Community Kitchen Coordinator

The Salvation Army International; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 28,929 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Paid vacation

Sick time

RRSPs

Reasonable accommodation

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Burnaby, BC is seeking a Community Kitchen Coordinator to plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals for individuals facing food insecurity. You will work closely with volunteers and partners to create a welcoming environment and support kitchen operations, inventory, and safety.

Based onsite at Cariboo Hill Temple, 25 hours per week with daytime and some flexible hours. Requires Food Safe Certification, Emergency First Aid, WHMIS, and valid BC driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating volunteers or teams.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for The Salvation Army mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead meal preparation and kitchen activities for community meals.
• Plan menus, organize supplies, and purchase food for programs.
• Coordinate volunteers and ensure food safety and hospitality.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Post-secondary program (1 year)

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Position Purpose summary: The Community Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The role ensures the safe and efficient operation of the community kitchen while creating a welcoming environment that promotes dignity, belonging, and community connection. Working closely with volunteers, clients, and community partners, the Community Kitchen Coordinator leads meal preparation, menu planning, food purchasing, inventory control, and food safety practices. The incumbent also supports community meal programs and kitchen activities that bring people together, helping to meet practical needs while fostering positive relationships and supporting the mission of The Salvation Army.

Accountabilities

• Community Meals & Food Programs (70%):
  • Prepare and serve weekly community meals for 100+ guests, working alongside volunteers to ensure meals are delivered safely, efficiently, and with hospitality.
  • Plan menus, organize food supplies, and prepare nutritious meals that support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
  • Lead hands-on cooking and meal preparation activities that help participants develop practical cooking, nutrition, meal planning, and budgeting skills.
  • Maintain a welcoming and respectful dining environment that promotes dignity, inclusion, community connection, and reflects the mission of The Salvation Army.
  • Assist with menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen coordination for seasonal programs, special events, and community gatherings.
• Kitchen Operations & Food Safety (15%):
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen, including all food preparation, storage, and service areas.
  • Operate and care for kitchen equipment, ensuring it is properly maintained and used safely.
  • Follow and enforce all health regulations, food safety standards, sanitation requirements, and safe food handling practices.
  • Order food and kitchen supplies, monitor inventory levels, and coordinate the receipt and storage of food donations.
  • Ensure food is stored, rotated, and handled appropriately to minimize waste and maintain quality.
  • Support efficient kitchen operations by maintaining organized workspaces, supplies, and inventory systems.
• Volunteer Coordination (15%):
  • Assist with the orientation, training, and scheduling of volunteers supporting kitchen and meal programs.
  • Work collaboratively with volunteers during food preparation, meal service, and community events.
  • Provide guidance and support to volunteers to ensure food is prepared and served safely and efficiently.
  • Promote a positive, welcoming, and team-oriented environment that reflects hospitality, respect, and compassionate service.
• Other related work duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

The Incumbent’s work environment is typically in a kitchen, dining, and storage areas. The following disagreeable work conditions may exist:

• Dirt, dust, temperature variations
• Cramped workstation
• Work-related stress
• Angry and abusive people
• Verbal abuse
• Noisy
• Hot/Steamy environment
• Pressure with timelines
• Cuts & Burns

The job incumbent may be exposed to the risk of minor harm, injury or illnesses due to: Physical attacks by others (i.e. violent/aggressive guests) Exposure to infectious diseases Hot/steamy conditions Emergency response situations (fire, bomb threat, etc.) Other potentially dangerous situations Exposure to toxic chemicals Moving objects Electrical hazards Risk of back strain Falling on wet and/or slippery floors Cuts or burns

The Incumbent must take the following precautionary measures (in addition to health and safety rules): Universal Precautions. Adherence to Food Safe practices as prescribed and outlined in Food Safe Levels 1 and 2 training. Use gloves provided when necessary. Immunization for Hepatitis B and vaccination against Tuberculosis and flu are suggested. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training. Uniform will be laundered daily.

The performance of the job requires a small amount of computer work, lifting/moving equipment, may assist with loading/unloading trucks (groceries), a frequent amount of standing, cutting, chopping, carrying supplies and walking. Candidate will work onsite based out the kitchen at Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, BC. 25 hours per week, flexible hours daytime and some evening/weekends work required. The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Candidate Requirements

• Education, Experience, AND Qualifications: Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities. Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Education, Qualifications and Certifications: Completion of a formal post-secondary program of one academic year. Food Safe Certification. Emergency First Aid and WHMIS certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working in community outreach, nonprofit, church, or social service environments.
• Experience and Knowledge: At least one year of experience in food service, commercial kitchen operations, hospitality, or community food programming. Knowledge of food safety regulations and safe food handling practices. Experience coordinating volunteers or teams. Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Valid BC Drivers license and a Driver's abstract.
• Skills and Capabilities: Communicate the mission and values of The Salvation Army with integrity and respect. Demonstrate compassion, hospitality, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills when working with clients, volunteers, staff, and community members. Have the ability to help individuals feel welcomed, values and connected within in the life of the Corps/Church. Build positive relationships and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Exercise initiative, sound judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends for programs and events. Ability to lift and move food supplies and kitchen equipment up to 30 pounds as needed. Work effectively both independently and as part of a team, providing leadership when required and actively contributing to day-to-day operations.
• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $21.28 to $26.60 with a maximum of $31.92. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

Benefits

• Health and dental benefits
• Paid vacation
• Sick time
• RRSP’s
• Reasonable accommodation upon request

Accommodation

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.

Company Culture

Our employees are motivated by the fulfillment and meaning they experience as they serve people in need across Canada and Bermuda. Whether at the front-lines or in a support role, as part of our team you’ll work alongside a diverse and skilled group of purpose-driven professionals, empowered to provide exceptional service. We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work, receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick time, RRSP’s, as well as to expand our skills and advance our careers as together we build a culture of continuous learning and growth. If you're looking for a career that allows you to find meaning, make an impact, and one that challenges you to grow and become the best version of yourself, join our dynamic team. There is a place for everyone to belong at The Salvation Army.