Internal - Cook

Umbrella Family; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Retirement plan

Employee assistance

Unionized workplace

Paid vacation

Childcare priority

Supportive environment

Job summary

Umbrella Family is hiring a Cook at the Ray Lewis Centre in Hamilton, ON. You will prepare meals and snacks for children, maintain a clean kitchen, and support daily centre operations in a collaborative team environment.

The role requires attention to food safety, ability to follow planned menus, and flexibility to assist in classrooms as needed. The position offers a full-time schedule, Monday to Friday, with a 8:30am–3:00pm shift and competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and kitchen operations is an asset.
• Knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide and safe food handling practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare morning and afternoon snacks and mid-day meals for children.
• Contribute to menu creation and follow pre-planned menus based on Canada’s Food Guide.
• Check allergy lists, adjust meals, and deliver meals to classrooms.
• Keep kitchen clean and sanitized; manage grocery lists and weekly orders.
• Perform laundry duties and occasionally support classroom coverage.

Skills

Food preparation

Canada’s Food Guide

Independent and team work

Flexibility for duties

Healthy meals for children

Lifting up to 25 lbs

Stamina 80% standing

Job description

Cook

Permanent, Full time

Build your career where you truly belong — welcome to Umbrella Family.

For over 35 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in early childhood education, powered by passionate staff who make a real impact every day. At Umbrella Family, you’re supported, heard, and empowered to grow in a collaborative environment designed to help you thrive. Join a workplace that values your contributions and celebrates the connection you make with children and their families. This isn’t just a job — it’s your opportunity to be part of something special.

Internal Posting Date: October 9, 2026
Internal Closing Date: October 15, 2026
Target Start Date: October 30, 2026
Internal applicants, please submit your application through this job posting by 12:00PM on October 15, 2026

Location: Ray Lewis Centre,27 Jessica Street, Hamilton, ON L8W 4A1
Total Hours per Week: 30
Schedule: Monday to Friday,8:30am - 3:00pm (with 30 minute unpaid breaks)
Pay Rate (per Collective Agreement, includes wage grants): $21.79per hour

About the Role

As a Cook, you will prepare meals and snacks for children, ensuring food is safe, healthy, and enjoyable. You will maintain a clean and organized kitchen, support daily centre operations, and occasionally assist in classrooms or sleep rooms. While duties may vary slightly from centre to centre, your contributions will directly impact the well‑being of the children in your care.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in food preparation and kitchen operations an asset
• Knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide and safe food handling practices
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to support additional centre duties as needed
• Passion for creating healthy meals for children and contributing to their well‑being
• Lifting up to 25 lbs and standing 80% of shifts to perform cooking, preparation and cleaning responsibilities

Certifications

• Valid Food Handler’s Certificate
• Standard First Aid with CPR Level C
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check
• Proof of up-to-date immunizations(TB, Tetanus, MMR)

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare morning and afternoon snacks and mid-day meals for children
• Contribute to the creation of menus through the Cook Committee
• Follow and post pre‑planned menus based on Canada’s Food Guide.
• Check allergy and food restriction lists carefully and adjust meals accordingly.
• Deliver meals to classrooms on sanitized carts at designated times.
• Clean and sanitize the kitchen and dishes throughout the day.
• Prepare grocery lists and prepare orders weekly, receive and store items safely according to Public Health guidelines.
• Order and maintain centre supplies as needed.
• Perform laundry duties and occasionally step into classrooms for coverage

Why Join Umbrella Family?

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Robust retirement plan with employer matching
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Unionized environment supporting work‑life balance
• Generous vacation and sick time entitlements
• Priority childcare placement for employees’ children
• Positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment

Commitment to Accessibility

We are committed to providing accommodations in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you require accommodations during the hiring process.

Recruitment Process Disclosure

This organization does not use artificial intelligence (AI) systems or automated decision‑making technologies in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for employment. All applications are evaluated exclusively through a human review process conducted by our Human Resources personnel and hiring managers. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization.