Restaurant Culinary jobs

Who We Are:

At Elephant Thoughts, we transform lives through education. As a registered Canadian charitable organization, we are dedicated to unleashing the potential of youth facing barriers; nurturing future global leaders who value the environment, cultural understanding, and civic engagement.

Who You Are: Elephant Thoughts is dedicated to empowering youth facing barriers by providing hands-on culinary training that fosters confidence, skill development, and career readiness. We believe in the power of food to create change and are looking for a passionate Chef Instructor to guide the next generation of culinary changemakers.

We are seeking an experienced Chef Instructor with a Red Seal designation (preferred) to lead youth culinary training programs and work on catering projects and retreat meals. The ideal candidate is not only skilled in the culinary arts but also has a passion for teaching and mentoring young individuals facing diverse life challenges. This role requires patience, adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and deliver engaging culinary lessons to participants in the Workforce Development Program, focusing on building practical skills in meal preparation, menu planning, and kitchen management.
• Lead participants in preparing meals for guests, other program groups, and staff, ensuring high-quality food service and the integration of participants into every stage of meal preparation.
• Create an inclusive, supportive space that encourages participants to engage, experiment, and grow in their culinary skills.
• Work with the culinary team to develop and refine a curriculum that includes a wide variety of cuisines and accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Teach fundamental and advanced cooking techniques, kitchen safety, food handling, nutrition, and menu planning.
• Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages skill development, confidence, and teamwork.
• Manage food costs and meal budgets, including menu costing, portion control, inventory tracking, ordering, waste reduction, and maintaining accurate PAR levels to ensure efficient use of food and supplies while meeting budget targets.
• Integrate industry best practices and trends into the curriculum to ensure students are job-ready.
• Prepare kitchens, ingredients, and equipment for events and workshops, ensuring seamless transitions between activities and a professional kitchen environment.
• Support students in developing personal and professional skills, including workplace readiness and communication.
• Collaborate with program staff to assess student progress, provide feedback, and adapt instruction to meet individual needs.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, organization, and food safety compliance.
• Foster connections with local chefs, restaurants, and food service businesses to support student mentorship and employment pathways.
• Serve as a role model and mentor, inspiring students to pursue culinary careers and community leadership.

Qualifications:

• Red Seal Certification or equivalent qualification is a significant asset.
• Experience in culinary instruction, training, or mentorship, preferably with youth or individuals facing barriers.
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen, including staffing, stocking, and preparing meals for large groups.
• Strong knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and food safety regulations.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
• Passion for social impact and working with marginalized or at-risk youth.
• Experience handling dietary restrictions and creating adaptable meal plans.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid Canadian driver’s license and access to transportation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Google platform tools and other relevant software.
• Current police clearance report with attention to vulnerable sector screening.

How to Apply:

This job description is not limited to those duties specifically listed, and can be changed at any time, in order to adapt to business demands or organizational changes.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications to jacqueline@elephantthoughts.com.

**Deadline for Applications:** : until filled

Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Join us in using food as a vehicle for change and empowerment!

Note:Elephant Thoughts maintains a smoke-free, perfume-free, and drug-free environment for work, living, and travel.

Benefits:

• Benefits program
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

**While we carefully review every application, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From $28.85 per hour

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person