Camp Head Chef

Camp Pathfinder; Huntsville; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A seasonal camp in Algonquin Park is seeking an experienced camp chef for its 2026 season. This role involves overseeing the food service program, directing kitchen staff, and ensuring high-quality meal preparation. Candidates should have 3+ years of lead cooking experience in a summer camp or equivalent, culinary qualifications, and extensive knowledge of menu planning and inventory control. The position offers a full-time, seasonal contract with competitive pay and employee benefits.

Benefits

Eligible for room and board

Medical coverage

Performance bonus per contract completion

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience lead-cooking in a summer camp setting or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of menu planning, food buying, and inventory control.
• Experience with vegetarian and special diets alternative menu.

Responsibilities

• Act as Head chef and lead cook, preparing special diets as needed.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Supervise a team of kitchen staff for daily meal service.

Skills

Menu planning

Staff management

Communication

Food safety

Education

Culinary education qualifications or certification

Secondary school completion

Job description

Employer: Camp Pathfinder Company (o/a Camp Pathfinder)

Terms of Employment: Full-time / Seasonal / Residential

Employment Address: Source Lake, Algonquin Park, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2H1

Hours of Work: 40 hours/week

24-week duration (1 week unpaid in August for camp closure) from May 1 – October 17, 2026, based on 40-hour week – 5 days on, 2 days off

Language: English

Benefits

• Eligible for room and board, medical coverage
• Performance bonus per contract completion / overall camp financial performance

Salary: $36.00 CAD per hour ($1440 CAD per week)

Duties & Qualifications

Camp Pathfinder in Algonquin Park seeks a camp chef for the 2026 camp season. This role oversees the food service program and directs the camp’s daily meal services and kitchen staff. The chef position requires prior experience in charge of a summer camp food service program.

Duties

• Act as Head chef and lead cook, preparing special diets per the needs of the population.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operation.
• Supervise a team of cooks, a baker, and assistants for daily meal service.
• Plan, purchase, and maintain inventory for food and dry goods for food service, both in-camp and for canoe tripping program.
• Monitor and control food costs within the annual budget determined by the Camp Director.
• Create camp menu in partnership with the Camp Director.
• Work with Director and tripping directors to sustain trip food program.
• Ensure proper staffing for annual program of camp sessions and special events.
• Follow-through to obtain rebates, incentives, and discounts.
• Create/executing training program for advancing junior kitchen staff members.
• Schedule work hours and time off, assign daily duties.
• Maintain excellent health and hygiene practices and enforce worker safety policies and best practices.

Requirements

• Prior experience in charge of a summer camp food service program or equivalent.
• 3+ years’ experience lead-cooking in summer camp setting or specific equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of menu planning, food buying and inventory control.
• Experience implementing a vegetarian and special diets alternative menu.
• Knowledge of and experience with canoe trip food, menus, and outfitting.
• Excellent communication and staff management skills.
• Secondary school completion required.
• Culinary education qualifications or certification required.
• Cuisine specialties: Canadian, Italian, Mexican, Vegetarian, special diets etc.
• Ability to work days, evenings/nights, weekdays and weekends.