Cook - Land Based Learning

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to supporting holistic learning, health, and wellness for students and 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 Cook to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the learning experience and well-being of students in the Land-Based Outdoor Program.

Under the direction of the Principal, the Cook provides culturally informed meal preparation and food services to students participating in outdoor land-based learning activities. This role involves planning, preparing, and serving healthy, nutritious, and culturally relevant meals in an outdoor setting while ensuring food safety standards are met. The Cook will also engage in community relations activities by incorporating traditional food knowledge and fostering positive connections between food, the land, and the community.

This is a part time term contract with an end date of June 30, 2026. 

Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Cooking

• Meal Preparation & Cooking
• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks (including hot breakfast and lunch for grades K–12) using indoor and outdoor cooking methods (stoves, grills, open fire).
• Incorporate traditional and locally sourced foods where possible, while accommodating dietary needs, allergies, and special requests (e.g., vegetarian/vegan).
• Ensure meals are prepared in sufficient quantities and ready at scheduled times, including for school events and activities as requested by the principal.
• Work collaboratively with staff and students to teach meal preparation and cooking techniques 

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation, storage, and serving areas.
• Monitor and record food temperatures (delivery, storage, cooking, hot holding, cooling).
• Rotate stock (First In, First Out), check expiration dates, and minimize food wastage, keeping accurate records of discarded items.
• Maintain safe, sanitary practices and ensure protective clothing is worn.

Logistics & Organization

• Assist with menu planning in alignment with budgets and nutritional guidelines.
• Manage food inventory, ordering, receiving, and proper storage of supplies and equipment.
• Check deliveries for accuracy and quality, reporting errors immediately.
• Purchase food items from designated vendors as required.
• Keep daily records of meals served and participate in regular meetings with the Principal/Vice
• Principal/Staff to review requirements.

Collaboration & Community

• Collaborate with educators and program staff to align mealtimes with learning activities, supporting
• food preparation as a teaching opportunity for students.
• Provide assistance as requested by the Principal, including support during school functions and participation in community events such as the Seabird Island Annual Festival

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'éwqel (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.

• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.

Qualifications

• 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.
• FoodSafe Level 1 Required
• 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.
• Ability to lift and carry food supplies and equipment (up to 40 lbs).

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Good writing, editing, and verbal communication skills

Cultural Competency:

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

Core Competencies:

• Ethical: Maintains and promotes individual and organizational integrity and values in conduct of all activities.
• Analysis of Data: Diligently examines and challenges details, data, and facts prior to making decisions.
• Computer Literacy: Ability to learn new systems quickly or experience of using a variety of relevant software packages.
• Flexible/Adaptable: Maintains effectiveness in diverse work environments characterized by changing circumstances and shifting priorities, displaying adaptability and resilience

How to Apply 

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.
• 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, Métis, 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.