Caldera
UPDATES: Hiring for 2026!
Hiring:
Assistant Cook
Position Title: Assistant Cook
Supervisor: Camp Manager
Full Time: Typical days are 8 hours in length, with sessions that make for up to 10 straight days of work without a full day off. Each staff member will have at least 1 night off per session.
Work Location: Sisters, OR
Compensation:
● Salary/Rate of Pay: $120/day, with 1% increase for each year of experience working at Camp Caldera (not to exceed 7%)
● Training Rate: $50-117/day depending on whether meals are prepared
● Room and board provided during days with programming; room only during non-programming days. A light dinner will be provided on staff arrival days. Brunch is served on the last day of each session.
Position Description:
At Caldera, the kitchen staff is a very important part of the Caldera Community and is welcome to participate in daily program activities when kitchen duties are complete. Lead Cook, Assistant Cook, and up to five Kitchen Assistants maintain Caldera’s kitchen. Kitchen staff prepare meals that are healthy, delicious, and appealing to both youth and adults (roughly 100-120 each meal). The Assistant Cook supports the Lead Cook in food preparation and training Kitchen Assistants as well as maintaining a friendly, sanitary kitchen and dining space. The Assistant Cook oversees the kitchen when the Lead Cook is not present and assists in ensuring that Caldera meals make it out on time and clean up happens in an orderly fashion.. This position provides support to the Head Chef on budget management (approximately $25,000), staff oversight, and scheduling for Kitchen Assistants. This position begins before youth and staff arrive.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
MEAL SERVICE (70% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Oversee meal preparation under guidance of the Lead Cook providing abundant meals on a tight budget; follow serving guidelines while being sensitive to youth who may be familiar with the concept of scarcity and feelings of hunger
● As directed by Lead Cook, assist with supervision and training of kitchen staff
● Follow meal schedule determined by Lead Cook and Camp Manager
● Support Lead Cook with administrative duties as needed
● Share dishwashing and cleaning duties
● Work with Lead Cook to accommodate dietary restrictions of youth and staff.
KITCHEN MANAGEMENT (20% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Maintain a clean, healthy work environment
● Work with Camp Manager to address key personnel or student issues
● Oversee kitchen set up and take down at the start and end of camp
CAMP SUPPORT (10% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Alert supervisor to relevant camper issues
● Promote program understanding and involvement through Caldera’s goals and agreements, participation agreement, and responsibility process
● Actively participate in all aspects of camp life including: camper orientation, community meetings, evening activities, campfire, free time, etc.
● Model appropriate camper behavior at all times
● Perform duties with consistency and integrity
● Set and respect personal boundaries while acting as mentors, guides, and allies to campers
● Oversee health and safety of charges in fire drills and emergency procedures
● Maintain cleanliness of living and common areas and help with clean-up at the end of each session
Required Qualifications:
● Minimum two years experience managing a kitchen, including: staff, food inventory, budgets, and menus
● Current Oregon Food Handler’s Permit required (must attach copy)
● Prior experience in food service, nutrition, and/or youth programming is desirable
● Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular and long hours. Additionally, you must have the ability to deal with limited cell and internet service and daily exposure to outdoor factors such as sun, heat, bugs, bats, snakes, etc.
● Prior experience in nutrition, and/or youth programming
● Supervisory experience
● Familiarity with anti-oppression frameworks and experience working with diverse staff and youth
Job Requirements:
● Serve as mandatory reporter, working with Youth Impact Manager to report instances or suspicion of child abuse. Caldera has a zero tolerance policy around child abuse, and any negligence will result in immediate dismissal
● Requires on-site living in shared staff quarters
● Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on campus, even in personal living quarters.
● Must be physically able to move around 116 acres of camp property with varied terrain
● Must have visual, perceptual, and cognitive ability to recognize and respond quickly to health and safety concerns of students and appropriately re-direct any behavior that is misaligned with Caldera agreements
● Employees must carry out their duties regardless of inclement weather, which can include but is not limited to, heat, rain, wind, cold, and smoky or dusty conditions.
● Moments of quiet and non-activity are few and spread out
● Creating a cohesive staff environment round the clock can be challenging. It is crucial that staff see youth and adults through a strengths-based lens and prioritize creating the best possible youth experience at all times, despite what challenges may arise at the staff level
● Physical Demands (which can include bending, stooping, hiking, climbing and stretching) are: 5% Sitting, 45% Standing, 20% Walking, 30% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling Pounds 5 -80 lbs.
Kitchen Assistant
Position Title: Kitchen Assistant
Supervisor: Lead Cook and Camp Manager
FULL TIME Typical days are 8+ hours in length, with sessions that make for up to 10 straightdays of work without a full day off. Each staff member will have at least 1 night off persession.
Work Location: Sisters, OR
Compensation:
● Salary/Rate of Pay: $105/day, with 1% increase for each year of experience working at Camp Caldera (not to exceed 7%)
● Training Salary/Rate of Pay: $75-105/day (depending on whether meals are prepared)
● Room and board provided during days with programming; room only duringnon-programming days. A light dinner will be provided on staff arrival days. Brunch isserved on the last day of each session.
Position Description:
At Caldera, the kitchen staff is a very important part of the community and is welcome to participate in daily program activities when kitchen duties are complete. The Lead Cook,Assistant Cook, and five Kitchen Assistants maintain Caldera’s kitchen and prepare meals that are healthy, delicious, and appealing to both youth and adults (roughly 100-120 per session). Kitchen Assistants are responsible for meal preparation and maintaining a friendly, sanitary kitchen and dining space. This position begins before youth and staff arrive.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
MEAL SERVICE (80% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● As directed by Lead Cook, prepare meals, providing abundance on a tight budget.
● Perform kitchen prep, kitchen and dining area cleaning, and dishwashing duties.
● Ensure that there are enough dishes and utensils for each meal.
● Work with Lead Cook and Assistant Cook in adhering to dietary restrictions of youth and summer staff.
KITCHEN MANAGEMENT (10% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Follow serving guidelines while being sensitive to youth who may be familiar with the concept of scarcity and feelings of hunger
● Assist with set up and take down of kitchens
● Follow meal schedule determined by Lead Cook and Camp Manager.
● Unloading and organizing the kitchen on food delivery days.
CAMP SUPPORT (10% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Alert supervisor to relevant camper issues
● Promote program understanding and involvement through Caldera’s goals and agreements, participation agreement, and responsibility process
● Actively participate in all aspects of camp life including: camper orientation, community meetings, evening activities, campfire, free time, etc.
● Model appropriate camper behavior at all times
● Perform duties with consistency and integrity
● Set and respect personal boundaries while acting as mentors, guides, and allies to campers
● Oversee health and safety of charges in fire drills and emergency procedures
● Maintain cleanliness of living and common areas and help with clean-up at the end of each session
Required Qualifications:
● Current Oregon Food Handler’s Permit required (please attach)
● Prior experience in food service, nutrition and/or youth programming is desirable
● Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular and long hours. Additionally, you must have the ability to deal with limited cell and internet service and daily exposure to outdoor factors such as sun, heat, bugs, bats, snakes, etc.
Job Requirements:
● Serve as mandatory reporter, working with Youth Impact Manager to report instances or suspicion of child abuse. Caldera has a zero tolerance policy around child abuse, and any negligence will result in immediate dismissal
● Requires on-site living in shared staff quarters
● Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on campus, even in personal living quarters.
● Must be physically able to move around 116 acres of camp property with varied terrain
● Must have visual, perceptual, and cognitive ability to recognize and respond quickly to health
● and safety concerns of students and appropriately re-direct any behavior that is misaligned with Caldera agreements
● Employees must carry out their duties regardless of inclement weather, which can include but is not limited to, heat, rain, wind, cold, and smoky or dusty conditions.
● Moments of quiet and non-activity are few and spread out
● Creating a cohesive staff environment round the clock can be challenging. It is crucial that staff see youth and adults through a strengths-based lens and prioritize creating the best possible youth experience at all times, despite what challenges may arise at the staff level
● Physical Demands (which can include bending, stooping, hiking, climbing and stretching) are: 5% Sitting, 45% Standing, 20% Walking, 30% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling Pounds 5 -80 lbs.
Lead Cook
Position Title: Lead Cook
Supervisor: Head Chef and Camp Manager
Full Time: Typical days are 8 hours in length, with sessions that make for up to 10 straight days of work without a full day off. Each staff member will have at least 1 night off per session.
Work Location: Sisters, OR
Compensation:
Salary/Rate of Pay: $150/day, with 1% increase for each year of experience working at Camp Caldera (not to exceed 7%)
● Training Rate: $75-150/day depending on whether meals are prepared
● Room and board provided during days with programming; room only during non-programming days. A light dinner will be provided on staff arrival days. Brunch is served on the last day of each session.
Position Description:
At Caldera, the kitchen staff is a very important part of the Caldera Community and is welcome to participate in daily program activities when kitchen duties are complete. Lead Cook, Assistant Cook, and up to five Kitchen Assistants maintain Caldera’s kitchen. Kitchen staff prepare meals that are healthy, delicious, and appealing to both youth and adults (roughly 100-120 each meal). The Lead Cook oversees all aspects of meal service including menu planning and ordering, food preparation and kitchen maintenance that adheres to industry safety standards, and management of kitchen staff. This person exercises strong leadership in scheduling, training, and supervising the kitchen team.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
MEAL SERVICE (80% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Oversee all aspects of meal preparation, providing abundant meals on a tight budget; follow serving guidelines while being sensitive to youth who may be familiar with the concept of scarcity and feelings of hunger
● Lead supervision, scheduling, and training of kitchen staff
● Follow meal schedule determined by Camp Manager
● Maintain a clean, healthy work environment
KITCHEN MANAGEMENT (10% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Oversee inventory and ordering of all food service items
● Support Camp Manager with kitchen-related administrative duties as needed
● Oversee and share dishwashing and cleaning duties
CAMP SUPPORT (10% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Alert supervisor to relevant camper issues
● Promote program understanding and involvement through Caldera’s goals and agreements, participation agreement, and responsibility process
● Actively participate in all aspects of camp life including: camper orientation, community meetings, evening activities, campfire, free time, etc.
● Model appropriate camper behavior at all times
● Perform duties with consistency and integrity
● Set and respect personal boundaries while acting as mentors, guides, and allies to campers
● Oversee health and safety of charges in fire drills and emergency procedures
● Maintain cleanliness of living and common areas and help with clean-up at the end of each session
Required Qualifications:
● Minimum two years experience working in a kitchen including food inventory, budgeting, and menu planning
● Current Oregon Food Handler’s Permit required (must attach copy)
● Ability to set appropriate boundaries in a proactive and positive manner
● Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular and long hours. Additionally, you must have the ability to deal with limited cell and internet service and daily exposure to outdoor factors such as sun, heat, bugs, bats, snakes, etc.
● Prior experience in nutrition, and/or youth programming
● Supervisory experience
● Familiarity with anti-oppression frameworks and experience working with diverse staff and youth
Job Requirements:
● Serve as mandatory reporter, working with Youth Impact Manager to report instances or suspicion of child abuse. Caldera has a zero tolerance policy around child abuse, and any negligence will result in immediate dismissal
● Requires on-site living in shared staff quarters
● Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on campus, even in personal living quarters.
● Must be physically able to move around 116 acres of camp property with varied terrain
● Must have visual, perceptual, and cognitive ability to recognize and respond quickly to health and safety concerns of students and appropriately re-direct any behavior that is misaligned with Caldera agreements
● Employees must carry out their duties regardless of inclement weather, which can include but is not limited to, heat, rain, wind, cold, and smoky or dusty conditions.
● Moments of quiet and non-activity are few and spread out
● Creating a cohesive staff environment round the clock can be challenging. It is crucial that staff see youth and adults through a strengths-based lens and prioritize creating the best possible youth experience at all times, despite what challenges may arise at the staff level
● Physical Demands (which can include bending, stooping, hiking, climbing and stretching) are: 5% Sitting, 45% Standing, 20% Walking, 30% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling Pounds 5 -80 lbs.
Camp Caldera Lifeguard/Evening Activities Coordinator
Position Title: Camp Caldera Lifeguard/Evening Activities Coordinator
Supervisor: Adventure Team Supervisor
FULL TIME: Typical days are 8+ hours in length, with sessions that make for up to 10 straight days of work without a full day off. Each staff member will have at least 1 night off per session.
Work Location: Sisters, OR
Compensation:
Salary/Rate of Pay: $109/day with current certification, $99/day if certification is needed, with 1% increase for each year of experience working at Camp Caldera (not to exceed 7%)
● Training Salary/Rate of Pay: $75/day.
● Room and board provided during days with programming; room only during non-programming days. A light dinner will be provided on staff arrival days. Brunch is served on the last day of each session.
Position Description:
This position will be a part of Camp Caldera’s Adventure Team. The Lifeguard & Activity Assistant oversees planning and delivery of waterfront activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to campers’ age and abilities. They will provide management to the physical operation of the waterfront’s facilities and equipment. The Lifeguard & Activity Assistant also supports set up, organization, and facilitation of other camp activities such as games and campfires.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Waterfront Program Leadership & Safety Management (70% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Evaluate aquatic abilities of campers and staff on first day of session
● Plan, deliver, and oversee creative swimming and watercraft program activities
● Train staff in appropriate waterfront rules and responsibilities
● Set up waterfront area prior to and during staff training
● Teach and monitor proper use of equipment
● Maintain organization and safety of marina supplies and equipment such as boats, life jackets, and water toys
● Survey waterfront area daily and keep the area free of hazards and debris
Operational Coordination (20% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Collaborate with staff to coordinate, set up, and/or lead evening activities
● Alert supervisor to relevant camper issues
● Conduct initial and end-of-season inventory and store equipment for safety
● Provide additional lifeguard support during classroom water activities.
● Work with Art Center staff to drive motorboat on lake to provide lifeguard support
● Conduct a daily check of equipment for safety, cleanliness, and repair. Work with Camp Manager to submit necessary work orders
Camp Support (10% OF TIME DEDICATED)
● Alert supervisor to relevant camper issues
● Promote program understanding and involvement through Caldera’s goals and agreements, participation agreement, and responsibility process
● Actively participate in all aspects of camp life including: camper orientation, community meetings, evening activities, campfire, free time, etc.
● Model appropriate camper behavior at all times
● Perform duties with consistency and integrity
● Set and respect personal boundaries while acting as mentors, guides, and allies to campers
● Oversee health and safety of charges in fire drills and emergency procedures
● Maintain cleanliness of living and common areas and help with clean-up at the end of each session
Required Qualifications:
● Current Lifeguard and First Aid/CPR Certification required (attach copy)
● At least 1 year of experience working with middle and/or high school youth
● Ability to operate a small, motorized rescue boat
● Ability to understand our racially diverse student population’s perspective, either through lived experience, previous qualifications, or work experience
● Ability to navigate through potentially triggering and challenging conversations and situations while maintaining focus on the wellbeing of youth
● Familiarity with culturally responsive and anti-oppression frameworks and experience working with racially and ethnically diverse staff and youth
● Strong organizational and time management skills
● Ability to set appropriate boundaries in a proactive and positive manner
● Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular and long hours. Additionally, you must have the ability to deal with limited cell and internet service and daily exposure to outdoor factors such as sun, heat, bugs, bats, snakes, etc.
Job Requirements:
● Serve as mandatory reporter, working with Youth Impact Manager to report instances or suspicion of child abuse. Caldera has a zero tolerance policy around child abuse, and any negligence will result in immediate dismissal
● Requires on-site living in shared staff quarters
● Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on campus, even in personal living quarters.
● Must be physically able to move around 116 acres of camp property with varied terrain
● Must have visual, perceptual, and cognitive ability to recognize and respond quickly to health and safety concerns of students and appropriately re-direct any behavior that is misaligned with Caldera agreements
● Employees must carry out their duties regardless of inclement weather, which can include but is not limited to, heat, rain, wind, cold, and smoky or dusty conditions.
● Moments of quiet and non-activity are few and spread out
● Creating a cohesive staff environment round the clock can be challenging. It is crucial that staff see youth and adults through a strengths-based lens and prioritize creating the best possible youth experience at all times, despite what challenges may arise at the staff level
● Physical Demands (which can include bending, stooping, hiking, climbing and stretching) are: 5% Sitting, 45% Standing, 20% Walking, 30% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling Pounds 5 -80 lbs.
Additional Information About Caldera
At Caldera, we believe in the power of creativity. Our mission is to inspire and support youth from underserved rural and urban communities by awakening the potential of their creative voice. We do this through a unique fusion of art, environment and mentorship. Our Youth Program provides students from Portland and Central Oregon with long-term relationships with caring adults, which nurtures individual creativity, beginning in sixth grade and continuing into young adulthood. Caldera has a $5M budget, a 18-member board, 21 full-time year-round employees, and a range of seasonally contracted artists and staff. Its administrative office is located in Portland, Oregon, and its Arts Center is located outside of Sisters in Central Oregon.