Career Opportunities
Central Okanagan School District #23
Culinary Assistant
Central Okanagan School District #23
It is acknowledged that Central Okanagan Public Schools operates within the unceded, Traditional Territory of the Okanagan syilx peoples. The School District enrolls approximately 25,500 students (including over 3,200 students who self-identify as having Indigenous ancestry). Central Okanagan Public Schools is located in the Central Okanagan encompassing the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country. There are a total of 50 school sites with 32 Elementary Schools, 8 Middle schools, 5 Secondary Schools, 3 Learning Centers, an Alternate Education School, and an Online Learning School (6-12). Central Okanagan Public Schools has an excellent reputation of providing outstanding, student-centered programs in a diverse and inclusive environment as well as offering a wide range of educational opportunities for its students and staff. We believe equity empowers each learner to thrive, holistically.
We invite applications for the position of:
Culinary Assistant – Rutland Senior Secondary School
Under the supervision of the Principal and Culinary Arts Teacher, this position assists with the operation of the kitchen/cafeteria including preparing and serving food, operating, maintaining and troubleshooting commercial kitchen equipment and in teaching students safe and efficient methods of food preparation and distribution.
Duties and responsibilities include:
Food Preparation
·purchase supplies and quality control of all incoming orders;
·daily organization of food supplies & materials;
·assist with menu planning;
·assist students with the preparation of food;
·assist in the set up and serving of meals;
·assist with time management to ensure all menu items are completed on time;
·ensure all prepared food items meet safety and quality standards;
·operating, maintaining and trouble shooting commercial kitchen equipment;
·ensure all work areas are clean and all food is properly stored and prepared.
Student Supervison and Staff Training
·explain procedures to a diverse group of students and staff;
·schedule & assign tasks to individual students;
·demonstrate proper techniques to students and staff;
·ensure students are performing work in a proper manner having regards to safety, cleanliness and food quality.
Recordkeeping
·receive and receipt monies;
·receive and verify invoices and the delivery of goods and ensure inventory control;
·maintain a variety of files and records using basic computer software and skills.
The successful candidate must have:
·completed Grade 12 or equivalent;
·possess a valid BC Driver's License;
·completed a minimum of six months of post-secondary education in a Culinary Training Program or Cooks Level 1 Certificate
·minimum of two years recent cooking experience in a commercial kitchen or equivalent;
·current FOODSAFE level 1 certificate;
·possess knowledge and the ability to handle safely a wide variety of commercial kitchen machinery and equipment;
·the ability to meet time deadlines and maintain high quality food standards with a focus on food safety and sanitation;
·be physically capable of performing the duties of the position; some heavy lifting required;
·be able to work on feet for majority of the day;
·possess knowledge of WorkSafe BC, WHMIS, HACCP regulations and first aid procedures.
The following would be considered an asset:
·Red Seal in Culinary Arts
·Foodsafe Level 2
·Current First Aid Certificate
The successful applicant will be expected to:
·ensure general kitchen cleanliness in accordance with FOODSAFE regulations and practices as the facility is subject to regular health inspections;
·assist the Culinary Arts Teacher in coordinating kitchen operations;
·work with students to prepare a variety of basic and advanced food products for sale in the cafeteria;
·use proper culinary terms when working with and demonstrating techniques to students;
·work with a broad spectrum of students including students with exceptionalities;
·work with students to maintain a clean work area by cleaning and sanitizing cafeteria supplies and equipment and to wash, dry and fold kitchen laundry;
·demonstrate exceptional personal hygiene, sanitation and safety habits at all times;
·supervise the daily cleaning of all kitchen equipment, and the washing and sanitizing of all dishes and utensils;
·possess strong communication and interpersonal skills;
·operate cash register if necessary.
This is a permanent full-time position beginning as soon as possible with a regular schedule of 35 hours per week at a wage rate of $31.90 per hour plus a comprehensive employee benefit package including extended health and dental coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance and participation in a defined benefit pension plan.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://buff.ly/WhDmiVe with cover letter and a detailed resume, including three (3) professional references (names and phone numbers) and copies of certifications.
This position will remain open until filled; however, full consideration will be given to applications received by 8am on March 2, 2026.
The Central Okanagan Public Schools thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.