Upward Kitchen & Cafe at the Nook - Barista/Chef

Push Operations; Halifax; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Gratuities

Job summary

Upward Kitchen & Cafe at the Nook in Halifax is seeking a Barista/Chef for a part-time, in-person role. The position covers barista duties, espresso beverage preparation, food prep, baking, and portioning, with a focus on teamwork and reliable service.

Ideal candidates will have at least 1 year in food/beverage service, a valid Food Safety Certification (or willingness to obtain), and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Valid Food Safety Certification (or willing to complete)
• Background check and vulnerable sector check
• Ability to comfortably lift and transport up to 40 kg
• Minimum 1 year of experience in food/beverage service
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Comfortable providing updates via text and phone in English

Responsibilities

• Work with team on food and beverage preparation tasks, including meals, baking, beverages, cleaning and dishwashing
• Support daily kitchen setup, breakdown and cleaning to maintain a safe, organized workspace
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace health and safety standards
• Take initiative and flag issues like low supplies or equipment problems before they arise
• Stay open to learning other stations and pitch in as needed
• Communicate delays, issues, or schedule changes to operations staff
• Work efficiently as part of a small team during busy service periods

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Organizational skills

English communication

Food safety awareness

Job description

Upward Kitchen & Cafe at the Nook - Barista/Chef

• Part-Time
• $20/hourly + Gratuities

Job Description

Upward Kitchen & Cafe at The Nook - Barista/Chef

Who We Are:

Upward Mobility Kitchens East is a community-focused social enterprise based in Halifax. We prepare and deliver nutritious, chef-made meals to schools and community partners across the region through the provincial School Lunch Program and other food initiatives, producing thousands of meals each day from our production kitchen. We also serve our community directly front facing out of our Cafe space on Gottingen Street in Halifax's North End.

At our core, we believe good food matters, and so does how it's made. Our kitchens and Cafe run on teamwork, consistency, and respect for the people we work with and the communities we serve. The work is hands-on and community focused, from hand crafted beverages and chef designed meals, to thoughtful and caring service. It only works when everyone shows up, communicates clearly, and takes pride in doing their job well.

We're looking for people who care about community food access, supporting their teammates, and contributing to something meaningful. If you value doing good work, working as part of a team, and being part of a kitchen that helps feed and support the community every day, you'll fit in here.

Position Summary:

This is a part-time, in-person role, working 2-3 day time shifts Monday - Friday and as otherwise needed.

The Barista/Chef role encompasses Barista and espresso beverage offerings training, food preparation, baking, and portioning. The role requires flexibility and enthusiasm, a strong sense of time management and efficiency, as well as a desire to serve and serve alongside our team and our community.

This role is well-suited to someone who enjoys hands-on work, values teamwork and reliability, enjoys front facing service, and is comfortable balancing independent tasks with collaborative kitchen work in a fast-paced environment.

Job Requirements:

• Valid Food Safety Certification (or willing to complete certification)
• Willing to undergo a background check and vulnerable sector check
• Ability to comfortably lift and transport many packages up to 40kg throughout the day
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in a food/beverage service
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Great time management and organizational skills
• Comfortable providing regular updates and communication via text and phone call in English

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with team members on food and beverage preparation tasks, including preparing, cooking, and plating meals, baking, chopping, beverage creation, cleaning, dishwashing, sweeping, and mopping.
• Support daily kitchen setup, breakdown, and cleaning to maintain a safe, organized workspace.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace health and safety standards.
• Take initiative; handle tasks without being asked and flag issues like low supplies or equipment problems before they become a problem.
• Stay open to learning other stations and pitching in as needed.
• Communicate clearly with operations staff regarding delays, issues, or schedule changes.
• Work efficiently as part of a small team during busy, fast-paced service periods.