Assistant Cook

Contract: Late April – late August (with the possibility of an extension)
Salary: $15.00 per hour, 40 hours per week (accommodations and meals provided)
Deadline for application: February 4, 2022; applications will be considered as they are received

Always dreamed of waking up in a quaint cabin on a quiet lake 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), in Algonquin Provincial Park is looking to hire an Assistant Cook for the 2022 field season. The terms of employment will be at minimum from April 25th to September 2nd, 2022, with the possibility of extension to early October. All meals and accommodations (semi-private lakeside cabin) will be provided. The AWRS is a not-for-profit organization that supports University and College researchers and field courses, as well as government researchers.

The Assistant Cook’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Preparing nutritionally balanced meals (including omnivore/vegetarian) for 15 – 40+ people.
• Assisting Head Cook with menu planning and placing wholesale orders.
• Cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining Cookhouse facilities in accordance with COVID-19 policies.
• Ensuring that food is properly stored in accordance with Safe Food Handlers guidelines.
• Monitoring and maintenance of food and supplies inventory.
• Collaborate with the Head Cook and the Station Manager to ensure an overall efficient and safe operation of the Cookhouse.
• Assisting with opening/closing of seasonal kitchen facilities.

The AWRS Cookhouse provides 3 meals per day, 7 days per week, to 15 – 50 researchers, field technicians and staff. 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 will work 5 days per week, 3 days together and 2 days independently, therefore planning, strong organizational skills and a strong work ethic are crucial attributes of the successful applicant. The applicant should also savor life in a beautifully secluded forest setting while being comfortable in a communal living environment. An interest in biological research and/or appreciation for the outdoors is also a benefit.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with food handling and preparation.
• Knowledge of cooking “from scratch” with bulk ingredients.
• Basic culinary knowledge and knowledge of products.
• Experience in large-quantity cooking is considered an asset.
• A current Safe Food Handlers Certificate.
• Knowledge of food safety guidelines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Current First Aid & CPR certificates are considered assets.

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, on the extensive property of the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station, or on the multitude of park trails. Canoes and hiking trails are available on the research station property.

Applicants must send an email with a cover letter outlining qualifications, a resume, and contact information for 2 references to:

Kevin Kemmish, Station Manager
algonquinwildliferesearch@gmail.com
Wildlife Research Station
P.O. Box 49
Whitney, Ontario
K0J 2M0

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Tagged as: private lake side cabin and meals for duration of the contract