Professional Cook (Full-time)

Cove Guest Home; Sydney; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare facility is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare high-quality, nutritious meals for residents. This full-time position offers competitive pay with bonuses for shifts and a range of benefits including vacation, medical, and a pension plan. Ideal candidates should have culinary certifications and a passion for enhancing resident experiences through food.

Benefits

3 weeks paid vacation after one year

Medical/life benefits and pension plan

Childcare priority placement

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Certification in Cooking is essential.
• Completion of a Culinary Arts program preferred.
• Previous experience in a healthcare or bulk preparation environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve large quantities of appetizing meals.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation regulations are followed.
• Manage inventory control and process dietary changes.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Journeyperson or Red Seal Certification in Cooking

Post-secondary Culinary Arts Program

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about cooking and eager to grow in their culinary career. The ideal candidate may hold a Journeyperson or Red Seal certification in cooking, have completed a post-secondary culinary arts program (in full or in part), and is willing to work while pursuing further education in the field. If you’re looking for a stable, full-time position with benefits and a pension, and are committed to learning and development, we want to hear from you!

Title: Cook

Reports to: Clinical Dietitian/Director of Operations

Status: Unionized; UNIFOR local 4620

Details:

• This is a full-time permanent position (minimum 40 hours/week).
• $24.15 – $24.56/hour with shift premiums of $2.35/hour for shifts between 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends, plus time and a half for shifts worked on holidays.
• Flexible schedule of 8–12-hour shifts – days, evenings, and/or weekends.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation time after one year of service.
• Medical/life benefits and pension plan.
• Priority placement at a brand new on-site childcare facility operated by the YMCA of Cape Breton.
• Participate in our Gas/Heating Oil Program with SYDCO Fuels and save 5 cents off a litre of gas.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offering confidential support for mental health, stress management, and personal challenges that’s available 24/7 at zero cost.

Why This Role Matters:

As a Cook at the Cove Guest Home, you play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of our residents by preparing high-quality, nutritious meals that provide both nourishment and comfort. Your work goes beyond the kitchen — each meal you prepare contributes directly to our residents’ quality of life, meeting their dietary needs while bringing enjoyment and familiarity to their daily routines. In this purpose-driven role, your skills and care make a meaningful impact, helping create a warm, home-like environment where residents feel valued and supported.

What You’ll Do:

As a vital member of our dietary team, you will be responsible for preparing and serving large quantities of meals that are both appetizing and visually appealing, all in accordance with planned menus and set timelines. You will ensure all food is prepared following sanitary regulations and organizational policies, including inspecting meals for special dietary requirements. By following standardized recipes and practicing portion control, you'll help maintain consistency and quality. Your role also involves upholding safety standards at all times, promptly reporting any hazardous conditions or equipment issues to the Clinical Dietitian. You'll manage proper storage and rotation of food, handle leftovers appropriately, and ensure ingredients for upcoming meals are ready, making substitutions only when needed. Additional responsibilities include processing dietary changes, supporting inventory control and storage, catering special events, assisting with scheduled cleaning tasks, and participating in training sessions and team meetings as offered.

What You Bring to the Table:

The ideal candidate will have a Journeyperson or Red Seal Certification in Cooking, have completed or partially completed a post-secondary Culinary Arts program, or have previous experience as a professional Cook within a healthcare or bulk food preparation environment and demonstrates a strong interest and willingness to upgrade their education while working. Strong English communication skills are essential to collaborate effectively with team members, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a positive attitude under pressure. Employment is conditional upon a clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check, as well as a functional assessment to confirm your ability to meet the physical demands of the role—this assessment will be arranged for you at a later date.

Working Conditions:

• Continuous walking and standing throughout shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to smell and taste food to determine quality and palatability.
• Occasional kneeling, pushing and pulling.
• Exposure to heat and noise in kitchen.

To Apply:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please send the following documents via email to [e-mail]:

• Your up-to-date resume
• A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role
• Completed Application for Employment Form – https://www.coveguesthome.com/_files/ugd/afd3ae_e323bb5c4e7c4aeea48df425731bb77f.pdf

Please include “Cook Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line of your email. This position is open until filled and interviews will be scheduled on an ongoing basis, so don’t wait to apply!

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.