Wage: $30.00/hour

Schedule: Casual – Must be available for weekend and evening events

Location: 2342 Rosewall Crescent, Courtenay

Posting Close/Start Date: Hiring will be ongoing to meet our needs

GENERAL OVERVIEW

LUSH Valley Food Action Society is a Comox Valley based non-profit organization. We envision a region where healthy, local food is at the heart of community wellbeing. We support the Comox Valley community to gain food-systems tools, engage in just and resilient local food systems and receive equitable access to nourishing food.

When you work with LUSH Valley, you become part of an energetic and passionate team making positive change in the Comox Valley.

ROLE SUMMARY

LUSH Valley is looking for one or more agile and experienced Chef(s) to join our kitchen team to support catering. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on kitchen work and is passionate about local and seasonal food.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a production kitchen and, while also being able to take initiative and help keep kitchen operations running smoothly. This includes working with and directing volunteers, working with community partners, ordering and purchasing food and other products, and developing value-added products using local produce gluts and working with the kitchen team to cater events for 25–300 people.

The Contract Chef will work under the supervision of LUSH Valley’s Kitchen Director, but should be self-directed and able to work with minimal supervision. There is the potential for ongoing work and expanded responsibilities for the right person with previous kitchen leadership or management experience.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

- Prepare food for catering events for 25–300 people and deliver food to offsite events as needed




- Work with the kitchen team to develop prepare diverse menus and dishes that highlight local and seasonal food
- Order and purchase ingredients and other kitchen products as needed, working within established budgets
- Work with volunteers and staff to prepare, cook and serve meals
- Develop and prepare value-added products using local produce, including seasonal gluts and surplus
- Engage with and be sensitive and accommodating to a variety of LUSH Valley clients, including those with allergies or food sensitivities
- Maintain FoodSafe standards and a clean, organized and safe kitchen and workspace
- Contribute to efficient kitchen workflows and identify ways to improve production and catering processes
- Work collaboratively with various staff, board, volunteers, farmers and community partners
- Take on additional kitchen tasks based on experience, skills and organizational needs

SKILLS and ABILITIES

- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong time-management and organizational skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- The ability to maintain calm under pressure
- Collaborative, positive, can-do attitude
- Ability to organize, multitask and self-direct
- Ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- 2+ years of culinary experience




- Formal culinary training
- Valid FoodSafe Certification
- Criminal record clearance
- Class 5 driver's license with a clear driver's abstract
- Managerial experience an asset

Candidates with kitchen leadership or management experience are encouraged to apply. There is potential for ongoing work and expanded responsibilities for the right person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

LUSH Valley’s kitchen and catering programs operate out of our kitchen in Tin Town. On occasion, the Contract Chef may also work out of The Farmer’s Kitchen (TFK) food truck or at off-site catering and community events.

The LUSH Valley and TFK facility includes a large walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer, a small deep fryer, a six burner stove, a 10-tray deck oven and a flat-top grill, induction burners and a large processing space with necessary equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience using, cleaning and maintaining these pieces of equipment. The kitchen also requires the ability to work in small spaces and use stairs with ease.

Some heavy lifting is required in this role. Business-casual attire may be required for certain events.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Ali at [email protected].

LUSH Valley is grateful to receive all applications, but we can only contact shortlisted candidates.

LUSH Valley believes in diversity, employment equity and social justice. We encourage applications from all community members, but would be especially interested in receiving them from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disability, LGBTQIA2S+ people and members of marginalized communities.

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

📌 Contract Catering Chef (Courtenay)
🏢 LUSH Valley Food Action Society
📍 Courtenay