To achieve this,
Heifer International relies on its passionate, committed, and highly skilled staff.

The Heifer USA Team believes in holistic farming practices that benefit the planet, consumers, and farmers. The Kitchen Associate will support the daily operations of Heifer Ranch’s food service programs, ensuring meals are prepared, presented & served in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This role contributes to the ranch’s living learning ecosystem by providing high-quality food service that meets the needs of visitors, program participants, and staff, while upholding Heifer’s commitment to health, sustainability, and hospitality.

The Kitchen Associate/Specialist will assist with food preparation, maintaining kitchen and dining areas (clean, sanitize, and remove waste). This role will also support meal service for groups of varying sizes, supporting coordination with other departments for ranch events, educational programs, and guest reservations. The Kitchen Associate will maintain high standards in food preparation, presentation, and kitchen upkeep, playing a key role in creating a positive guest experience and supporting Heifer International’s mission through service that reflects dignity, care, and community.

This role is a part‑time position, averaging between 15‑29 hours as needed.

Mission‑Driven:
Passionate about food systems transformation and regenerative agriculture.

Action‑Oriented:
Proactive in driving projects and solving challenges.

Adaptable & Resilient:
Thrives in dynamic environments and embraces innovative approaches.

Results‑Focused:
Committed to delivering measurable impact in alignment with Heifer USA’s mission.

Resourcefulness:
Thrives in dynamic, hands‑on settings. Finds creative solutions with limited resources and adapts quickly to changing circumstances on the farm and in the classroom.

Lifelong Learner:
Curious and open to new ideas. Embraces feedback, seeks continuous improvement, and models a growth mindset for participants and peers.

• Assist in preparing meals according to menus, recipes, and portion standards for ranch operations, events, and Heifer U.S.A activities
• Prep ingredients including washing, chopping, measuring, and portioning
• Ensure meals are prepared on time and served at the correct temperature
• Set up and maintain serving lines, buffets, and dining areas…