Daycare Cook

Regular full-time hours are 40
- Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm

The successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment.

The Daycare Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children, staff and guests in the Head Start program, adhering to nutritional guidelines and safety standards. The cook ensures that the children receive balanced meals that support their growth and development while managing kitchen operations efficiently.

Meal Preparation
:
Prepare meals and snacks in accordance with the Canada Food guidelines and Head Start nutrition standards. The Head Start Cook may also prepare take out lunches for staff and children when appropriate. Stock the freezer with healthy, premade meals. Ensure that a monthly menu is submitted to the Head Start manager one week in advance of implementation for approval.

Menu Planning
:
Collaborate with program administrators and nutritionists as needed to plan menus. Develop meal plans based on seasonal foods, balanced meals and culturally relevant foods. Shop and follow meal plans to be cost effective. Create seasonal menus that can be reused and simplified.

Food Safety and Sanitation
:
Ensure all kitchen equipment and surfaces are sanitized and maintain high standards of hygiene. Follow food safety regulations to prevent contamination and illness. Ensure dates are put on all open packages and containers. Fill out and submit a weekly/monthly cleaning checklist.

Inventory Management
:
Order and maintain an inventory of food supplies, ensuring that ingredients are fresh and stored properly. Rotate stock and check for expired products weekly.

Serving Meals
:
Serve meals to children, ensuring portion control and dietary restrictions are followed.

Record Keeping
:
Maintain accurate records of food preparation, inventory, meal counts, and compliance with health and safety standards.

Communication
:
Communicate with staff, and administrators regarding special dietary needs, allergies, and meal-related concerns. Post a list of known allergies in the kitchen.

Guidance
:
May provide direction or training to assistant kitchen staff or volunteers in food preparation and safety procedures.

Budgeting
:
Assist with managing food costs and staying within program budgets.

Compliance
:
Ensure compliance with provincial and local regulations, as well as Head Start policies related to food and nutrition. Follow all childcare licensing, Head Start and Esquimalt Nation policies.

Other related duties as assigned

Minimum two years' experience in working with children

Minimum two years' experience in cooking for large groups

Minimum of two years' experience working in a First Nations community

Level 1 First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

Food Safe (or willingness to obtain)

Anyone filling this position is required to provide and maintain a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.

Demonstrated knowledge of Esquimalt/Indigenous people and culture

Ability to work within a team

Strong communication (verbal and written) skills and report writing skills

Possesses reliable public relations and interpersonal skills to clarify facts, provide information and respond to community needs

Proven ability to work with limited supervision and follow standardized practices and/or methods

Ability to operate/perform/deliver within a defined budget

Skilled in working with children and families

Demonstrated mental alertness to ensure the safety of others

Committed to our guiding principles:

• Every individual reflects the whole
• Connect our spirituality to our work
• Promote self sufficiency

The Esquimalt Nation administration office is located on Reserve land. As such, in accordance with Section 87 of the Indian Act
, individuals who have Status under this act may be eligible for tax-exempt employment income
. Eligibility is determined by the Canada Revenue Agency
.

Only applicants successful in the screening process will be contacted. If you have any questions regarding jobs at Esquimalt Nation, please contact human