Kitchen Assistant 2026/27

Columbia Hospitality, Inc.; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is seeking a Kitchen Assistant / Dishwasher to support the Chicopee kitchen. The role involves basic food prep, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring proper cleaning and storage of dishes, utensils, and equipment in a fast-paced setting.

You will follow health and safety standards, assist with event setups, and participate in training sessions to ensure smooth daily operations. Must be able to lift up to 45 lbs and work flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and initiative.
• Team-oriented with clear communication skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to lift up to 45 lbs repeatedly and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, hot and high-pressure environment.
• Detail-oriented, especially regarding cleanliness and food safety.
• Previous kitchen or dishwashing experience is an asset but not required.
• Safe Food Handling Certificate and/or Smart Serve certification is an asset.
• Bilingualism is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen staff with basic food preparation tasks and general kitchen duties
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards are maintained at all times
• Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Maintain cleanliness of floors, prep surfaces, and waste disposal areas
• Follow all health and food safety standards (including immediate cleanup of spills and grease)
• Sweep, mop, and disinfect kitchen floors regularly
• Remove garbage and recycling to designated pickup areas
• Stock supplies and assist in loading/unloading deliveries
• Ensure that all equipment and kitchen tools are cleaned and stored appropriately
• Assist with banquet or special event setups as needed
• Complete required daily cleaning and log sheets accurately
• Attend all mandatory training sessions, including pre-season and corporate onboarding
• Assist other departments as required based on operational needs

Skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Follow instructions

Communication skills

Food safety awareness

Bilingualism (asset)

Job description

Position Title: Kitchen Assistant / Dishwasher

Department: Food and Beverage

Reports to: Manager, Food and Beverage or designate

Our Mission:Offer unique and memorable experiences through fun-filled programs, activities and events

Job Summary:Kitchen Assistants play a key support role in the daily operations of the Chicopee kitchen. This individual will assist with basic food prep, maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards, and ensure dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment are properly cleaned and stored. This position is critical to maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support kitchen staff with basic food preparation tasks and general kitchen duties
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards are maintained at all times
• Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Maintain cleanliness of floors, prep surfaces, and waste disposal areas
• Follow all health and food safety standards (including immediate cleanup of spills and grease)
• Sweep, mop, and disinfect kitchen floors regularly
• Remove garbage and recycling to designated pickup areas
• Stock supplies and assist in loading/unloading deliveries
• Ensure that all equipment and kitchen tools are cleaned and stored appropriately
• Assist with banquet or special event setups as needed
• Complete required daily cleaning and log sheets accurately
• Attend all mandatory training sessions, including pre-season and corporate onboarding
• Assist other departments as required based on operational needs

Key Qualifications:

• Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative
• Team-oriented with clear communication skills
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Able to lift up to 45 lbs (20.4 kg) repeatedly and perform physically demanding tasks
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hot, and high-pressure environment
• Able to follow verbal instructions and safety protocols preciselyDetail-oriented, especially regarding cleanliness and food safety
• Previous kitchen or dishwashing experience is an asset but not required
• Safe Food Handling Certificate (REG 493) and/or Smart Serve certification is an asset
• Bilingualism is an asset

Additional Requirements:

• Passionate about the recreation, hospitality, or food and beverage industry
• Approachable, empathetic, and customer-focused
• Must be flexible with scheduling – including evenings, weekends, holidays, and shift coverage
• Must provide your own uniform in compliance with Chicopee’s uniform policy
• You have, or can use our Human Resource platform to obtain, the following certificates: WHMIS; Ladder Safety; Ontario Health & Safety Awareness (OHSA); Workplace Violence & Harassment (Bill 168 & 132); Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); IASR: Information and Communications Standards and Employment Standards; Understanding Human Rights; Safe Lifting; Gender and Sexual Diversity; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB); Safe Food Handling (for Food and Beverage Employees) Training