Sous Chef/Kitchen Support

Organization Description

Ananda Ashram in Monroe, New York is a yoga retreat and spiritual-educational center just over one hour from New York City, founded in 1964 by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati (then Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D.) as the country center of the Yoga Society of New York, Inc.

Located on 90 acres in the Hudson Highlands, the Ashram provides a serene, natural environment with woods and meadows surrounding a lake. Accommodations are simple and meals are vegetarian.

We offer daily meditation programs with Yoga-Vedanta studies, chanting and readings, and daily yoga and Sanskrit classes, plus classical Indian dance and music instruction and a variety of weekend workshops and special events. The Ashram welcomes guests from all origins, faiths and cultural backgrounds.

Ananda Ashram is also the location of the International Schools of East-West Unity (Gurukula), Inc., established by the Founder in 1992. The workshops and courses offered throughout the year cover the various aspects of Yoga, the creative arts and natural health, and East-West cultural performances highlight summer weekends and special celebrations. Guest teachers and artists from a variety of traditions are regular contributors. The Ashram philosophy is nonsectarian with an emphasis placed on Self-awareness and meditation.

The Ashram kitchen and newly upgraded 65 seat dining hall serve vegetarian and vegan meals daily to guests and residents. Throughout the season, demand increases during retreats, festivals, and holidays. Our aim at the Ashram kitchen is to provide wholesome, from-scratch food that deeply nourishes and increases the vitality of those we serve. We have a large vegetable and herb garden that supplies the kitchen with greens, herbs, flowers, and some vegetables. We make ferments, dry herbs for teas and cooking, and aim to work more and more with the local landscape and surrounding farms.

Job description

Sous Chef/Kitchen Support (2 positions)

Dining Hall & Corner Café

Ananda Ashram is seeking Sous Chefs / Kitchen Support staff members to assist in the preparation of nourishing and healthful vegetarian and vegan meals for our residential and retreat community. At Ananda Kitchen, our focus is on utilizing wholesome ingredients and locally sourced, organically grown seasonal produce. An interest or experience in producing fermented foods and drinks, including sourdough bread is a plus. We are looking for candidates who are open minded and compassionate with a service-oriented attitude and an interest in spiritual practice and community living.

Time Commitment 30 hours/week

Meal Service Schedule

Meal service operates daily, in approximately 3-hour shifts and currently covers:

7 lunches

2 dinners (Friday and Saturday)

2 breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday)

Additional shifts will be required during retreats, holidays, and special events.

Compensation

$600/month stipend plus room and board or $16/hr for off-site living

Responsibilities

Sous Chefs / Kitchen Support staff members will assist with food preparation, meal service, and kitchen operations. The role supports Lead Chefs during scheduled meal shifts and helps ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and compliant with sanitation standards.

Kitchen responsibilities include prep work, service assistance, daily cleaning, and maintenance of the small dining room adjoining the kitchen, where complimentary basic foods are offered, self-serve.

Incentives & Benefits

• Participation in a shared incentive pool funded by 10% of Dining Hall meal revenue
• Access to daily meditation programs, yoga classes, and special events at Ananda Ashram
• Immersion in a well-established spiritual community focused on service and mindful living
• Opportunity to work in a contemplative, health-driven kitchen environment

All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Baking skills are a plus. Experience working in a spiritual community kitchen is a plus.

Please email your resume and a brief letter of interest to anandaashramkitchen@gmail.com. Rolling start date. Apply Now!

Participation in daily meditation and yoga programming, including Sanskrit classes and concerts

Access to 90 acres of meadow, forest, gardens, and lakes

On site private room and board with vegetarian meals provided

Become a part of a well-established spiritual community

English