Job ID #32307: Cook (PERIODIC)

City of Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Hamilton is seeking a part-time Cook for the Healthy & Safe Communities Department. You will plan and prepare meals for children at the Family Centre, develop daily menus and ensure high standards of food safety and sanitation.

The role involves coordinating with staff, managing supplies and assisting with special events. Ideal candidates will have a cook diploma, Red Seal certification, and a Food Handler’s Certificate, with experience in institutional kitchen settings.

Qualifications

• Ability to plan menus and prepare meals in an institutional setting.
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation in food handling and equipment use.
• Experience with quantity cooking and event catering would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily menus for breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
• Prepare meals and snacks for children and guests and deliver to classrooms.
• Maintain kitchen and preparation area in compliance with policies.
• Ensure food allergies are accommodated with labelled substitutes.
• Order supplies for special events and verify deliveries.

Skills

Menu planning

Food safety

Meal preparation

Education

Cook diploma

Interprovincial Standards Red Seal

Food Handler’s Certificate

Job description

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #32307: Cook (REPOST)
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Job Description ID #: 393
• Close date: 4:00 p.m. on November 11th, 2026
• All current & upcoming part-time vacancies for the period of November 11th, 2026 - May 11th, 2027
• Vacancy type: This posting will be used to fill current vacancies, as well as any further vacancies which arise during the period noted above
• Internal applicants should apply with your work email address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

The Healthy & Safe Communities Department is committed to its people and is dedicated to building a strong and healthy community. We are passionate about making a difference and are recognized for our excellence. We offer a respectful and supportive workplace that provides life-long learning opportunities, leadership, innovation and performance excellence.

We are looking for high performing public servants who are interested in experiencing a challenging, rewarding, enjoyable, and fulfilling career. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to provide excellent client service in a respectful, courageous, empathetic, just and ethical manner. Your ability to set and achieve personal goals, professional goals and contribute to the goals of the organization will result in high job satisfaction. Children’s & Home Management Services leads, plans and manages city wide early years and child care systems and provides comprehensive evidence based support services to children, families and the community. The division provides leadership, expertise and support for broad based departmental program development, program evaluation and social policy initiatives.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Program Manager, plans children’s menus and prepares meals and snacks for children, of the Family Centre, in compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act. Maintains the kitchen and preparation area at the Centre.

GENERAL DUTIES

Plan and submit for approval, menus for daily breakfasts, lunches and snacks; post menus on bulletin boards.

Record menu changes in the Centre's Journal.

Requisition groceries.

Verify orders received with invoices and store groceries.

Prepare meals and snacks for children, clients and guests, place on serving carts, deliver to classrooms.

Check list of children for food allergies and provide labelled substitute food choices.

Wash and disinfect cooking utensils, pots and pans by hand and machine.

Wash, disinfect and polish equipment, cupboards, fixtures and appliances (fridges, freezers) in the kitchen, lower level and pantry.

Sweep pantry and kitchen floor.

Store hazardous products in a locked area.

Decorate bulletin board for special occasions such as birthdays. Bake, decorate and freeze cakes, muffins, loaves for snack and special occasions

Demonstrate food preparation techniques to parents and visitors, shares recipes with families if asked.

Order supplies and prepare food for special events such as picnics, Christmas parties, Graduation Ceremonies etc.

Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Previous demonstrated ability to plan menus, prepare meals and snacks in an institutional setting and in compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, normally acquired through a combination of education and relevant work experience.
2. Knowledge of preparation, safety and sanitation in food handling and equipment use. Preference will be given to candidates with a cook’s diploma from an approved college and have the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Classification.
3. Must possess a Food Handler’s Certificate as offered by Public Health Services.
4. Knowledge of the Canada Food Guide as it relates to the Child Care and Early Years Act.
5. Practical knowledge, previous experience and skill in kitchen work including quantity cooking and quantity meal preparation.
6. Ability to maintain kitchen and preparation area in accordance with City of Hamilton Red Hill Family Centre procedures.
7. Practical knowledge and skill in kitchen work including requisitioning groceries online and preparing menus for special events.
8. Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position such as carrying food trays up and down steps, lifting roast pans, cases of food and storing supplies.
9. Demonstrated ability to read and understand written and verbal instructions (e.g. policies & procedures, manuals, menus, menu modifications, recipes, temperature charts); demonstrated ability to absorb suitable course of in-service training, and demonstrated ability to write notes (e.g. supply requisitions, food labels, communication log book).
10. Must be respectful of confidentiality at all times with a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and relate to fellow staff and families in both a professional and respectful manner.

HOURS

0 - 24 per week

NOTE

As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Reference Check or Vulnerable Sector Screening, at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this position.

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

Disclaimer: Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms: The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.