Overview
Have you dreamed of waking up in a quaint lakeside cabin to the majestic call of a loon, or going to bed to the sound of wolves howling in the distance? Here is your opportunity to do so! The historic Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS), located within Algonquin Provincial Park, is hiring an Assistant Cook for the 2026 field season. All meals and accommodation (in a semi-private lakeside cabin) will be provided. The AWRS is a charitable organization that supports wildlife research and conservation, student training in environmental and natural sciences, and outdoor education.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to live and work at a well-known research station in a renowned provincial park. Spare time can be spent volunteering with researchers, paddling nearby lakes, and hiking park trails!
Responsibilities:
The AWRS Cookhouse provides two to three meals per day, seven days per week. Meals are prepared from scratch in a fully outfitted kitchen and served buffet-style in a communal dining area. Cook staff includes a Head Cook and an Assistant Cook, each of whom work five days per week—three days together and two days independently. The Assistant Cook works alongside the Head Cook with occasional support from other staff members to:
- Complete the Safe Food Handling Certificate (if not already completed)
- Prepare and serve buffet-style food and meals for 15–40+ people, including for omnivore, vegetarian, and allergy restricted diets
- Ensure food is handled in accordance with Safe Food Handling protocols and keep required records (e.g., fridge temperature logs)
- Clean and maintain the Cookhouse and kitchen facilities in accordance with Safe Food Handling protocols
- Provide exceptional and professional customer service to those staying at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station
- Assist the Head Cook with menu planning and placing wholesale orders
- Assist the Head Cook with monitoring food and supplies inventory
- Assist with opening and closing of seasonal kitchen facilities
- Support a small team of staff with other tasks as assigned
Qualifications:
We are seeking an applicant who will embrace life in a beautiful and secluded forest setting, while being comfortable in a communal living environment. This is considered an entry-level position. While kitchen skills can be taught on the job, a positive attitude, ability to learn quickly, and a strong work ethic are essential.
A successful applicant will have the following qualities:
- Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills, and the willingness to support others as part of a small staff team
- Exceptional time management skills and work ethic, with the ability to work efficiently and prioritize tasks effectively
- An ability to carry out instructions and work independently, with a strong attention to detail
- Experience with food handling and basic culinary knowledge, especially in large quantity or “from scratch” cooking, is an asset
- Familiarity and skills related to the use of kitchen tools (e.g., knife skills) is an asset
- Safe Food Handling Certificate is an asset
- Current First Aid and CPR training is an asset
Applicants who are eligible for Canada Summer Jobs funding (between 15–30 years of age at the beginning of the term and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada) will be prioritized.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume with contact info for two references to Drayke Evans, Station Manager, at algonquinwildliferesearch@gmail.com with the subject line: “Application: Assistant Cook.”
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
We pay our respects to the traditional stewards of the land on which the AWRS exists and of Algonquin Park in its whole. The Station and much of Algonquin Park are located within unceded Algonquin territory. Algonquin Park as a whole also contains territory of the Anishinaabeg, specifically the Chippewa, Ojibwa and Nippissing, and lands under the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 and the Williams Treaties of 1923. This land has also been used by Metis and other Indigenous people as it includes major travel routes on its rivers and waterways. We are always open to learning and discussion.
