POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Sous Chef & Culinary Educator plays a key leadership role in supporting all kitchen operations at the Youth & Family Wellness Camp and the Kenora Community Justice Centre (CJC). Working under the Head Chef & Culinary Program Lead, the Sous Chef is responsible for assisting with menu preparation, food service, and catering, while also leading hands-on training for youth participants in the “Entry into the Workforce” Culinary Training Program.

This role combines culinary expertise with mentorship, teaching youth the fundamentals of working in a professional kitchen—food preparation, safety, customer service, teamwork, and time management. The Sous Chef will also support the Community Kitchen’s grab-and-go meal program, ensuring consistent quality and service, and contribute to community food programming that promotes wellness, cultural teachings, and food security.

The ideal candidate will bring both strong kitchen skills and a passion for working with youth, combining professionalism, patience, and creativity in equal measure.

Position Title:     Sous Chef & Culinary Educator
Department:      Youth and Family Wellness Camp
Salary:                   $65,000-70,000
Term:                    Full-Time – 40 hours per week, irregular hours
Location:              371 Strecker Road & 33 Main Street South, Kenora, ON
Reports to:          Event Manager

Duties and Responsibilities:

Culinary Operations

  • Assist the Head Chef in preparing, cooking, and plating meals for camp programs, community gatherings, and catering events.
  • Support menu execution, ensuring food quality, cultural relevance, and nutritional balance.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, following food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Monitor kitchen equipment, support inventory control, and assist with supply ordering.
  • Step into leadership of kitchen operations when the Head Chef is unavailable.

Culinary Training & Mentorship

  • Lead day-to-day delivery of the “Entry into the Workforce” Culinary Training Program.
  • Provide practical, hands-on instruction in food preparation, food safety, teamwork, customer service, and kitchen operations.
  • Mentor and guide youth participants, providing encouragement, feedback, and skill-building opportunities.
  • Help participants understand the pace, responsibilities, and expectations of a professional kitchen.
  • Support development of training modules and evaluation tools, tracking participant progress and achievements.
  • Encourage confidence, leadership, and employability skills in all participants.

Community Kitchen & Social Enterprise

  • Assist in running the grab-and-go lunch program at the Community Justice Centre, ensuring consistent service and food quality.
  • Help plan and prepare meals such as soups, bannock, wraps, and salads for lunch service and community events.
  • Support community kitchens and collaborative programs (e.g., with the Youth Wellness Hub).
  • Contribute to the integration of traditional and seasonal foods into programming.

Teamwork & Collaboration

  • Work closely with the Head Chef, Program Manager, and other staff to support events, ceremonies, and programming.
  • Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth food service during events and community meals.
  • Provide guidance and supervision to kitchen helpers, seasonal staff, and interns.
  • Participate in planning meetings and share insights to strengthen programming and services.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a professional kitchen (experience in camp, catering, or community kitchens considered an asset).
  • Strong cooking skills and understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, and nutrition.
  • Food Handlers Certificate required.
  • Experience mentoring, teaching, or supervising youth or entry-level kitchen staff strongly preferred.
  • Standard First Aid & CPR with AED certification (asset).
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Patience, professionalism, and commitment to supporting First Nations youth and communities.
  • Knowledge of Anishinaabe food practices, culture, and language considered an asset.
  • Experience in catering or event food services is an asset.

Position Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
  • Willingness to work irregular hours, evenings, and weekends.
  • Willingness to travel to all Treaty #3 First Nation communities as needed.
  • Current satisfactory Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

We’re looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA.  Discover What’s Possible!

Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:

Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor

Kenora ON P9N 3X4

Fax: 807-467-2656

Email:  resume@kenorachiefs.org

*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted

** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting

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