Position Summary

To prepare, cook and serve food for school breakfast/lunch programs and special events organized and participated in by Seabird School as instructed by the principal in accordance with current health, safety and hygiene legislation.

This position has a start date of August 27th, 2025, and an end date of June 30th, 2026, with the possibility for an extension.

What You'll Do

• Plan and prepare meals for special events in collaboration with other school cooks as requested by the principal.
  
• Supervise and coordinate activities of workers who prepare, cook, serve food, clean premises, and wash dishware.
  
• Provide a well-balanced nutritional service, considering dietary/allergy needs and specific dietary requests (i.e.: vegetarian/vegan etc.).
  
• Ensure that the food is ready at the required times and in sufficient quantities.
  
• Keep daily records of meals served and take inventory of supplies and equipment.
  
• Prepare a hot breakfast and hot lunch for grades K-7 or 8-12.
  
• May be required to purchase food items for the school from the designated grocery store.
  
• Provide such assistance as the principal considers necessary for the supervision of students at the school and at school functions whenever and wherever held, which shall include, but not be limited to, attendance and participation in school activities and the Seabird Island Annual Festival.
  
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety Regulations.
  
• Ensure that stock is rotated correctly (i.e.: First In, First Out) - to prevent food from becoming out of date. Check expiration dates on a regular basis.
  
• Check deliveries to ensure that the orders are correct and conform to the necessary quality. Also, to ensure that any errors are reported immediately and rectified.
  
• Ensure that all food temperature charts are completed daily (delivery, fridge & freezer, core cooking, hot holding, cooling etc.).
  
• Ensure that food wastage is minimized, and a record kept of all food wastage.
  
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness within the kitchen and all dining areas. Ensure that the required disinfection takes place regularly.
  
• Ensure that a high level of hygiene is always maintained by all staff in the kitchen and that protective clothing is worn.
  
• May be required to participate in daily meetings with the Principal/Vice Principal/Staff to discuss the requirements for each day.

Other Duties

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

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

What You Bring

• Formal education or training in cooking, food safety or a related field preferred. Other forms of post-secondary education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will be considered.
  
• At least 1 year of relevant experience working within a kitchen setting.
  
• Knowledge of good dietary practice and nutritional options.
  
• Proficiency in the preparation of large quantities of food.
  
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
  
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

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.
  
• Good writing and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

How to Apply

• Have a question about this role before you apply? [email protected].
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

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.

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.

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