Cook (Term)

Victoria College; Toronto; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria University is seeking a Cook in Hospitality Services to support large-volume food preparation for the Dining Hall and Ned's Café, under the supervision of the Chef. You will prepare, cook, decorate and present meals for students, staff and guests with a focus on quality and service.

Qualifications include a certified culinary training program (or equivalent), at least three years of volume production in a large institution, and strong customer service.

Qualifications

• Education: Certification from an accredited culinary training program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: A minimum of three years of volume food production experience in a large institutional or commercial establishment.
• Other: Excellent customer service skills. Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with staff and customers. Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written). Physical ability to perform duties described and to use indicated equipment. Has knowledge of current Food Service industry trends. Food Handler Certification and WHMIS training required.

Responsibilities

• Review menus and approved standardized recipes to determine what and how much food to prepare.
• Under the direction of the Chef, prepare and cook food for the Dining Hall and Ned's Café, with a focus on food quality.
• Anticipate meal requirements based on past records and current conditions to ensure sufficient food is available while minimizing waste.
• Prepare food for upcoming meals, including cleaning and chopping vegetables, thawing food, marinating meats, and other required preparation.
• Prepare items for Ned's Café.
• Communicate with the Chef regarding the appropriate use of leftover food.
• Record meal counts at the end of each meal to maintain accurate attendance records.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

English proficiency

Education

Culinary training certification

Tools

WHMIS training

Food Handler Certification

Job description

Current Vacancy – Union (USW Local 1998)

Hospitality Services

Posting Date: September 30, 2026

Closing Date: October 14, 2026

Position Title: Cook

Department: Hospitality Services

Appointment Type: Term (8 months)

Job Classification: USW Pay Band 4

Pay Rate (Hourly): Probationary $24.79 – Step 1 Rate $26.78 – Step 2 $29.98

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, schedule to be confirmed. Weekends and evenings may be required.

Victoria University is committed to equity in access to employment and a diverse and inclusive workplace. The University encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. If you require accessibility accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department [e-mail].

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Chef, the incumbent is responsible for volume food preparation for Victoria University Food Services. This involves: preparing, cooking, decorating, displaying, assisting Chef provide service to students, community and guests of Victoria University.

Qualifications Required

Education: Certification from an accredited culinary training program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: A minimum of three years of volume food production experience in a large institutional or commercial establishment.

Other: Excellent customer service skills. Ability to maintain co‑operative working relationships with staff and customers. Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written). Physical ability to perform duties described and to use indicated equipment. Has knowledge of current Food Service industry trends. Food Handler Certification and WHMIS training required.

Duties

Food Production for Dining Hall and Ned's Café

• Review menus and approved standardized recipes to determine what and how much food to prepare.
• Under the direction of the Chef, prepare and cook food for the Dining Hall and Ned's Café, with a focus on food quality.
• Anticipate meal requirements based on past records and current conditions to ensure sufficient food is available while minimizing waste.
• Prepare food for upcoming meals, including cleaning and chopping vegetables, thawing food, marinating meats, and other required preparation.
• Prepare items for Ned's Café.
• Communicate with the Chef regarding the appropriate use of leftover food.
• Record meal counts at the end of each meal to maintain accurate attendance records.

Food Production During Meals

• Cook food to order and prepare items that need to be cooked immediately before service.
• Communicate with Lead Hands, supervisors, and servers to anticipate and respond to meal service needs.
• Send prepared food to the servery or Ned's Café as required, including items prepared in advance and held for service.
• Monitor food availability during service and prepare alternate or additional items when required.
• Cover, store, and handle leftover food appropriately at the end of meal service.

Food Production for Functions

• Review function sheets to determine the type, quantity, and timing of food preparation required.
• Prepare and cook food for functions, including prepared frozen foods, steam-table items, and food cooked to order, with a focus on food quality.
• Assist with functions as required, including meat carving and monitoring the presentation of served meals.

Other Duties

• Inform the Chef of low or out-of-stock supplies and broken or malfunctioning equipment.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, appliances, utensils, and cooking wares as required, in accordance with WHMIS requirements and applicable health and safety standards, including transferring soiled items to the dish room as necessary.

Victoria University thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.