Childcare Cook

Nuu-chah-nulth/Coast Salish; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Stz’uminus Education Society in Vancouver seeks a Cook to oversee kitchen operations, plan menus and prepare nutritious meals for staff and students at Nutsumaat Lelum. You will work with Early Learning Lead, mentor parents, and uphold high food-safety standards in a collaborative school environment.

The role includes monthly planning, coordinating with staff on allergies, and involving children in cooking activities.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or cook, preferably in childcare/education settings.
• Knowledge of child nutrition and dietary guidelines.
• Strong communication with children, parents and staff.
• Able to mentor volunteers and work with diverse teams.
• Valid FoodSafe and First Aid certificates.

Responsibilities

• Plan menus and cook meals for children and staff at Nutsumaat Lelum.
• Maintain clean, safe kitchen and pantry areas daily.
• Order groceries, manage budget and seek best deals.
• Involve children in planning and food preparation when possible.
• Train parents and volunteers on routines and nutrition.

Skills

Cook/chef experience

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Menu planning

Food safety awareness

Education

Culinary degree or certification

Tools

FoodSafe Certificate

First Aid Certificate

Job description

Employment Opportunity

Stz’uminus Education Society

We provide learning opportunities for all ages, from infancy through to elder years, through our dynamic and integrated programs: Nutsuumat Lelum, Stz’uminus Primary School, Stz’uminus Community School, Post-Secondary & Continuing Education, Land-based Learning, Year 13/adults, Career Planning and job readiness.

Position summary

We are looking for a Cook who will support support staff, students and the community through overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring that high-quality food service is available at the schools.

The position

• Plans menu, and cooks’ meals (both AM and PM snacks and lunches) for all the children and staff at Nutsumaat Lelum
• Works as part of the team with all the staff members under the direction of the Early Learning Lead.
• Plans monthly menus, with advice from staff, keeping in mind allergies and group likes and dislikes and ensuring all meals are nutritious.
• Involves children and staff in the planning, preparation, and service of the food whenever possible.
• Works cooperatively with, finds support and guidance with the Environmental Health Officer
• Mentors/trains parents and volunteers, helping them to gain knowledge of routines and the importance of eating nutritiously.
• Participates in regular up grading, workshops, and professional development to continue growing and learning.
• Prepares weekly grocery lists, orders groceries from local supplier, and looks for the best deals and sales when possible.
• Ensures that all the food and kitchen area is clean and safe.
• Maintains a well organized and clean kitchen and pantry area.
• Responsible for after meal clean up of dishes and cooking areas. Washes tables / chairs and sweeps eating area. Mops as necessary. Fills and runs dishwasher.
• When washing dishes by hand, uses the proper sterilization methods, recommended by Environmental Health Officer.
• Advises the Early Learning Lead of any needed repairs or equipment and well informed on issues to do with the service and delivery of food.
• Communicates with staff concerning nutritional needs of the children and allergies
• Maintains a high standard of professional ethics in relationships with children, parents and other members of the staff and community.
• Make and prepare hot breakfast once a month for children, staff and families.
• Make and prepare hot breakfast for children at least once a week.
• Bake from scratch at least twice a week.
• Bake cake or cupcakes from scratch for birthdays or special events.
• Engage in community garden and harvesting fruits for consumption.
• Any other housekeeping duties as deemed necessary from time to time

What you bring

• Previous experience working as a chef, cook, or culinary professional, preferably in a childcare or educational setting.
• Culinary degree or certification from a recognized culinary institute is a plus.
• Knowledge of child nutrition, food safety standards, and dietary guidelines.
• Creative flair and passion for cooking, with a knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact positively with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing menus, dietary requirements, and dedicated events.
• Enthusiasm for working in a team environment and contributing to a positive workplace culture.
• Valid FoodSafe Certificate.
• Valid First Aid certificate
• Able to lift and/or move between 10 pounds up to 30 pounds
• Awareness of Trauma Informed wellness for self and others
• Able to pass a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening .