Cook(s) (Extended)

Vancouver Island University; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit plan

Paid holiday time

Professional development opportunities

Pension plan

Well-being initiatives

Job summary

Vancouver Island University is seeking dedicated Cooks to produce high-quality dishes in its Cafeteria. The role involves cooking a variety of food items, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and adhering to food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a Culinary Arts Certificate and 3+ years of experience in a fast-paced environment.

Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, ample holiday time, and opportunities for professional development within a supportive community.

Qualifications

• One year Culinary Arts Certificate Program and a minimum of 3 years experience.
• FoodSafe certificate required.
• Ability to lift up to 30 KG and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook all food items using various methods.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.
• Train new staff and monitor food safety protocols.

Skills

Culinary skills

Communication skills

Time management

Food safety knowledge

Ability to follow recipes

Teamwork

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate Program

Tools

Standard kitchen equipment

Job description

Duties

We are looking for energetic and creative Cooks to prepare delicious dishes in our Cafeteria. Cooks prepare meals, monitor food levels, ensure all food is of high quality and provide service to the Campus Community.

The ideal candidate would have excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast‑paced environment. Must be willing to take direction and follow guidelines provided as well as adhere to all health and safety requirements. Under the direction of the kitchen supervisor or shift lead, the Cook will prepare food as per the daily task list and Food Safety Guidelines as outlined in the duties below.

• Cook all food in various cooking methods including appetizers, entrees and desserts
• Ensure meals are prepared and served within the designated meal period while interacting with Customers
• Train new cooks and prep cooks on specific tasks as assigned
• Provide creative menu suggestions to Kitchen Supervisor
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes/pots, cleaning work stations/kitchen as needed and sanitizing surfaces
• Monitor station inventory levels and adhere to all food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Ensure that all food is of high quality and meets our standards
• Follow recipes and established cooking techniques to ensure consistency
• Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure that all meals and food items are prepared and served in a timely manner
• Perform other kitchen duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

One year Culinary Arts Certificate Program and a minimum of 3 years experience. A combination of experience and education may be considered.

• FoodSafe certificate
• Exceptional culinary skills and ability to follow recipes utilizing a variety of cooking techniques
• Knowledge and previous experience using all standard kitchen equipment
• Knowledge of all health and safety regulations for proper food handling, storage and serving
• Manual dexterity able to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills as well as attention to detail
• Friendly disposition when interacting with customers
• Ability to stay calm and stay positive under pressure
• A team player with good communication skills
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 30 KG

Preferred Qualifications

• Red Seal Certification

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well‑being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note

• Short‑listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity‑seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity‑seeking groups to self‑identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self‑identification with an equity‑seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.