Cook (Casual)

The Salvation Army in Canada; Sutton; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada is seeking a casual/relief Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals in accordance with established menus, Canada's Food Guide and food safety regulations, while keeping the kitchen clean and organized.

Responsibilities include planning production, managing inventory and ordering, accommodating dietary needs, inspecting deliveries, and maintaining safety and sanitation so the operation runs smoothly.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary program of at least one academic year.
• Hold a current and valid Safe Food Handler’s Certification.
• Minimum of one year of experience in food preparation within a commercial, institutional, or industrial kitchen environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation regulations, and safe food handling practices.
• Apply basic cooking techniques and food preparation methods to consistently produce quality meals.
• Prepare meals that accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions, including allergen-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals per approved menus and dietary guidelines.
• Plan food production by estimating requirements, managing inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining records.
• Accommodate and monitor special dietary needs to ensure inclusive meals.
• Receive, inspect, and store deliveries in compliance with safety standards.
• Lead kitchen staff in the Head Chef's absence and ensure smooth workflow.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Food preparation experience

Time management

Team leadership

Education

Safe Food Handler certification

Post-secondary culinary program

Job description

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

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing meals in accordance with established menus, Canada's Food Guide, and all applicable food safety and sanitation regulations. The position also maintains a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment, assists with inventory control and food ordering, and may provide guidance to kitchen staff in the absence of the Head Chef.

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality meals in accordance with approved menu plans, dietary guidelines, food safety regulations, and organizational standards.
• Plan and coordinate food production by estimating requirements, managing inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining accurate food, equipment, and inventory records.
• Accommodate and monitor special dietary needs to ensure safe, inclusive, and appropriate meal service for all individuals served.
• Receive, inspect, and store food and supply deliveries in compliance with food safety, quality, and inventory control standards.
• Maintain and oversee kitchen, pantry, refrigeration, freezer, and storage areas to ensure cleanliness, organization, sanitation, and operational readiness.
• Monitor and report equipment performance, identifying maintenance, repair, or replacement needs to minimize disruptions to food service operations.
• Provide leadership and guidance to kitchen staff in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring efficient workflow and consistent service delivery.
• Promote and enforce safe food handling practices, established kitchen procedures, and compliance with food handler certification requirements.
• Ensure compliance with public health, workplace safety, fire safety, and Occupational Health and Safety regulations, maintaining a safe environment for staff and visitors.
• Track, document, and maintain food safety and sanitation standards, including temperature monitoring, record keeping, secure storage practices, and routine cleaning activities to support inspection readiness and operational excellence.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary program of at least one academic year; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Hold a current and valid Safe Food Handler’s Certification.
• Possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience in food preparation within a commercial, institutional, or industrial kitchen environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation regulations, and safe food handling practices.
• Apply basic cooking techniques and food preparation methods to consistently produce quality meals.
• Prepare meals that accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions, including allergen-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian requirements.
• Exhibit strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills to ensure timely meal preparation, cleanliness, and safety compliance.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with team members, demonstrating professionalism, sound judgment, adaptability, and a strong customer service approach.
• Lead by example through a strong work ethic, self-motivation, accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning and flexibility.
• Successfully complete applicable background screening requirements and demonstrate a willingness to support and uphold the mission and values of The Salvation Army.

Working Conditions

• This is a casual/relief position.
• There are no standard weekly hours of work as an “elect-to-work” position, no guaranteed hours and work will be offered on an as needed basis; shifts may include days, afternoons, evenings and weekends.
• Use of kitchen tools and appliances (i.e., knives, stove/oven, dishwasher etc.
• Shifts could include days, afternoons, evenings and weekends, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break with some flexibility in scheduling dependent on operational requirements.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $20.09 to $25.11 with a maximum of $30.13.

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.

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.