First Cook

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

Job summary

A cultural arts center in Banff is seeking an Experienced First Cook to create distinctive dishes and manage kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience in a busy restaurant setting and hold a RedSeal or Journeyman Cook's Certificate. This role offers a pay of $24.75 per hour with various benefits including professional development and onsite fitness facilities.

Benefits

Transitional staff housing options

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development

Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts

Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years' experience working in a busy restaurant.
• Experience in pastry, fine dining, buffet, and large volume cooking.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety standards are followed during all stages of food production.
• Prepare food to the highest standards set by the Executive Chef.
• Provide guidance to Second Cooks and Pantry Cooks.

Skills

Food preparation

Health and safety standards

Coaching kitchen staff

Education

RedSeal or Journeyman Cook's Certificate

Job description

First Cook

This position has a planned start date of January 2026.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

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 RedSeal or Journeyman Cook's Certificate or international equivalent

Employment Terms & Benefits

• 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 suitable candidates have been found.
• 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.