Line Cook
Cook Where the Forest Meets the Sea – Bar Harbor, Maine
Imagine finishing your shift and walking straight into a pine forest, with the Atlantic Ocean sparkling just minutes away. At Kampgrounds of America’s Terramor Outdoor Resort, you won’t just work in a kitchen – you’ll be part of one of America’s most unique glamping destinations, right on the doorstep of Acadia National Park. If you love food, adventure and meeting people from all over the world, this is the Work & Travel USA summer you’ll be telling stories about for years.
About the Position
As a Line Cook, you’ll be at the heart of the resort’s dining experience, preparing fresh, seasonal dishes for guests who come from across the United States and beyond. You’ll work alongside experienced American chefs who are happy to teach – perfect if you want to level up your culinary skills and your English at the same time.
Your Day-to-Day Duties
- Preparing ingredients (chopping, portioning, marinating) and setting up your station before service
- Cooking menu items on the grill, sauté and fryer stations to the chef’s standards
- Plating dishes attractively and ensuring consistent quality and portion sizes
- Following food safety, sanitation and HACCP standards at all times
- Keeping your station, equipment and walk-in coolers clean and organized
- Assisting with deliveries, stock rotation and inventory checks
- Communicating clearly with servers and kitchen teammates during busy service
Job Details
- Employer: Kampgrounds of America – Terramor Outdoor Resort
- Position: Line Cook
- Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
- Industry: Hospitality / Food & Beverage
- Pay: $17.00 per hour
- Hours: approx. 36 hours per week
- Season: Summer to Fall
- Tips: Not applicable for this role
Why Bar Harbor, Maine?
Bar Harbor is the classic New England coastal town – colorful shops, lobster shacks, sailboats in the harbour and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking ocean views. On your days off you can:
- Watch the first sunrise in the USA from the summit of Cadillac Mountain
- Hike, bike and kayak in Acadia National Park
- Try a real Maine lobster roll and famous blueberry pie
- Go whale watching or explore the Bar Harbor Shore Path
- Take weekend trips to Portland or even Boston
Autumn is the magic bonus: staying into September and October means you’ll see Maine’s world-famous fall foliage turn the forests red, orange and gold.
What You’ll Gain
- Competitive $17/hour wage – strong earning potential over the season
- Hands-on professional kitchen experience with a nationally recognized brand (KOA)
- Rapid English improvement in a fast-paced, real-world environment
- Friendships with international staff and Americans alike
- A CV boost that international hospitality employers respect
- Access to a stunning outdoor lifestyle in your free time
What We’re Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 eligible for the J-1 Work & Travel USA program
- Some previous kitchen or cooking experience preferred (home cooking passion counts – be ready to show it!)
- Conversational English to follow instructions and work as a team
- Ability to stand for long shifts and work in a warm, busy kitchen
- Reliable, punctual and positive attitude under pressure
- Willingness to work weekends, evenings and holidays as scheduled
- Availability from summer through fall
Ready to Apply?
Kitchen positions in Bar Harbor are among the most popular in the Work & Travel USA program and they fill fast. If you’re ready to trade lecture halls for a professional kitchen next to Acadia National Park, apply today and start planning the best summer of your life.
About Maine
Maine is famous for its rocky coast, lobster, Acadia National Park and island lodges. Students often work in coastal resorts, restaurants and wilderness lodges in one of the most beautiful corners of New England.
