HEAD CHEF & CULINARY EDUCATOR

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Head Chef & Culinary Educator, functionally reporting to and supporting the Executive Chef & Culinary Program Lead in delivering high-quality food services, culinary programming, and youth training across the Youth & Family Wellness Camp and the Kenora Community Justice Centre (CJC). This role assists with menu execution, catering, and community meal programs, while leading hands-on culinary education for youth through 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 Head 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: Head Chef & Culinary Educator

Department: Youth and Family Wellness Camp

Salary: $65,000

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

· Supports the Executive Chef in preparing, cooking, and plating meals for camp programs, community gatherings, and catering events.

· Assist 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.

· Support nutritional programming that promotes healthy eating, balanced meal planning, and traditional food education.

· Assist with the use of garden and greenhouse produce in meal preparation and menu planning, supporting sustainable and seasonal food practices.

· Step into leadership of kitchen operations when the Executive 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 Executive Chef, Event 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.

· Collaborate with staff involved in garden and greenhouse operations to align harvest cycles with menu planning.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

· Minimum 4 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.

   Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:

Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

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