Cook (2654) - Camp Mather Summer 2026 (outside of San Francisco) - SF Recreation & Parks

Company Description

Application Opening: Friday, February 06, 2026

Application Deadline: Apply Immediately. Application filing will be open at least through February 20, 2026 and will close any time thereafter.

Compensation: $38.2500/hour + Room and Board

Appointment Type: This position is a temporary exempt, as-needed appointment. This position is seasonal and will not result in a permanent civil service position. Employees serve at the will of the Appointing Officer.

NOTE: Applicants must complete the supplemental questionnaire found in the Steps to Apply section of this job announcement in addition to submitting an application. Only applicants who submit both an application AND supplemental questionnaire will be considered for participation in the department's selection process.

About Us

Amid a dynamic and ever-evolving urban landscape, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department stewards one of the premier urban park systems in America. In 2017, San Francisco became the first city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city Learn More. Considered by San Franciscans to be one of the City’s most popular and effective public agencies, our Department currently manages more than 230 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced.

More than 2,000 talented individuals are part of our team, from gardeners, foresters, and recreation leaders to park rangers, custodians, electricians, painters and more. Our core mission, as it has been throughout our history, is to provide opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors alike to gather, play, learn, relax, and enjoy nature in the city.

About Camp Mather

Each summer, the Recreation and Park Department operates Camp Mather, a rustic family campground located near Yosemite National Park, about 3 hours east of San Francisco. Each week, approximately 500 campers enjoy a week-long stay filled with a wide range of

recreation activities such as a supervised swimming pool, a scenic lake for water activities, guided hiking excursions, organized recreation programs, and evening campfire entertainment. Guests stay in cozy cabins, and enjoy 3 delicious meals each day, served cafeteria-style with a full salad bar and exceptional service.

Learn more about Camp Mather on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2S_JZ4kKr5I.

Job Description

The 2654 Cook is the journey-level position within the Cook series. The 2654 Cook is distinguished from 2650 Assistant Cook in that the latter performs more routine preparatory kitchen duties, whereas the former performs more difficult and responsible kitchen duties such as menu preparation, supply sourcing, forecasting, and administrative functions.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Plans menus and accommodates special diets;
• Prepares and cooks large variety of foods;
• Orders food and requisitions supplies;
• Directs and participates in cleaning the kitchen area, appliances and utensils;
• Estimates amount of groceries needed;
• Follows instructions and works according to established methods and procedures;
• Maintains records, routine reports, and related duties.

2026 Camp Mather Dates:
April 19, 2026:  Arrival at camp. 
September 25, 2026: Conclusion of camp assignment 

Policies and Expectations of Staff

Employees are expected to follow the policies as described in the Camp Mather 2026 Workplace Policies and Expectations.  Failure to follow these policies may result in termination.

Working Conditions at Camp Mather 

Housing and Meals: during employment, FREE meals and housing is provided to camp employees. Camp staff live in shared housing with up to 1-2 other camp staff.

Nature of work: includes working both indoors and outdoors, exposure to sun and high temperatures, and will regularly encounter bugs and insects