Cook

Pacifica Housing; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused housing organization in Nanaimo is seeking a Cook to prepare meals and support vulnerable seniors. Responsibilities include maintaining high food safety standards, collaborating with kitchen staff, and ensuring cleanliness. Candidates should possess culinary knowledge, customer service skills, and the ability to work under pressure. A valid driver's license is also required. This position offers competitive pay and a meaningful work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee assistance program

Career development opportunities

Social committee events

Qualifications

• At least one year experience as a cook in a relevant setting.
• Exceptional customer-service skills.
• Proven ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present meals to a high standard.
• Collaborate with other cooks for meal preparation.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen.

Skills

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Good organizational skills

Ability to communicate clearly in English

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Service-oriented mindset

Education

High school graduation

Formal culinary school training

FoodSafe certified

Job description

Position Title: Cook

Reports to: Manager of Pacifica Seniors Lodge

Pay Range: $25.13-$27.39/hour

Union: BCGEU

Location: Nanaimo, BC - Nikao, Pacifica Senior's Lodge and other locations as required.

Opportunities Available

Causal

As per Pacifica Housing's on call policy.

Part time regular work

• Posting #25-072 - 10am-6:30pm Friday to Monday (64 hours bi-weekly)

Posting Closing Date: October 20, 2025 at 4pm

Organizational Focus

Pacifica Housing has been providing safe and affordable homes for almost 35 years. We are a rapidly growing organization dedicated to meeting the housing and support needs of our community. As such, we are committed to building our fast-growing team with a culture that supports our people and reinforces our core values of authenticity, leadership, respect, and social justice.

Pacifica is proud to be a Certified Living Wage Employer by The Living Wage for Families Campaign.

Position's Primary Objectives

The successful individual will be a member of a team that provides supports vulnerable seniors.

As well as carrying out the duties in the kitchen when required, the Cook is accountable for contributing to the successful and efficient operation of the quality of food.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and presenting meals with a high standard of quality and service to our Residents, ensuring use of proper food handling techniques, adhering to time schedules for meal service, practices and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation according to all Health Department regulations, and promoting and maintaining positive communication with all Residents and fellow Team Members.
• Collaborate with other cooks to prepare meals during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours.
• Preparing resident meals for senior residents in accordance with daily menu.
• Maintain health and safety standards in a kitchen with co-workers who are trained in FoodSafe.
• Properly serve & store food items at appropriate temperatures.
• Assist with preparing weekly food & supply orders.
• Understand and comply with food safety standards.
• Keep kitchen, coolers and freezers clean and organized.
• Ensure food is prepared and presented in a hygienic and timely manner.

Requirements

Education

• High school graduation
• Some formal culinary school training
• FoodSafe certified

Experience

• At least one year experience as a cook, experience with large quantity menu planning, food preparation and presentation.
• Exceptional customer-service skills and effective in both verbal and written communication.
• Proven ability to work under pressure during periods of high volume.
• Experience in a non-profit housing environment is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and have a heart to serve others.
• Highly service-oriented and you should enjoy working in an atmosphere that encourages teamwork.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; verbally and written.
• Must enjoy working with adults experiencing physical and mental health challenges.
• Warm, friendly, with a good sense of humor.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Good organizational skills.

Additional Criteria for Role

• WHIMS Certification is required.
• Ability to work all shifts as applicable to the position.
• Must have valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle with a minimum of $2MM liability business class insurance.

Benefits

• A mission driven and meaningful working environment.
• Competitive salary from a Certified Living Wage Employer.
• 10.2% of straight-time pay in lieu of scheduled vacations and paid holidays paid every pay cheque for casual and temporary employees.
• Employee assistance program.
• Career development and internal advancement opportunities.
• Organization and individual training opportunities.
• Social committee that includes robust team building and staff social events.

As Pacifica Housing works with vulnerable populations, we require all staff to successfully clear a Vulnerable Sectors Criminal Record Check run by the Ministry of Justice. Any offer of employment is contingent on the applicant providing proof of criminal record check prior to commencing employment.

Pacifica Housing advises all employees, contractors and volunteers of the risk of violence, injury and harm that is present in the execution of their duties. Pacifica Housing is committed to providing a safe and risk-free work place, however, we acknowledge the inherent risk in social housing and direct support work while in homes and in other support relationships.

Pacifica celebrates diversity and what makes you uniquely you. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, colour, religion, and diversability.