Cook - Casual

Pacifica Housing; Nanaimo; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Nanaimo seeks a Cook to prepare meals and support vulnerable seniors. The role requires a high school diploma, some culinary training, and a FoodSafe certification. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to work under pressure and as part of a team. Benefits include a competitive salary and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee assistance program

Career development opportunities

Social committee activities

Qualifications

• 1 year experience as a cook, especially with large quantity menu planning.
• Must have WHMIS Certification.
• Ability to work all shifts.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Exceptional customer-service skills

Ability to work under pressure

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

High school graduation

Some formal culinary school training

FoodSafe certified

Job description

Overview

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.

Posting Closing Date: June 27, 2025 at 4pm

Opportunities

Opportunities Available: Causal

As per Pacifica Housing's on call policy.

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

1. Preparing and presenting meals with a high standard of quality and service to our Residents, to ensure use of proper food handling techniques, to adhere to time schedules for meal service, practices and maintains cleanliness and sanitation according to all Health Department regulations, promotes and maintains positive communication with all Residents and fellow Team Members.
2. 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; and
• Ensure food is prepared and presented in a hygienic and timely manner.

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

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

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.

Please note: While this position is posted externally concurrently, members within the collective bargaining unit will receive first consideration in this appointment.

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.

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.