35 Ocean Reef Drive
Key Largo, FL 33037
T: 305-367-2611

Ocean Reef Club has come a long way since it began as a tiny fishing camp more than 50 years ago. It’s now a beautiful, self-contained community located on 2,000 lush tropical acres on the coastline of the Atlantic. Besides the three 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis center, 175-slip marina, and a 900-acre nature preserve, there are twelve fine dining restaurants and lounges. Ocean Reef Club has grown to be one of the largest employers in Monroe County, FL with a year round staff of 600 employees, and hundreds of additional employees during the winter season. In addition to offering competitive wages and excellent benefits, Ocean Reef Club has great advancement opportunities. Here Mark Kirkendall, Director of Human Resources, discusses the benefits of working at the Ocean Reef Club.

Featured Employer Interview with Executive Director of Human Resources, Mark Kirkendall

Heather Ferguson: How many employees currently work for your company?

Mark Kirkendall: 650 year-round, full-time plus 400 seasonal (Oct/Nov to May)

HF: What are some of your recruiting challenges?

MK: Seasonality.

HF: What types of positions are you recruiting for on StarChefs?

MK: I hope to obtain candidates for seasonal hourly positions, seasonal Chef and Sous Chef positions and occasional year-round, full-time Chef positions.

HF: What is your favorite feature of StarChefs JobFinder?

MK: Quality reputation, spotlight on the nation’s top chefs, and hopefully quality resumes.

HF: Why would someone want to work for your company?

MK: Ocean Reef Club is the world’s most prestigious private club-community. The club is located in an idealistic setting in the Florida Keys. Our culinary team is led by Executive Chef Philippe Reynaud and Assistant Executive Chef Mark Gallaudet, and operates 12 restaurants, banquets for up to 500 guests, as well as catering for private home and yacht functions.

HF: How would you describe the company culture?

MK: Ocean Reef Club is a traditional club environment concentrating on our members’ satisfaction.

HF: What kind of advice would you give jobseekers applying to your company?

MK: Ocean Reef Club seeks qualified, professional candidates who are not only serious about their profession but are also dedicated to providing value, quality and consistency to a demanding clientele.