Sharing meals is at the heart of our community. The Managing Chef makes this magic happen by leading the kitchen and dining crew in providing food that is wholesome, sustainable for the planet and delicious. This is done with our food philosophy in mind; using whole and mostly local and seasonal foods and with consideration of various clients groups - active outdoors people, children, athletes, celebration groups, foodies, people who require special diets, and staff, as well as food for backpacking, sea kayaking or day picnicking. The kitchen team is typically structured with a Manager Chef, sous chef, cooks,stewards, and a baker. This role is both managerial and hands-on.
Salary: bi-weekly salary based on experience $29-$32 per hour, housing and meals are available at a subsidized rate
Term: Seasonal, full time, March – November
Application Deadline: January 7th, 2026
Starting Date: No later than March 2nd, 2026
Candidate Attributes: You are passionate about leading your team in planning and preparing healthy and delicious meals using locally sourced, organic where possible, and in-season ingredients. While menu planning you keep the environment and people's well being in mind. As part of the management team you are a role model for SPL's mission and values amongst our guests and staff. You have experience leading a team and are excited to create an inclusive and positive teamwork environment.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all operations of the kitchen and dining, from menu to food sourcing, inventory control, budget control, food production, presentation and service.
- Providing 3 daily meals that are accessible and delicious.
- Working with the Directors on menu planning and budgeting, and with the rest of the management team regarding food for their client groups.
- Knowledge of food sensitivities and ability to cater to a variety of diets from our nut free kitchen.
- Role modelling good food practices, mentoring and developing skills in junior staff. Managing the Kitchen and Dining staff and participating on the Management Team.
- Organizing systems for volume buffet style food prep, food service and food safety.
- Ability to work with fresh raw ingredients and shift menus based on regional and seasonal availability.
- Maintaining a clean and healthy work environment including records and logs.
Required Skills:
- Food Safe Certification
- Red Seal Chef preferred
- Kitchen Management experience preferred
- Class 5 Driver’s Licence
Reports to: Managing Director
Conditions:
- Successful completion of criminal record check and legal entitlement to work in Canada.
Our dream team is:
- Passionate about outdoor education and connection
- Inspired by SPL's mission and core values
- Strathcona Park Lodge is passionate about diversity in outdoor education and within our organisation. Our dream team is diverse in skills, education, cultural backgrounds (BIPOC), genders, LGBTQ2S+, and any other. We encourage applications from individuals in underrepresented groups to apply.
- Able to thrive in an off grid, environmentally aware, road access wilderness lodge setting
- Clean living in our drug and smoke free property
The majority of our staff live on site in simple accommodation, and pay about $21/day for rent and food, a little less for more rustic accommodation and a little more for more amenities. Others commute from Gold River or Campbell River, each about 40 minutes by car. Commuters have access to a free lunch during food service hours.
Our Team is composed of 14 committed managers and directors, and about 70 seasonal employees.
If you would like more information, feel free to call at 250 286-3122, or email work@strathconaparklodge.com.
If you would like to apply, please send a copy of your cover letter and resume to work@strathconaparklodge.com.
Please note: All job offers are contingent upon a valid work permit, passing a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and the successful completion of all required certifications.
