Cafe Associate

Title: Café Associate

Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J.

Reports to: Executive Chef and Culinary Program Lead

Status: Full time, non-exempt

How to Apply: Clickhere to apply. Please submit a résumé. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND

Located in Hillsborough Township, N.J., Duke Farms is a center for applied conservation and sustainability that restores nature and ecosystems, demonstrates equitable climate transition strategies and engages leaders and visitors with the wonder of nature to spark change. Our wide-ranging sustainability efforts include the operation of a 1,000-acre park and associated infrastructure supporting over 150,000 public visitors a year.

Duke Farms is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future by investing in artists and the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai'i.

DDF's activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)

POSITION

The Café Associate (Cook) supports the daily food preparation and service for the Duke Farms café and assists with event catering under the direction of the Executive Chef. This is an early-career culinary role focused on hands-on cooking, learning professional kitchen skills and supporting a mission-driven food program rooted in sustainability and farm-to-fork values.

The role is primarily responsible for preparing menu items, maintaining kitchen cleanliness and safety, and supporting efficient food service during café hours and select events. The Café Associate also plays a key public-facing role, delivering warm, attentive and inclusive customer service to ensure every guest feels welcomed and valued. This position executes established food menus for the café and events, and collaborates closely with the Executive Chef and other Duke Farms staff, vendors and guests to ensure a high-quality culinary experience.

YOUR IMPACT AT DDF

As the Café Associate (Cook) at Duke Farms, you will:

• Deliver a mission-aligned culinary experience rooted in sustainability and quality.
• Prepare fresh, thoughtfully crafted menu items that reflect Duke Farms' farm-to-fork values and commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Contribute to a welcoming café and event experience that enhances each guest's connection to Duke Farms and the Doris Duke Foundation's mission.
• Strengthen operational excellence and responsible stewardship in the kitchen.
• Uphold the highest standards of food safety, sanitation and inventory management to ensure integrity, efficiency and minimal waste.
• Support accurate transactions and thoughtful inventory practices that protect foundation resources and promote sustainability.
• Advance a collaborative and inclusive kitchen culture.
• Partner closely with the Executive Chef and Duke Farms team members to ensure seamless service and shared accountability for outcomes.
• Foster a respectful, professional environment grounded in continuous learning, openness to feedback and collective excellence.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience in an early-career culinary position or a candidate with foundational cooking skills required. Formal culinary training a plus.
• A knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices are required.
• Passion about sustainable food systems, farm-to-fork cooking and Duke Farms' mission of conservation and supporting sustainable, local, seasonal eating.
• Experience in customer service, preferably in a café or restaurant environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with visitors and team members.
• Experience with inventory management.
• Experience with Square front-end and back-end systems and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting.
• Understanding of the demands…