First Cook at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

First Cook

This position has a planned start date of January 2026.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

The Opportunity

The Kitchen at Banff Centre is looking for an experienced First Cook to prepare distinctive dishes in our dining outlets, conveniently located just steps from the Centre's performance, meeting, and accommodation spaces and boasting an incomparable view of the picturesque Bow Valley. Our Kitchen Team are creative and inspired professionals, sharing their passion for great food and presentation perfection. Calm and composed while working in a fast-paced environment, the First Cook works alongside and coaches others in the kitchen to prepare exceptional and memorable food experiences.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety standards are followed during all stages and methods of food production
• Prepare all food to the highest of standards set by the Executive Chef and Sous-Chefs; accommodate special dietary needs as required
• Provide guidance and direction to Second Cooks and Pantry Cooks
• Check menus, functions, and number of guests expected for the assigned work station; ensure work station equipment is tidy, clean, and sanitary
• Ensure the cleanliness of all fridges and freezers; delegate cleaning tasks to Second Cooks and Pantry Cooks as required
• Organize the kitchen in the absence of the Chef de Partie or Demi Chef de Partie

Qualification and Educational Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years' experience working in a busy restaurant
• Experience in pastry, fine dining, buffet, and large volume cooking
• Possesses Red Seal or Journeyman Cook's Certificate or international equivalent

Employment Terms & Benefits

• In accordance with CUPE 4318, this is a unionized, hourly support staff position, subject to a 500-hour probationary period.
• This position pays $24.75 per hour, depending on experience, working up to 40 hours per week on a rotating schedule.
• Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
  • Transitional staff housing options (based on availability)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional development
  • Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
  • Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!

Application Process

• We are accepting applications for the First Cook position until suitable candidates have been found.
• Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check, verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be made.
• Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.

Commitment to Diversity

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Guided by our values, Banff Centre is rooted in Alberta with provincial, national and global impact. Our strength arises from inclusion; the diversity of people, ideas, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds in our work and team. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression to apply.

Privacy Statement

Banff Centre is a public body pursuant to the Protection of Privacy Act (Alberta) (“POPA”) and the Access to Information Act (“ATIA”). All of your personal information collected by Banff Centre, including personal information collected through third-party contractors or platforms, in relation to the creation of your candidate profile and submission of a job application, is collected pursuant to section 4(c) of POPA for the purpose of administering your candidate profile, evaluating your eligibility for a position(s) at Banff Centre, and communicating with you about your application. Your personal information may be disclosed, as required, pursuant to ATIA or other applicable law, to satisfy reporting requirements, or for statistical, funding, planning or research purposes.

If you have any questions about the collection, use or protection of this information, please contact the Privacy Coordinator at [email protected], 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Box 1200, Banff Alberta, T1L 1H5, 403.762.6100.