Kitchen Assistant (Full-Time)

Canada's National Ballet School; Toronto; On-site; CAD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Benefits

Staff meals and cafeteria discounts

Paid vacation time

Pension plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) in Toronto is hiring a full-time Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef and Cooks in daily food preparation, meal service, and kitchen sanitation.

You will help assemble meals, prepare café items, receive deliveries, and ensure hygiene standards are met. Applicants should have a valid Food Handler Certificate and be able to work weekends in a fast-paced school setting.

Qualifications

• : Experience in a food services role in a professional or institutional kitchen.
• : Knowledge of food service practices and procedures.
• : A valid Food Handler Certificate is required; Smart Serve certification is an asset
• : A good understanding of sanitation and cleanliness, including knowledge of WHMIS
• : Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• : Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• : Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with school-aged children
• : Availability to work weekends

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen production and food preparation for meals, salads, snacks, catering, and special or restricted dietary requirements.
• Prepare sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go items for the café.
• Assemble portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as needed, including cereal, juice, fruit, bowls, sugar, and crackers.
• Communicate daily menu offerings and serve portions according to established guidelines at Mona Campbell Square Café and/or Currie Hall.
• Help receive deliveries, put supplies away, and support kitchen cleaning activities.
• Keep work areas and kitchen spaces clean, sanitized, and tidy; store excess food appropriately, clear waste, and follow cleanliness and sanitation instructions.
• Follow School, HACCP, and municipal food-handling policies, standards, and guidelines when preparing and handling food and leftovers.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Food Services Department and its objectives

Skills

Food service experience

Sanitation knowledge

Strong organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Weekend availability

Education

Food Handler Certificate

Smart Serve Certification

Tools

WHMIS

Job description

Are you passionate about dance and looking to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and collaborative environment? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the full-time, permanent position of Kitchen Assistant. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic team that supports the transformative power of dance across all ages and abilities.

About Us:

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is a leading arts and education institution dedicated to excellence in dance training, community programming, and health initiatives. NBS has 300+ employees supporting programs ranging from professional ballet training, community engagement, and groundbreaking health initiatives. NBS foster a collaborative, creative environment rooted in inclusion and continuous growth.

The Role:

Under the leadership of the Chef de Cuisine, the Kitchen Assistant will provide assistance to the Chef and Cooks as required by clearing and cleaning dishes, helping with food preparation and service, and helping the children and staff as required.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• You’ll contribute to a welcoming dining experience for students, staff, and café patrons
• You’ll work alongside a collaborative food services team in a purpose-driven school environment
• You’ll build your food service skills through hands‑on kitchen and café experience
• You’ll play an important role in keeping kitchen operations safe, clean, and running smoothly

What You’ll Do:

• Support Food Preparation: Assist with kitchen production and food preparation for meals, salads, snacks, catering, and special or restricted dietary requirements.
• Prepare Café Items: Prepare sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go items for the café.
• Assist with Meal Service: Assemble portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as needed, including items such as cereal, juice, fruit, bowls, sugar, and crackers.
• Serve Café and Dining Patrons: Communicate daily menu offerings and serve portions according to established guidelines at Mona Campbell Square Café and/or Currie Hall.
• Receive and Organize Deliveries: Help receive deliveries, put supplies away, and support kitchen cleaning activities.
• Maintain Cleanliness and Sanitation: Keep work areas and kitchen spaces clean, sanitized, and tidy; store excess food appropriately, clear waste, and follow cleanliness and sanitation instructions.
• Follow Food Safety Standards: Follow School, HACCP, and municipal food-handling policies, standards, and guidelines when preparing and handling food and leftovers.
• Contribute to the Team: Perform other duties as assigned to support the Food Services Department and its objectives.

What You Bring:

• Experience in a food services role in a professional or institutional kitchen
• Knowledge of food service practices and procedures
• A valid Food Handler Certificate is required; Smart Serve certification is an asset
• A good understanding of sanitation and cleanliness, including knowledge of WHMIS
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with school-aged children
• Availability to work weekends

Compensation

Salary: $34,000 annually

Total Rewards

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Dental, Health, Paramedical, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation Time
• Commitment to Work-Life Balance
• Development & Learning Opportunities
• Discounted rates for Adult Ballet Classes at Canada’s National Ballet School
• Discounted rates for all programs and items at our retail outlet
• Complimentary staff meal per shift, plus discounted café snacks and beverages
• Collaborative and Inclusive work environment: Join our EDI Committee or Social Committee and participate in our fun employee events!

Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility

NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization including programs, policies and practices. It is NBS’ top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially welcoming those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Police Reference Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS