Nutrition and Meals Coordinator

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to providing nourishing meals to clients. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Nutrition and Meals Coordinator to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the nutritional needs of clients in the community.

Under the direction of the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care the Nutrition and Meals Coordinator provides culturally informed meal planning and nutritional support to other programs. This role involves developing easy-to-follow cook-at-home menus, providing back-up coverage for cooks throughout the organization and overseeing the Meals on Wheels Program. This position emphasizes the importance of traditional foods, holistic wellness, and community support through active engagement in community relations to support clients and the broader community.

Work that matters 

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks 

• Extended health and dental benefits,


• Accrued vacation and sick time,


• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,


• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement


• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team


• Equitable hourly rates


• Casual dress code
  

What you'll do 

Meals on Wheels Program:

• Develop and implement meal plans that provide proper portions, calories, fats, and carbohydrates tailored to the needs of the Seabird Island community.


• Ensure meals are prepared in accordance with nutritional standards and cultural preferences.
  


• Coordinate with suppliers to source fresh, traditional, and locally sourced ingredients.

Nutrition Programs:

• Plan and manage monthly meal planning, incorporating seasonal and traditional foods, in collaboration with the Traditional Foods Practices Specialist and Nutritionist.


• Create easy-to-follow cook-at-home menus for clients to use on non-service days for meals on wheels.
  


• Offer nutritional guidance and support to other community programs, in collaboration with the Nutritionist.

Events:

• Under the direction of the Nutritionist or Traditional Food Specialist, oversee the culinary preparations for community events, ensuring meals are culturally appropriate and nutritionally balanced.
  


• Coordinate with the Events Team Lead to ensure smooth food service operations.
  


• Manage the preparation, assembly, and distribution of food hampers to ensure they meet program standards and community needs.
  


• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of household information, including eligibility and dietary requirements, in accordance with privacy and data protection policies.
  


• Organize and arrange food items to ensure food hampers are balanced, nutritious, and culturally appropriate.


• Plan and coordinate the delivery of food hampers to community members, ensuring timely and efficient service.
  


• Adhere to food safety and handling regulations during the storage, preparation, and delivery of food items to ensure the health and safety of recipients.


• Monitor and manage inventory levels, ensuring sufficient stock for food hampers while minimizing waste.

Community Support:

• Engage with community members and programs to understand their nutritional needs and preferences.
  


• Conduct workshops and informational sessions on traditional foods and healthy eating habits, in collaboration with the Nutritionist.
  


• Collaborate with health professionals to provide comprehensive nutritional education.

Operational Duties:

• Manage the purchasing of food and kitchen supplies, ensuring budget adherence.
  


• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  


• Provide back-up coverage for cooks who are absent, ensuring continuity of services

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Keep accurate records of meal plans, nutritional information, and client feedback.
  


• Prepare reports on program effectiveness and community impact.
  


• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.

Other Duties 

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

What you bring 

Qualifications

• Formal education or training in culinary arts, nutrition or a related field. Other forms of post-secondary education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will be considered.
  


• At least 2 years of relevant experience working within a culinary setting.
  


• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  


• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  


• Experience in meal planning and preparation, particularly within a community setting.
  


• Knowledge of First Nations traditional foods and cooking methods.

Working / Special Conditions 

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  


• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  


• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively travel between our facilities and the communities we serve to support our clients and work.
  


• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Preferred:

•  First Nations candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.


• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.


• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.


• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.


• Good writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.


• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
  
  


• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Reports to:  Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care

How to apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to nutrition and meals. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.