Prep Cook

**Prep Cook / Line Cook**
- **Niagara Oast House Brewers**_ is a small batch brewery located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Nestled in one of Canada’s most renowned agricultural regions, we are pioneers in 'Farmhouse-style' brewing. We remain focused on creating premium beers that reflect both our land and our obsession with craft.

Niagara Oast House Brewers, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s leading craft brewery, is looking for dynamic and enthusiastic individuals to join our Oast team. We’re hiring both seasonal and full-time staff who are eager to work hard in a fun, fast-paced, and productive environment.

**Job Summary**:
The Prep Cook/Line Cook is responsible for assisting in the operation of the brewery's culinary services. This includes setting up workstations, preparing ingredients, cooking food, and ensuring a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. The role also requires supporting the chef in various kitchen tasks, maintaining food quality, and ensuring excellent food presentation.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Set up workstations with all necessary ingredients and cooking equipment before service begins.
- Clean and maintain kitchen equipment to ensure effective operation.
- Prepare ingredients, including chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat, and other necessary food prep duties.
- Cook food using various cooking methods, such as grilling, boiling, baking, and sautéing. Stir or turn food as needed while cooking.
- Ensure excellent food presentation by dressing dishes before they are served to customers.
- Maintain a clean and sanitized kitchen, including countertops, utensils, and cooking equipment, following sanitation guidelines.
- Properly store food and kitchen items, monitor stock levels, and inform the kitchen manager or chef of any shortages.
- Adhere to Occupational Health & Safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
- Collaborate with the Chef to prepare daily specials, seasonal items, and menu items.
- Monitor cooking times to ensure food is cooked to the correct temperature and served on time.
- Follow proper stock rotation procedures (FIFO) to minimize waste and maintain freshness.
- Assist with special events, catering orders, or brewery functions, including food preparation and plating.
- Conduct quality checks on food to ensure it meets the brewery's standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
- Mentor and assist less experienced kitchen staff in learning kitchen procedures and techniques.

**Required Qualifications**:

- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent; a culinary diploma preferred.
- Proven experience as a cook or line cook. Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment preferred.
- Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling, etc.).
- Ability to follow recipes and prepare food according to specifications.
- Sound knowledge of food safety standards and procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen.
- Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
- Experience using cutting tools, cookware, and bakeware.

**Working Conditions & Environment**:

- Inside kitchen environment.
- Physical Requirements: Standing and moving for long periods while preparing food.
- Exposure to Hazards: Risk of cuts, burns, or other minor injuries. Exposure to hot and cold temperatures when working near ovens, stoves, and freezers.
- Noisy and potentially distracting environment during peak hours.

**Compensation**:

- Base salary plus tips as part of the overall compensation package.

**Reports To**: Chef

**Hours**:

- Day shift
- Night shift

Must be available to work **holidays,** **weekends** and **occasional extended hours** up to 2 AM to 3AM.

Must be able to work safely in production areas and be able to lift at least 50lbs/23kg.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Additional pay:

- Tips

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Secondary School (preferred)

**Experience**:

- customer service: 1 year (required)
- cooking procedures/methods (grilling, baking, boiling, etc.): 1 year (preferred)
- cutting tools, cookware, and bakeware.: 1 year (preferred)
- cook or line cook: 1 year (preferred)
- a fast-paced kitchen environment: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Food Handler Certification (preferred)
- Smart Serve (preferred)

Work Location: In person