Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to well-balanced food service programming for the community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Culinary and Food Services Program Lead to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the nutritional programming within education and develop the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program at Seabird College.

Under the direction of the Director of Education, the Culinary and Food Services Program Lead provides the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program to students. This role involves leading the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program at Seabird College, managing the Meals on Wheels initiative through that program duration, coordinating daily food service operations at the schools, while building partnerships with local food growers and producers. The Lead will also engage in community relations activities to support students and the community.

This is a Term Contract until March 31, 2027, with the possibility of an extension.

Work that matters

Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code
  

What you'll do

Program Development and Instruction

• Develop and deliver the curriculum for the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program at Seabird College, integrating modern culinary techniques.
• Work with the Traditional Food Practices Specialist to integrate traditional food knowledge and cultural practices.
• Engage students in experiential learning opportunities that support their personal and professional growth in the culinary field.
• Work collaboratively with educational staff to ensure alignment with Seabird Colleges overall learning objectives and student outcomes.

Meals on Wheels Program

• Oversee the planning and preparation of home-cooked meals for Elders and other community members through the Meals on Wheels program for the duration of the culinary arts program.
• Ensure meals meet dietary requirements, food safety standards, and reflect cultural preferences of the Seabird Island community.

Operational Management

• Manage all aspects of food service operations within the Education department, including budget development and tracking, menu planning, food procurement, and kitchen operations.
• Develop and implement cost control systems, pricing mechanisms, and cost recovery strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
• Analyze operational data (e.g., cost, price, volume, and sales trends) to inform purchasing, pricing, and programming decisions.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure all food services adhere to Food Safe regulations, health codes, and workplace safety standards.
• Serve as a point of contact for health officials and coordinate all food safety inspections and follow-up activities.
• Promote best practices in sanitation, allergen awareness within all education food services.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Provide day-to-day supervision and support to assigned food services staff, offering clear direction, coaching, and feedback.
• Participate in staffing activities including recruitment, promotion, evaluation, training, and development, fostering a supportive and high-performance team culture.

Strategic Planning and Community Engagement

• Work in partnership with the Director of Education and College Administrator to ensure acoordinated and high-quality service delivery model.
• Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with local food producers, knowledge keepers, and other community stakeholders to support sustainable and culturally relevant food systems.

Financial and Contract Management

• Provide advice on food services within the Education portfolio, balancing participation costs with
  return on investment.
• Oversee inventory management, procurement processes, and ensure that controls are in place
  for accurate pricing and costing.
• Manage contracts for food services and goods, ensuring alignment with organizational goals,
  regulatory requirements, and cost-effectiveness.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

What you bring

Qualifications

• Journeyman / Red Seal Chef certification.
• Two (2) year Diploma in Hospitality, Food Services Management, Business Management, Commerce or Accounting from a recognized educational institution.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience working within food services.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational skills.
• Strong instructional skills with a demonstrated ability to motivate, mentor, and supervise students while fostering a positive learning environment.
• Strong oral and written communication and diplomacy skills especially in working with the public.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty and vendors.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and challenging schedules.
  
• Ability to act decisively and exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Islands culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

How to Apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Culinary Arts. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Mtis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.