1st Cook

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Beautiful park setting

Free park entrance

Employee discounts on food and retail

Free parking

Job summary

Heritage Park is seeking a 1st Cook to organize and conduct food preparation in a seasonal role inside Canada’s largest living history museum’s kitchen. You will work under the Chef’s direction to prepare diverse dishes and ensure the highest quality and presentation.

Responsibilities include following recipes, maintaining food quality, and ensuring health and safety standards. The role requires kitchen experience, strong knife skills, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

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; 1st Cook experience 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 and teamwork abilities.
• Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and supervisory skills are required.
• Ability to follow standard procedures with minimal supervision; Police Information Check required for all candidates over 18.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook various dishes in assigned kitchen areas, ensuring quality and presentation meet established standards.
• 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 proper food handling/storage practices.
• Assist other sections in the Kitchen/Culinary Services as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Knife skills

Time management

Teamwork

Communication

Under pressure

Education

High school diploma

Culinary education asset

Job description

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‑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.