Chef Instructor, Culinary Experiences

Sprung from the site of a fallow tree nursery, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection is a 140-acre retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley, just 90 minutes from New York City. Anchored by its namesake farm with orchards, heirloom gardens, and animals, the retreat offers immersive seasonal experiences like foraging walks, cooking workshops, and healing sessions. A three-mile walking trail links 65 stand-alone cabins, cottages, and suites with the Movement Studio and Maplehouse, a lofty barn home to a dynamic cooking school.

At Wildflower Farms, food is a connection to the land, the seasons, and the people who cultivate it. We are seeking a talented, engaging Culinary Educator & Chef to bring that connection to life through memorable, hands-on culinary experiences.

Part chef, part teacher, and part storyteller, this individual will lead our guest-facing culinary programming, from intimate cooking classes in the Maplehouse to informal tastings, demonstrations, and seasonal experiences throughout the property.

The ideal candidate combines strong professional culinary skills with a natural ability to teach, entertain, and connect with people. They are as comfortable engaging a small group of curious beginners as they are working alongside our farmers and culinary team to develop a new seasonal experience.

This is a unique opportunity for a chef who finds as much satisfaction in sharing the craft of cooking as in practicing it.

Culinary Education & Guest Engagement

Seasonal Programming & Creative Development

- Develop and continually refresh a calendar of culinary experiences inspired by the changing seasons, farm harvests, and regional food traditions.
- Collaborate closely with the Head Farmer to incorporate ingredients grown and harvested at Wildflower Farms into guest programming.
- Partner with the Experiences and Culinary teams to conceive innovative classes, tastings, workshops, and special events.
- Build relationships with local farmers, artisans, and specialty producers to introduce guests to the flavors and traditions of the Hudson Valley.
- Identify opportunities to make culinary discovery an organic part of the guest experience throughout the property.

Guest Experience & Personalization

- Serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable culinary ambassador for Wildflower Farms.
- Collaborate with the Culinary and Experiences teams to create thoughtful culinary touches for VIP guests, celebrations, and special occasions.
- Help bring the property's farm-to-table philosophy to life through spontaneous, authentic guest interactions.

Program Operations

- Oversee preparation, ingredient sourcing, equipment, and setup for culinary classes and activations.
- Manage ingredient ordering and inventory while maintaining quality and controlling costs.
- Coordinate with the Experiences team on scheduling, guest requests, and program execution.
- Maintain exceptional standards of food safety, cleanliness, presentation, and organization.

Pay Rate: $70,000 + Commission

Responsibilities

Lead approximately five hands-on culinary classes per week, creating experiences that are engaging, accessible, educational, and memorable.; Host approximately five complimentary culinary activations weekly, including demonstrations, tastings, and informal culinary encounters.; Create a welcoming, interactive atmosphere that encourages guests of varying skill levels to participate, ask questions, and discover something new.; Share the stories behind ingredients, techniques, culinary traditions, and the Hudson Valley's agricultural heritage.; Design and host private culinary experiences for couples, families, and groups, tailoring the format to their interests and skill levels.

Requirements

Strong professional culinary background, ideally at the Sous Chef level or equivalent, with experience in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or another quality-driven culinary environment.; A genuine enthusiasm for teaching, storytelling, and sharing culinary knowledge.; Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.