Prep Cook (Student Position)

Mohawk Students' Association; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local student organization in Hamilton, Ontario, is seeking a part-time Prep Cook. The ideal candidate will provide operational support in food service operations, focus on student engagement, and maintain high standards of food safety and customer service. This role is perfect for Mohawk College students looking to enhance their culinary experiences while ensuring a supportive and welcoming environment for fellow students. Flexible scheduling accommodates school commitments.

Benefits

Student benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan option

Wellbeing initiatives

Inclusive work culture

Qualifications

• Preferred experience in a food service environment.
• Understanding of various cooking methods and equipment.
• Must be available to work based on school schedule.

Responsibilities

• Prepare station items and grab-&-go food items.
• Maintain positive relationships with students and staff.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Food Handling

Customer Service

Organization

Interpersonal Skills

Adaptability

Education

Full-time Mohawk College student with 60% average

Food handlers certification (preferred)

Job description

Overview

WHAT WE STAND FOR

The Mohawk Students Association exists to ensure all Mohawk Students achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond. We empower Mohawk Students to create a community they can lean on for positive experiences, relevant supports, a listening ear and a strong voice so they can achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond.

Led by the Executive Director and an elected Student Board of Directors (BOD), we are a Non-Profit Organization that supports students through our mission:

• Advocacy & Leadership
• Engagement & Support
• Sustainability & Operations

While we are a separate organization from Mohawk College, we work collaboratively with the college to reach our goals.

MY MSA TEAM

We live our values to ensure we achieve our Student Driven Vision and Mission. In This Together we collaborate in transformative ways within and beyond our departments, helping wherever we are needed. We Believe it’s Possible by focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. We prioritize fostering Belonging where all staff members feel purposeful and supported as their authentic selves. And we share and learn through the power of Storytelling.

MY HOSPITALITY TEAM

We create a welcoming environment and inclusive food experiences rooted in genuine hospitality that help students feel like they belong at the MSA.

WHAT YOU DO

Reporting to the Assistant Manager Culinary, a Prep Cook provides daily operational support in all MSA food service operations delivering value-based service excellence.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

You ensure every interpersonal interaction is a positive experience, engaging and supporting students and team members. Working under the supervision and direction of the Sous Chef to support all food outlets to enhance student experience while being an ambassador of MSA values. Best practices will be a focal point of the position in the areas of cooking, food safety, customer service and day-to-day business operations.

Primary Accountabilities

• Prepare station items and grab-&-go food items for all outlets.
• Maintain positive relationships with students, staff and partners.
• Constant adherence to all Health & Safety policies to ensure the wellbeing of the team, students and guests.

HOW YOU DO IT

Responsibilities

• Review daily prep lists and pull product from fridges and freezers for daily operation.
• Prepare food station ingredients, grab-&-go food items and event menus to ensure a successful daily operation.
• Follow recipes and yield guidelines as directed by Chef / Food Services Specialist.
• Maintain strong connection with outlet line cooks regarding their prep needs.
• Assist with inventory management, putting away orders and maintaining tidy, organized food storage.
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
• Ensuring value-based service excellence and quality standards.
• Communicating student food security needs and feedback.
• Provides support to other areas when required.
• Maintaining a comprehensive menu knowledge to assist students and guests with menu selection, allergy questions and dietary restrictions.
• Reports Food Services risk management, health and safety, maintenance and equipment issues to be addressed.

What you Need in Education Experience and Training for your Department

• Preferred experience in a food service environment.
• Preferred food handlers certification
• Preferred knowledge about food allergies & dietary restrictions.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Understanding and experience with various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures.
• Must be a full-time Mohawk College student with an overall 60% average.
• Must be available to work based on the business needs of the department through your school schedule.

What Knowledge Skills and Attitudes that you require

• Comfort in a digital environment.
• Pride in customer service with a focus on service excellence.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced student-facing customer service space and ever-changing environment.
• Passion for working for and with post-secondary students.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
• Positive energy and attitude.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Standard work hours are up to 15 hours per week. This may include early mornings, evenings and weekends occasionally.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Able to stand for prolonged periods.

At MSA we prioritize both our operational needs and the well-being of our students. Our schedules are crafted to meet the business requirements while considering the availability of our students, ensuring a harmonious balance that supports both the organization’s goals and individual commitments. We understand that circumstances can change and if your availability or schedule needs to be adjusted during your contract we encourage open communication. Please be aware that such changes might affect our ability to offer you future shifts as we strive to maintain optimal support for our operations. Our approach reflects our commitment to mutual respect, flexibility and maintaining a supportive environment for all.

HOW WE SUPPORT YOU

This position is entitled to the following comprehensive compensation package:

• Student benefits.
• Option to enroll in the CAAT Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
• Staff Wellbeing Initiatives.
• Celebrate an Individuals Authentic Self.
• Work Culture that prioritizes that staff have a voice, feel a sense of belonging and have fun together.

ACCESSIBILITY

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, the MSA will, upon the request of the candidate, provide accommodation. Should you require accommodation at any point during the appointment process with the MSA please contact People and Culture at

EQUITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The MSA seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives and especially seeks applications from Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply using the link provided, including a resume and contact information with your application.

The interview process will begin in late July or early August and the posting will remain open until late July. Preferred start date would be around August 18, 2025.

Key Skills

Culinary Experience, Food Handling, Restaurant Experience, Food Preparation Experience, Food Service, Kitchen Experience, Hospitality Experience, Guest Relations Experience, Cooking, Baking, Sanitation, Knife Skills

Employment Type : Part-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1