Island Chefs

The deadline to apply for this job has passed.

Organization

Shoals Marine Laboratory

Job Posted

December 17, 2025

Job status

Job Category

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Email

matthew.norwood@unh.edu

Deadline to Apply

Location

Appledore Island
Kittery, ME
United States
Spend your summer supporting students and participants 6-miles off the coast of Maine cooking hearty, from scratch meals for our community of 100 participants and staff. Great opportunity to expand your skill set and creativity, working with local food whenever possible, while spending your down time immersed in a remote, off grid, scientific community.

Summary

Be part of our hard-working, dedicated, passionate community this summer on Appledore Island. Live and work on a 100-acre island off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. Work closely with researchers, undergraduate and high school students, faculty, artists, marine scientists, long-time Shoalers, volunteers, and enthusiastic members of the public. Staff live and work on the island five nights a week and have the option to enjoy days off on the island or on the mainland with access to a staff apartment. 

Head & Sous Chefs- These positions oversee the operations of the SML kitchen on Appledore Island, leading the planning and preparation of 20+ meals per week for up to 100 residents and visitors. Responsibilities include menu planning, purchasing, and ensuring meals are made primarily from scratch using local ingredients when possible. The roles involve supervising and scheduling kitchen staff, student workers, and volunteers while maintaining relationships with food suppliers, all with an emphasis on sustainability and food waste reduction.  

Cooks (Chef & Assistant Chef)- These positions involve assisting in meal preparation and kitchen operations at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island, ensuring up to 100 residents and visitors receive quality food. Responsibilities include cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, food storage, and maintaining a safe and sanitary kitchen environment. A strong focus on sustainability and minimizing food waste is essential.  

Learn more about each position, and how to apply on our website. 

Compensation Information

Head Chef: April 20-September 13, 2026, $1,400/week

Sous Chef: May 4-September 13, 2026, $1,250/week

Chef (cook): May 4-September 6, 2026, $25/hour, 40 hours a week with occasional overtime 

Assistant Chef (cook): May 4-September 6, 2026, $23/hour, 40 hours a week with occasional overtime