First Cook

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity; Banff; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity seeks an experienced First Cook for its kitchen team, specializing in fine dining and volume cooking. The role requires a minimum of 4 years in a busy restaurant, with responsibilities ranging from food preparation to mentoring junior kitchen staff. This position offers benefits including employee assistance programs and discounted on-site services, along with a competitive hourly wage.

Benefits

Transitional staff housing options

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development

Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts

Onsite fitness facility

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' restaurant experience.
• Experience in fine dining and large volume cooking.
• Must possess Red Seal or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety standards during food production.
• Prepare food to the highest standards and accommodate dietary needs.
• Guide and direct Second Cooks and Pantry Cooks.

Skills

Health and Safety Standards

Food Preparation

Supervision

Education

Red Seal or Journeyman Cook's Certificate

Job description

We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

The Opportunity

The Kitchen at Banff Centre is looking for an experienced First Cook to prepare distinctive dishes in our dining outlets, conveniently located just steps from the Centre's performance, meeting, and accommodation spaces and boasting an incomparable view of the picturesque Bow Valley. Our Kitchen Team are creative and inspired professionals, sharing their passion for great food and presentation perfection. Calm and composed while working in a fast-paced environment, the First Cook works alongside and coaches others in the kitchen to prepare exceptional and memorable food experiences.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety standards are followed during all stages and methods of food production
• Prepare all food to the highest of standards set by the Executive Chef and Sous-Chefs; accommodate special dietary needs as required
• Provide guidance and direction to Second Cooks and Pantry Cooks
• Check menus, functions, and number of guests expected for the assigned work station; ensure work station equipment is tidy, clean, and sanitary
• Ensure the cleanliness of all fridges and freezers; delegate cleaning tasks to Second Cooks and Pantry Cooks as required
• Organize the kitchen in the absence of the Chef de Partie or Demi Chef de Partie

Qualification and Educational Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years' experience working in a busy restaurant
• Experience in pastry, fine dining, buffet, and large volume cooking
• Possesses Red Seal or Journeyman Cook's Certificate or international equivalent
• In accordance with CUPE 4318, this is a unionized, hourly support staff position, subject to a 500-hour probationary period.
• This position pays $24.75 per hour, depending on experience, working up to 40 hours per week on a rotating schedule.
• Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
  • Transitional staff housing options (based on availability)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional development
  • Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
  • Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!

Application Process

• We are accepting applications for the First Cook position until until 11:59 pm MDT on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
• Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check, verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be made.
• Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.

About the company

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, formerly known as The Banff Centre, located in Banff, Alberta, was established in 1933 as the Banff School of Drama.

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