First Cook

 Overview

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is the world's freshwater laboratory. A series of 58 lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada, IISD-ELA is the only place in the world where scientists can research on and manipulate real lakes to build a more accurate and complete picture of what human activity is doing to freshwater lakes. The findings from over 50 years of ground-breaking research have rewritten environmental policy around the world—from mitigating algal blooms to reducing how much mercury gets into our waterways—and aim to keep fresh water clean around the world for generations to come.

IISD-ELA is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg situated on Treaty 1 Territory—the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininiw (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe Cree), Dene, and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation. The IISD-ELA field station is situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 3 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Job Description

The First Cook (Lead Cook) supports the Head Chef and Line Cook in daily kitchen operations, ensuring the efficient preparation of food and smooth execution of service. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation while upholding safety and sanitation protocols. They will assist with menu planning, inventory management, and ordering supplies as needed. Additionally, the First Cook will mentor and train junior kitchen staff, delegate tasks, and ensure that all food is prepared in a timely manner. This role requires strong leadership, culinary expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

This is a seasonal position beginning April 13, 2026, and ending November 13, 2026. The First Cook must live on-site at the IISD-ELA facility. Transportation to the research camp is provided from Winnipeg, Manitoba, when available. Room and board are provided, including Internet and laundry facilities. 

Responsibilities

• Lead and uphold culinary standards in cleanliness, timing, organization, production, food quality, and consistency.
• Understand and prevent cross-contamination of food.
• Implement and adhere to strict hygiene and sanitation practices, including proper storage, handling, and cleaning protocols.
• Understand and accommodate various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and other special diets.
• Identify and manage food allergens with vigilance, ensuring all dishes are prepared in a safe environment. Maintain thorough knowledge of ingredients and potential allergens present in all meals.
• Inventory all products and ingredients needed for service, keeping management informed of stock levels, food quality, and prep status.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff, management, and guests to ensure dietary requirements are understood and met. Provide clear labelling and documentation of allergen-free options.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff on food safety practices, allergy awareness, and cross-contamination prevention. Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Ensure all items are prepared, held, and served at correct temperatures with proper visual presentation.
• Work across multiple stations as needed throughout service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in culinary leadership in a full-service restaurant or other related field.
• Culinary diploma is an asset but not required.
• Experience working in a facility similar to the IISD-ELA field station is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional level of culinary expertise, ensuring that any station in the kitchen can be successfully supported.
• A genuine passion for creating exceptional menu plans and fostering enthusiasm for culinary arts within the team.
• Ability to balance execution, operational tasks, and cleanliness while working efficiently under pressure.
• Provide regular communication and relevant updates on product quality and availability to both management and kitchen staff.
• Willingness and ability to work and reside in a remote field station

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Working Conditions

• Based at the IISD-ELA research station. IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food.
• Potential for periods of high workload, requiring efficient time management and adaptability.

Physical Demands

• Frequently reaching below the waist and above the shoulder.
• Repetitive hand movements in food preparation.
• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 20 kg) safely.

Term:  The contract is a full-time term position starting April 13, 2026, and ending November 13, 2026.

Employment Type: Existing position (recurring seasonal role)

Salary:  CAD 1,150–CAD 1,250 per week. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

Closing date:  Open until filled.

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

• A CV (required; no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (required; one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional; right-click to download)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year. 

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply. 

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

#LI-Onsite

Location

Kenora, Ontario

Department

IISD-ELA

Employment Type

Contract-ELA

Minimum Experience

Mid-level

Compensation

$ /week