Culinary and Food Services Program Lead

**Position Summary**

Seabird Island is committed to well-balanced food service programming for the community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Culinary and Food Services Program Lead to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the nutritional programming within education and develop the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program at Seabird College.

Under the direction of the Director of Education, the Culinary and Food Services Program Lead provides the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program to students. This role involves leading the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program at Seabird College, managing the Meals on Wheels initiative through that program duration, coordinating daily food service operations at the schools, while building partnerships with local food growers and producers. The Lead will also engage in community relations activities to support students and the community.

**This is a Term Contract until March 31, 2027, with the possibility of an extension.**

**Work that matters**

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

**Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.**

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Benefits and perks
- Extended health and dental benefits,
- Accrued vacation and sick time,
- Pension plan with matching employer contributions,
- Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
- Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
- Equitable hourly rates
- Casual dress code

**What you'll do**

**Program Development and Instruction**
- Develop and deliver the curriculum for the Indigenous Culinary Arts Program at Seabird College, integrating modern culinary techniques.
- Work with the Traditional Food Practices Specialist to integrate traditional food knowledge and cultural practices.
- Engage students in experiential learning opportunities that support their personal and professional growth in the culinary field.
- Work collaboratively with educational staff to ensure alignment with Seabird College’s overall learning objectives and student outcomes.

**Meals on Wheels Program**
- Oversee the planning and preparation of home-cooked meals for Elders and other community members through the Meals on Wheels program for the duration of the culinary arts program.
- Ensure meals meet dietary requirements, food safety standards, and reflect cultural preferences of the Seabird Island community.

**Operational Management**
- Manage all aspects of food service operations within the Education department, including budget development and tracking, menu planning, food procurement, and kitchen operations.
- Develop and implement cost control systems, pricing mechanisms, and cost recovery strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
- Analyze operational data (e.g., cost, price, volume, and sales trends) to inform purchasing, pricing, and programming decisions.

**Health, Safety, and Compliance**
- Ensure all food services adhere to Food Safe regulations, health codes, and workplace safety standards.
- Serve as a point of contact for health officials and coordinate all food safety inspections and follow-up activities.
- Promote best practices in sanitation, allergen awareness within all education food services.

**Staff Supervision and Development**
- Provide day-to-day supervision and support to assigned food services staff, offering clear direction, coaching, and feedback.
- Participate in staffing activities including recruitment, promotion, evaluation, training, and development, fostering a supportive and high-performance team culture.

**Strategic Planning and Community Engagement**
- Work in partnership with the Director of Education and College Administrator to ensure a coordinated and high-quality service delivery model.
- Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with local food producers, knowledge keepers, and other community stakeholders to support sustainable and culturally relevant food systems.

**Financial and Contract Management**
- Provide advice on food services within the Education portfolio, balancing participation costs with
return on investment.
- Oversee inventory management, procurement processes, and ensure that controls are in place
for accurate pricing and costing.
- Manage contracts for food services and goods, ensuri