Cafe and Catering Culinary Aide

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Cafe and Catering Culinary Aide plays a pivotal role in facilitating culinary operations and supporting catering endeavors at Cafe Marie, situated within Eltuek Arts Centre in Sydney, Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island. This position entails active participation in the preparation and presentation of menu items, including baking and catering, to meet the diverse culinary preferences of guests and patrons. The Culinary Aide collaborates closely with kitchen staff to maintain a well-organized and efficient kitchen environment, demonstrating flexibility in hours and duties as needed.

The Cafe and Catering Culinary Aide’s responsibilities extend beyond the kitchen, embracing the spirit of creativity and innovation, and actively contributing insights and ideas to enhance menu offerings and culinary experiences. Through active participation in team meetings, adherence to operational protocols, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, the Culinary Aide plays a vital role in shaping the culinary landscape of Cafe Marie Cafe and Catering, enriching the culinary experiences of guests, visitors, and community members alike.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Culinary Arts, Baking, Meal Preparation, Catering and Events Support

Duties

Culinary Preparation

• Collaborate in the development, preparation, and presentation of menu items for Cafe Marie and catering services.
• Assist in crafting a diverse range of baking, including bread and pastries.
• Participate in the creation of menus and recipes, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and dietary requirements.
• Contribute to the early morning baking routine and assist in the preparation of ingredients for daily operations.
• Prepare and serve all menu items according to kitchen policies and procedures
• Chopping and peeling of fruits and vegetables
• Preparing soups, stocks, and sauces
• Preparation of fruits, vegetables, meats
• Support the preparation of food service for special events

Kitchen Support

• Engage in maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and functionality of the kitchen environment.
• Assist in inventory management, including stock monitoring, ordering, and receiving of supplies.
• Contribute insights and ideas during team meetings to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Food Handling & Safety

• Ensure quality and safety of food preparation by performing standard and any additional sanitary measures including sweeping floors, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, proper covering, and storage of food items according to standards and procedures.
• Serve food in the proper portion size and at the proper temperature
• Report any infraction as per the food services divisions policies and procedures
• Log all temperatures and record all cleaning duties as per the policies and procedures

Catering Support

• Collaborate with team members to execute catering services, including setup, service, and breakdown for events.
• Assist in preparing mise en place items and ensuring readiness for catering and special event services.
• Support catering staff in delivering high-quality service and maintaining professionalism throughout events.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in internal team meetings and committees as required
• Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions
• Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers
• Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity to portray New Dawn in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations
• Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships
• Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Servant leadership
• Ethics and integrity
• Client and community-focused
• Initiative and problem solving
• Accountability & dependability
• Strong oral and written communication
• Teamwork & collaboration
• Detail orientation
• Adaptability
• Leadership

Qualifications

• Culinary Arts training AND/OR a minimum three (3) years experience in a kitchen/culinary setting
• Ability to work in a hot, hectic environment; stand, walk, bend, use hands and appliances
• Baking and/or Pastry Arts training and/or apprenticeship experience considered an asset
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
• Highly organized and ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with guidance
• Ability to work effectively with others towards a shared goal
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite of programs and applications
• Valid and up to date First Aid & CPR Certificate
• Valid and up to date Food Handlers Certificate
• Valid and up to date Serve Right Certificate
• Compassion and empathy
• Experience working with and advocating for vulnerable populations
• Understands servant leadership and community-focus as central to the work

Working Conditions

• The physical ability to lift to 50lbs
• Travel may be required
• Overtime may be required; working evenings/weekends as needed
• Interacts with employees, management, and the public at large
• Environment can be busy and/or noisy at times