kitchen helper

Title posted on indeed.com - Kitchen Staff

Posted on August 05, 2026 by Employer details Western Heights Montessori Academy

Job details

*Western Heights Montessori Academy ? Maple Grove Campus, Oakville* *Full-Time Position* Western Heights Montessori Academy has been recognized by the _Oakville Beaver_ as one of the Best Montessori Schools. With eight campuses across Oakville and Mississauga, we are currently seeking an experienced and dependable *Lead Kitchen Staff* member to join our Maple Grove Campus team. The Lead Kitchen Staff member will oversee the daily operation of the campus kitchen and ensure that nutritious meals and snacks are prepared safely, efficiently, and in appropriate portions. This is a hands-on cooking position that includes preparing daily lunches, allergy-friendly meals and alternatives, as well as morning and afternoon snacks for children. The successful candidate will have previous cooking or commercial kitchen experience, strong food-safety knowledge, and the ability to independently organize and lead daily kitchen operations in a busy childcare environment. Roles and Responsibilities * Lead the day-to-day operation, organization, and cleanliness of the campus kitchen. * Prepare and cook one daily lunch and two daily snacks for children. * Prepare allergy-safe meals and appropriate dietary alternatives based on each child?s documented needs. * Carefully manage food allergies and dietary restrictions while preventing cross-contamination. * Divide, portion, and distribute meals and snacks according to schedule. * Prepare fresh fruit, vegetables, baked items, and other daily dishes. * Ensure portions are appropriate for each age group while minimizing food waste. * Follow established menus and collaborate with campus leadership on seasonal menu updates that provide variety and align with Canada?s Food Guide. * Assist with weekly food and snack ordering and maintain appropriate inventory of food, kitchen supplies, and cleaning materials. * Receive, label, date, rotate, and safely store food and supplies. * Record food, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures as required. * Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, personal hygiene, and food safety. * Wear appropriate kitchen attire, including safe footwear, a clean apron, and hair covering. * Ensure all Ministry of Education licensing, public-health, and school health and safety requirements are followed. * Communicate effectively with campus leadership and classroom staff regarding meal schedules, allergies, substitutions, and special dietary needs. * Safely lift and carry items weighing up to 30 lbs. * Provide guidance and direction to other kitchen staff or individuals assisting in the kitchen, as required. Desired Experience and Qualifications * Valid Food Handler Certification. * Previous cooking experience in a commercial kitchen, school, childcare centre, restaurant, catering operation, or similar setting is strongly preferred. * Experience preparing meals in volume and working independently in a kitchen. * Strong knowledge of allergy management, dietary accommodations, cross-contamination prevention, and safe food-handling practices. * Current Standard First Aid and CPR Certification, or willingness to obtain it. * Current Vulnerable Sector Police Check and required immunization records. * Strong organizational, time-management, and inventory-management skills. * Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. * Experience leading or coordinating kitchen operations is an asset. Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time position (25-30 hours per week) that includes a comprehensive benefits package featuring: * Performance-based bonus * Extended health and dental coverage * RRSP matching We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: From $20.00 per hour Benefits: * Dental care * Disability insurance * Extended health care * Life insurance * On-site childcare * On-site parking * RRSP match * Tuit