Cook

Cedar Strong; Hope; Hybrid; CAD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society in Hope, BC, is seeking an experienced Cook to join our Shelter team. You will plan nutritious seven-day menus, prepare meals for shelter guests, and maintain a clean, safe kitchen.

This full-time role requires FOODSAFE certification, a completed food preparation program or equivalent, and at least one year of kitchen experience. You will monitor inventories, manage within approved budgets, rotate stock, and work with Shelter staff to support

Qualifications

• Current FOODSAFE certification or equivalent.
• Completion of a food preparation program focused on institutional cooking or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of recent cooking or kitchen experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop nutritious seven-day menus based on guidelines and dietary needs.
• Prepare and serve meals for shelter guests.
• Maintain food purchases within the approved budget.
• Monitor inventory and rotate stock according to expiry dates.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment and equipment.

Skills

Menu planning

Budgeting

Time management

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Food safety knowledge

Education

FOODSAFE certificate

Job description

Anticipated Start Date:

As soon as possible, on a mutually agreed date

About Cedar Strong

Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society is a nonprofit organization serving Hope and the surrounding area. We provide client-centred housing, shelter, advocacy, education, and support services to individuals and families in our community.

Position Overview

Cedar Strong is seeking an experienced and dependable Cook to join our Shelter team.

Reporting to the Kitchen Coordinator, the Cook is responsible for planning and preparing nutritious meals for shelter guests. The Cook develops weekly menus that reflect nutritional guidelines, client dietary needs, available resources, and the approved food budget.

The position also maintains a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment; monitors food supplies and inventory; and works collaboratively with other members of the Shelter team.

Work Location:

Hope, BC

Regular Work Schedule:

• Wednesday and Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Friday through Sunday: 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Monday and Tuesday: Regular days off

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop nutritious seven-day menus based on recognized nutritional guidelines and the dietary needs of shelter guests.
• Prepare and serve meals for guests staying at Cedar Strong’s shelter locations.
• Ensure food purchases remain within the approved budget.
• Purchase food with consideration for seasonal availability, special pricing, and available donations.
• Maintain records of weekly menus, recipes, purchases, and food donations.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of regularly used products.
• Monitor inventories of perishable and non-perishable food.
• Rotate food products according to best-before and expiry dates.
• Store, prepare, and handle food safely.
• Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, work surfaces, storage areas, and food-production spaces.
• Maintain a safe, secure, clean, and organized kitchen environment.
• Report equipment, maintenance, repair, and safety concerns promptly.
• Support adherence to kitchen guidelines and organizational safety procedures.
• Work cooperatively with Shelter staff and other members of the Cedar Strong team.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential information.
• Assist with the orientation of new cooks and practicum students.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, workshops, and special events as required.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Current FOODSAFE certification or an equivalent recognized food-safety certificate.
• Completion of a food preparation program focused on institutional or residential cooking, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
• At least one year of recent cooking, kitchen, food-service, or related experience.
• Experience preparing meals for groups or in an institutional, residential, shelter, or community-service setting is an asset.
• Knowledge of safe food preparation, storage, sanitation, and inventory-control practices.
• Ability to plan menus and work within an established food budget.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and contribute positively to a team.
• Strong organizational, time-management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing or unexpected circumstances during the workday.
• Ability to maintain respectful and professional relationships with shelter guests, coworkers, and community partners.
• Training in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation, cultural awareness, wellness, or First Aid is an asset.

Working Conditions

The position works in a shelter kitchen and may work independently or alongside other employees, often with minimal supervision.

The role requires standing for much of the shift and performing physical duties associated with receiving, lifting, moving, organizing, and storing food and kitchen supplies. Cedar Strong will consider accommodation requests in accordance with applicable human-rights requirements.

The Cook may interact with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, substance-use challenges, mental-health concerns, and other barriers. Respectful, non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and client-centred service is expected.