First Cook

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.  

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems.

Overview

The First Cook (Lead Cook) supports the Head Chef and Line Cook in daily kitchen operations, ensuring the efficient preparation of food and smooth execution of service. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation while upholding safety and sanitation protocols. They will assist with menu planning, inventory management, and ordering supplies as needed. Additionally, the First Cook will mentor and train junior kitchen staff, delegate tasks, and ensure that all food is prepared in a timely manner. This role requires strong leadership, culinary expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

This is a seasonal position beginning April 14, 2025, and ending November 7, 2025. The Head Chef must live on-site at the IISD-ELA facility. Transportation to the research camp is provided from Winnipeg, Manitoba, when available. Room and board are provided, including Internet and laundry facilities. 

Responsibilities

• Lead and uphold culinary standards in cleanliness, timing, organization, production, food quality, and consistency.


• Understand and prevent cross-contamination of food.


• Implement and adhere to strict hygiene and sanitation practices, including proper storage, handling, and cleaning protocols.


• Understand and accommodate various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and other special diets.


• Identify and manage food allergens with vigilance, ensuring all dishes are prepared in a safe environment. Maintain thorough knowledge of ingredients and potential allergens present in all meals.


• Inventory all products and ingredients needed for service, keeping management informed of stock levels, food quality, and prep status.


• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff, management, and guests to ensure dietary requirements are understood and met. Provide clear labelling and documentation of allergen-free options.


• Train and supervise kitchen staff on food safety practices, allergy awareness, and cross-contamination prevention. Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.


• Ensure all items are prepared, held, and served at correct temperatures with proper visual presentation.


• Work across multiple stations as needed throughout service.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in culinary leadership in a full-service restaurant or other related field.


• Culinary diploma is an asset but not required.


• Experience working in a facility similar to the IISD-ELA field station is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional level of culinary expertise, ensuring that any station in the kitchen can be successfully supported.


• A genuine passion for creating exceptional menu plans and fostering enthusiasm for culinary arts within the team.


• Ability to balance execution, operational tasks, and cleanliness while working efficiently under pressure.


• Provide regular communication and relevant updates on product quality and availability to both management and kitchen staff.


• Willingness and ability to work and reside in a remote field station

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Working Conditions

• Based at the IISD-ELA research station. IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food.


• Potential for periods of high workload, requiring efficient time management and adaptability.

Physical Demands

• Frequently reaching below the waist and above the shoulder.


• Repetitive hand movements in food preparation.


• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 20 kg) safely.

Term:  The contract is a full-time term position starting April 14, 2025, and ending November 7, 2025

Salary:  CAD 1,150–CAD 1,250 per week (based on qualification and experience)

Closing date:  Open until filled.

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

• A CV (required; no longer than two pages)


• A cover letter (required; one page)


• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional; right-click to download)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year. 

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply. 

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

#LI-Onsite