1st Cook

Heritage Park Historical Village; Calgary; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Beautiful park setting

Free park entrance

Employee discounts on food and retail,

Job summary

Heritage Park in Calgary is seeking a 1st Cook for the Seasonal Culinary Services team to prepare and present dishes under the Chefs' direction. You will work in a varied park kitchen, following recipes and ensuring quality.

The role requires 2 years culinary experience with high-volume cooking, strong knife skills, and knowledge of food safety. Early shifts, weekends, and physical work are expected; uniform and footwear are provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; formal culinary education is asset.
• Minimum 2 years culinary experience, with at least 1 year in a 2nd Cook role; 1st Cook experience asset.
• Experience in high-volume kitchen; prepares and presents a variety of dishes.
• Proficient in cooking techniques; strong knife skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork; supervisory skills preferred.
• Must be 18+ and able to obtain Police Information Check.
• Uniform and safety equipment provided; footwear supplied by employee.
• Working conditions: hot/cold, physically demanding; lift heavy items.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook various dishes in assigned kitchen areas, ensuring quality and presentation.
• Follow recipes and guidelines provided by the Chefs.
• Monitor food quality and freshness, making adjustments as necessary.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area; conduct regular equipment checks.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations and food storage standards.
• Assist other sections in the Kitchen/Culinary Services department as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Culinary experience

Knife skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Supervisory skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Formal culinary education or certification asset

Job description

What we offer

• Flexible work arrangements where no one day is similar
• Working in a beautiful park setting
• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events
• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking

Department

Culinary Services

Position Type

Seasonal

Contract Start Date

October 19, 2026

Contract End Date

January 2, 2027

Hourly Rate

$19.00

Hours

Varies

What we offer

• Flexible work arrangements where no one day is similar
• Working in a beautiful park setting
• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events
• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking

Who We Are

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum and offers visitors a chance to experience life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the early 1950s. The Park features historical buildings, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and various exhibits that provide insight into the region's past.

Job Overview

Under the direction of the Chefs, the 1st Cook organizes and conducts the preparation and cooking of food products.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook various dishes in assigned kitchen areas, ensuring the quality and presentation meet the established standards.
• Follow recipes and guidelines provided by the Chefs.
• Monitor food quality and freshness, making adjustments as necessary.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area. Conduct regular checks on kitchen equipment and report any issues promptly.
• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and ensure food handling and storage standards compliance
• Assists other sections in the Kitchen / Culinary Services department as needed
• Perform other duties as required

Organizational Excellence and Wellbeing

• Contribute to inspiring and immersive experiences at the Park through your roles and responsibilities by engaging in Heritage Park initiatives that align with the overall mission and vision of the Park
• Demonstrate commitment to workplace health and safety by complying with Heritage Park's Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS), following safe work practices, reporting work-related incidents, injuries and hazards, participating in employer training, and adhering policies including the Code of Conduct and the Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy
• Actively support a positive work environment by creating an atmosphere of inclusion, engagement and fulfillment in line with Heritage Park values
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of our people, collections and financial assets by ensuring that they are handled with integrity, sustainability, and a focus on long term benefits for the organization and its stakeholders
• Volunteers are a vital part of Heritage Park’s success. Employees are expected to collaborate respectfully with volunteers and contribute to an environment where volunteers feel heard, safe, welcomed, and supported, recognizing the important role they play in delivering exceptional experiences for our community.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Formal culinary education or certification from a recognized culinary institute is an asset.
• Minimum of 2 years of culinary experience, with at least one year in a similar role as a 2nd Cook, is required. Experience as a 1st Cook is an asset.
• Proven experience in preparing and presenting a variety of dishes in a high-volume kitchen setting.
• Proficient in various cooking techniques and cuisines. Excellent knife skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and supervisory skills are also required
• Good organizational skills and the ability to follow standard procedures with minimal supervision
• All successful candidates (over the age of 18) will be required to complete a Police Information Check as a condition of employment. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant; any information disclosed will be assessed confidentially on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with Alberta human rights legislation, considering relevance to the role and our commitment to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.

Special Clothing and Equipment

• Uniform and safety equipment will be provided by Heritage Park; and
• Footwear, as designated by the Heritage Park Costume Department, will be provided by the employee.

Special Working Conditions

• The position will be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, and
• This position is physically demanding, and the incumbent must have the ability to lift heavy items and stand for long periods of time.

Hours of Work

• The standard hours for this position are up to 40 hours per week, based on Operational need;
• Early morning, evening and weekend work may be required throughout the year.