About this position
THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FOUNDATION
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Since 2014, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) has been planning and building a new, ambitious kind of presidential library and museum. Other presidential libraries tell the story of a single individual, but the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) – being built more than a century after T.R.’s death – will do more than preserve history. The TRPL will be a people’s library, bringing Roosevelt’s values and relentless spirit to life at a critical time in our nation and world, while simultaneously championing the stories of all who “dare greatly, think boldly, care deeply, and live passionately.”
The library is currently being constructed in Medora, North Dakota, with a milestone planned for July 4, 2026 – America’s 250th anniversary. Participants at the TRPL will learn from – not just about – Roosevelt’s story, being transformed into the same stunning Badlands that served as the fulcrum in T.R.’s incredible life story.
Guided by the pillar principles of leadership, citizenship, and conservation, the Foundation has partnered with innovative partners – like the award-winning architecture firm, Snøhetta, and the best-in-class story crafters, the Future of Storytelling – to build an institution like no other. With plans to be the most sustainable presidential library and campus ever, a revolutionary approach to interpretive design, and programming that will spread the library’s message into neighboring Theodore Roosevelt National Park and beyond across the globe, the opportunity to join a talented team in building and opening this institution is truly unique.
About the Role
As a member of the café’s small kitchen team, you will support both prep and line cook duties. In this role, you are an important representative not only of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, but also of the food medicine movement. Our goal is to provide a moment of nourishment that leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Medora while honoring and promoting Indigenous food traditions and the values and lifestyle exemplified by Theodore Roosevelt.
The café operates within an environment centered on learning, exploration, and reciprocity. Employees are encouraged to cross-train and gain exposure to other departments, supporting a collaborative and educational workplace. In return for your contributions, the organization is committed to fair compensation and meaningful investment in employee growth and success.
Core Competencies
- Communication Skills: Good communication is important in a restaurant. Staff should speak clearly with customers and coworkers, make sure orders are correct, and listen carefully to any concerns.
- Customer Service Excellence: Give great service by helping customers, fixing problems, and making sure they havea good experience.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Getting along and working together is important in a busy restaurant. Staff need to respect each other, talk clearly, and help each other serve customers well.
- Time Management: Staff need to organize their work, handle several orders at once, and make sure customers get their food quickly.
- Adaptability: The restaurant is always changing, so staff need to adjust quickly to things like busy times ornew items. Being flexible helps reduce stress andkeepservice good.
- Attention to Detail: Carefully preparing and presenting food helps meet health rules and makes the dining experience better.Noticinglittle thingssetsgreat service apart from good service.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Being able to think quickly and handle unexpected issues, like customer complaints or running out of supplies, helps keep service running smoothly
- Culinary Skills: Kitchen staff need to know how to cook well and follow food safety rules to make sure meals taste good and are safe to eat.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve hot and cold meals in accordance with established recipes, plating standards, and café concept, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation.
- Execute food production tasks including ingredient preparation (slicing, chopping, mixing, seasoning), cooking (grilling, sautéing, roasting, frying, broiling), and proper assembly and plating of meals.
- Place, coordinate, andexpeditefood orders to ensuretimelyandaccurateservice.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations, including proper temperature controls, labeling, dating, rotation, and HACCP documentation asrequired.
- Store food and leftovers according to established safety and quality standards.
- Support daily kitchen operations, including inventory monitoring,assistingwith food supply orders, and receiving deliveries.
- Collaborate with the supervisor on daily, holiday, and themed menus; contribute ideas within established guidelines, with creativity encouraged.
- Ensure continuity of kitchen operations in the absence of the supervisor by maintaining service standards and workflow.
- Complete daily and weekly cleanings, including dishwashing and pot washing, and maintain cleanliness of all equipment, food storage, and work areas.
- Assist with onboarding and orienting new employees to kitchen procedures, equipment, and safety standards.
- Provide courteous, patient service to café guests; listen to and address basic concerns or feedback, escalating more complex issues to the supervisor asappropriate.
- Participate in team meetings, improvement initiatives, or projects aimed at enhancing service quality, efficiency, and collaboration.
- Assist fellow café and catering team members as needed during peak periods or high-volume events to ensure smooth service, timely order fulfillment, and a positive guest experience.
Requirements
- Must be able to repetitively lift 50 lbs. and work standing for 8 hours.
- Occasionally required to work outdoors.
- Will be working in temperatures of high heat/kitchen environments.
- Location: Medora, ND
- Employment Type:Full-Time,year-round
- Season: Peak visitor season (approximately Maythrough September)
- Hours:40hoursper week;requiredto work hours and shifts which may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Benefits
Full benefits include 403(b), medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, as well as 20 days of paid time off and 10 days of holidays. Hourly pay: $22/hour. Employees receive discounts on food & beverage, retail purchases and free museum tickets.
EEO Statement
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. TRPLF does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law as a provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
Reasonable Accommodation
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, participate in an interview, or otherwise navigate our hiring process, please email careers at trlibrary.com. Our team will connect with you to explore the best way to support your experience. Our team will connect with you to explore the best way to support your experience.
Salary Information