LocalTopia The Wicked Loon

Cook Up an Unforgettable Summer on Lake Winnipesaukee

Imagine finishing your shift and walking straight out onto a wooden dock, the sun setting over Lake Winnipesaukee, loons calling across the water, and your new friends from around the world waiting with plans for the evening. That’s an ordinary Tuesday when you work at The Wicked Loon in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire – proudly known as “America’s Oldest Summer Resort.”

We’re looking for energetic, curious university students to join our kitchen team as Prep Cooks for the Summer to Fall season. No professional chef experience required – just a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, and a genuine appetite for adventure.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Washing, peeling, chopping and portioning fresh New England produce, proteins and seafood
• Preparing sauces, dressings, marinades and house specialties following our recipes
• Setting up and stocking prep stations before service and restocking during busy periods
• Labelling, dating and rotating stock to keep our ingredients at peak freshness
• Supporting the line cooks and chefs during service rushes
• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe kitchen in line with US health and food safety standards
• Receiving deliveries and helping with inventory organisation

Why Wolfeboro, New Hampshire?

Wolfeboro is the postcard version of small-town New England. Set right on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, this dockside town is packed with boats, ice cream shops, live music, hiking trails and the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Your free time can include:

• Swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding straight from the town docks
• Hiking the White Mountains and Mount Major, just a short drive away
• Weekend trips to Boston (approx. 2 hours) – and Portland, Maine, is just as close
• Autumn foliage season, when New Hampshire turns gold, orange and crimson – one of the most beautiful sights in the USA
• Fourth of July fireworks over the lake, farmers markets and summer festivals

Position Details

• Employer: LocalTopia – The Wicked Loon
• Position: Prep Cook
• Location: Dockside Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
• Industry: Hospitality / Restaurant
• Pay: $12.00 per hour
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Season: Summer to Fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this role

What You Get

• Guaranteed full-time hours (40 per week) with the possibility of overtime during peak season
• Real US kitchen experience that looks fantastic on any CV
• A supportive, international team – many students return year after year
• Free or discounted staff meals during shifts
• A safe, welcoming lakeside community that loves its Work & Travel students
• A season long enough to save money and travel the USA afterwards

Who We’re Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA J-1 programme
• Conversational English – enough to follow instructions and communicate with the team
• Ability to stand for long shifts and lift up to 20 kg
• Reliable, punctual and comfortable working evenings, weekends and holidays
• A positive, team-first attitude – kitchens run on teamwork
• Previous kitchen or food service experience is a bonus, but not required

Ready to Trade Lectures for Lakeside?

Spots at The Wicked Loon fill fast – students love this location and many come back. Apply today, sharpen your knife skills, and make this the summer you’ll be telling stories about for years.