Executive Chef, Kluane Lake Research Station

Description

The Kluane Lake Research Station (KLRS) has the privilege of being located on the south shore of Lhù'ààn Mân (Kluane Lake), Yukon, in the Traditional Territory of the Kluane First Nation (KFN) and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN). Research in the region often occurs within the Traditional Territories of KFN, CAFN, and the White River First Nation (WRFN).

KLRS under the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) is currently seeking an Executive Chef. Reporting to the Field Station Operations Manager, the Executive Chef is responsible for managing the kitchen and dining area at KLRS to provide food and dining services for all staff and users, ranging from to 5 to 50 people. The Executive Chef will provide training and mentorship to all kitchen staff.

Job Duties:

• Manage and assume full responsibility of a large kitchen and food service area under minimal supervision.
• Lead all food preparation and food services in the kitchen. Plan, cook, and prepare meals.
• Interact courteously with customers and arrange menu selection for food allergies, restrictions, or other requests. Accommodate allergies and severe dietary restrictions with the highest care, using best practices to avoid cross contamination.
• Order food, beverages, consumables, and other kitchen supplies. Monitor supply levels and plan adequately to stay within budget. 
• Ensure safe, efficient food production and cleanliness for a busy kitchen and dining area. Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, tables, and floors. Clean and maintain all appliances and food equipment. Uphold best hygiene practices.
• Accept constructive criticism from management. Solicit guest feedback to improve food quality and investigate customer complaints.
• Manage own time and assignments, demonstrating dependability and punctuality. 
• Provide training and guidance to all kitchen staff. Mentor the Assistant Chef & Cleaner in pursing their Red Seal certification, if applicable.

Qualifications:
Required 

• Minimum of 5 years related experience. Red Seal Certification is strongly preferred.
• Valid standard driver's license (minimum class 5).
• Remote First Aid/CPR certification, WHIMIS training, or willingness to complete training before start of employment. 
• Experience and considerable knowledge of:
  • Procedures common to large-scale food preparation and services.
  • Purchasing specifications and procedures related to meats, fresh produce, dry stores, supplies and equipment operation.
  • Allergies and dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, Lactose Intolerance, etc.), including cross contamination best practices. 
  • Adapting meal plans to accommodate alternative diets (vegan, vegetarian, etc.).
  • Monitoring food supplies and costs.
  • Food value/nutrition and storage procedures.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, including assuming full responsibility for the kitchen and dining area. 
• Flexibility to work a non-conventional schedule.

Additional Assets

• Experience in:
  • Remote camp settings.
  • Basic computer software knowledge such as email, Word, Excel, and online ordering.
  • Mentoring kitchen staff.
  • Maintaining required production with a demonstrable focus on sustainability and minimum wastage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong initiative, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to adjust work schedule to meet multiple demands and pressures.

Compensation and Schedule:

• Duration = 5 months (May - September 2025).
• Wage = $39/hour.
• Expected hours per week = 40 hours. Overtime pay (1.5 times the hourly rate) earned after 8 hours/day.
• Non-conventional schedule that fluctuates throughout the season and may include weekdays, weekends, and statutory holidays. 
• The candidate is expected to reside on station or in one of the nearby communities (i.e. Silver City, Burwash Landing, Destruction Bay, Haines Junction). Station accommodation is provided for those residing at KLRS.

Please apply by emailing your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. To receive full consideration, please apply by March 10, 2025, when applications will be reviewed. This position will remain open until filled.

While we encourage all candidates with relevant experience to apply, preference will be given to qualified applicants that identify as local residents and First Nation Citizens of the Yukon.
 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.