KOTA CHEF – TRADITIONAL FINNISH CAMPFIRE COOKING

Levi, Finnish Lapland | Winter Season 2026–2027

Scandinavian Travel Group (STG) – Safarimarket is looking for an experienced Kota Chef to join our winter team in Levi.

You will prepare and serve traditional Finnish food and drinks at our outdoor venues, including cosy wooden kotas, snow igloos and Arctic wilderness camps in Levi and occasionally Rovaniemi.

This is a hands-on, guest-facing role for someone who enjoys cooking over an open fire, sharing Finnish food traditions and creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors from around the world.

The position is part-time, approximately 20–30 hours per week, with daytime and evening shifts depending on guest bookings. It is a great opportunity to combine work with skiing, outdoor activities and winter life in Lapland.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare food in advance at our company kitchen, including soups, berry jams, Finnish pancake batter and other simple dishes.

• Cook and serve traditional Finnish food over an open fire in our kotas, including lettu (Finnish pancakes), warm leipäjuusto (Finnish squeaky cheese) and grilled sausages.

• Prepare coffee and traditional pot-brewed tea over the fire.

• Welcome guests, introduce the dishes and share Finnish food traditions in a friendly, engaging way.

• Set up the cooking and dining areas before programs, ensuring everything is ready for groups of approximately 10–20 guests.

• Follow established recipes and menus, with opportunities to suggest improvements.

• Manage food storage, ingredient stocks and kitchen supplies, coordinating purchasing needs with the office.

• Handle cleaning, hygiene and proper food storage at both the kitchen and outdoor venues.

WHAT WE EXPECT

• Previous practical experience cooking over an open fire in a Finnish kota is required.

• Experience in hospitality, catering or customer service, with confidence interacting with international guests.

• Valid Finnish Hygiene Passport (Hygieniapassi).

• Good conversational English; Finnish and other languages are an advantage.

• Valid Category B driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles between venues, transporting food and equipment when needed.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently.

• A friendly, reliable and service-minded attitude.

• Readiness to work outdoors in cold winter conditions, including evening shifts.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Seasonal position from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027.

• Part-time work, approximately 20–30 hours per week, with shifts based on guest programs.

• Hourly pay, agreed individually based on experience.

• Fixed-term seasonal employment or the possibility of working as a self-employed contractor.

• Winter work clothing, necessary equipment and training.

• Additional leisure-time accident insurance and limited additional healthcare through Pihlajalinna for eligible employees.

• Staff accommodation in Levi available at €400 per person/month + electricity.

• A friendly international team and the opportunity to enjoy Lapland's winter lifestyle alongside your work.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your CV and a short introduction describing your campfire cooking, hospitality and customer service experience to hr (at) gostg.fi.

Applications are open until the position is filled.

Join our team and help us share the warmth, flavours and traditions of Finnish Lapland with our guests!

Scandinavian Travel Group Oy (STG) – Safarimarket is a family-owned travel company offering a wide range of tours, activities and authentic experiences in Finnish Lapland. Operating in Levi and Rovaniemi, we organise snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights excursions, outdoor adventures and tailor-made private experiences for international guests.

We focus on excellent customer service, safety and genuine Lapland experiences. Every winter, we bring together an international team of tourism and outdoor activity professionals

Send your CV and a short introduction describing your campfire cooking, hospitality and customer service experience to hr (at) gostg.fi.

Applications are open until the position is filled.

We will only contact applicants who are shortlisted for the next stage of recruitment.