Chef – Early Childhood Center

*Position Title:* Chef

*Organization:* Garderie Oasis Child Care Centre

*Location:* 507 Smyth Road, Ottawa

*Employment Type:* Full-Time, On-Site

*Position Start Date:* As soon as possible

*Salary:* $22 hourly, commensurate with experience plus extended health benefits and participation in the centre’s RRSP program.

*About Garderie Oasis Child Care Centre*

Oasis is a bilingual, non-profit centre committed to providing child care and early learning programs in a safe, healthy, nurturing, and stimulating environment for over 20 years. It is our mission to be the leader in providing exceptional early learning and childcare, enriching the lives of our children and families by upholding the highest level of care.

Oasis is a well-established community childcare centre with a strong reputation in Ottawa. The centre operates with a dedicated team of educators and staff and is supported by an engaged volunteer Board of Directors. The Director will have the opportunity to guide the centre’s strategic direction while supporting a collaborative and experienced team committed to high quality early learning.

*Position Summary*

We are looking for a reliable, organized, and creative Chef to join our daycare team! If you love working in a high-energy environment and want to make a positive impact on children’s nutrition, we’d love to meet you.

This position will report directly to the Director of the Centre and will work closely with the Supervisor to ensure the centre operates smoothly, consistently, and in alignment with ministry and food safety requirements.

*Key Responsibilities*

*Operations & Compliance*

* *Meal Planning:* Create weekly menus that are nutritious, kid-friendly, and meet provincial licensing requirements.Flexibility to adapt to changing menus or dietary requirements. Knowledge and understanding of the Canadian Food Guide*.*

* *Purchasing:* Manage the food budget, shop for groceries, and ensure the kitchen is fully stocked. Assist with inventory management, including ordering and monitoring expiration dates.

* *Allergy Management:* Safety is our priority. Collaborate with staff to accommodate special dietary needs and allergies and maintain responsibility for the accuracy of food requirements per child.

* *Cooking:* Prepare fresh morning/afternoon snacks and hot lunches daily served to children in a timely manner. Must maintain temperature logs and standards of food safety/handling as per public health. Ensure all food handling procedures comply with safety standards to prevent contamination*.*

* *Kitchen Maintenance:*Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen, including washing dishes, sanitizing and proper storage of ingredients.

* *Additional: *Some non-kitchen assistance may be required throughout the day.

*Financial Management*

* Work with the Director to oversee budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.

* Operate the centre within the approved budget to ensure financial stability.

* Provide the bookkeeper with necessary financial documentation.

*Qualifications*

*License, Certifications & Requirements*

* Criminal record check, vulnerable sector search, and any other required clearances as requested.

* Up to date immunization as per Public Health and Ministry of Education.

* A valid driver’s license is considered an asset.

* Standard First Aid and CPR certification is required.

*Experience and Skills*

* *Allergy Awareness:* Strong knowledge of cross-contamination and ingredient substitutes.

* *Experience:* Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or childcare setting is an asset.

* _Note: Red Seal certification is __*not*_ _required for this role._

* *Certifications:* Valid Food Safe Level 1

* Education in the culinary arts field.

* Strong financial management and budgeting abilities.

* Bilingualism in French is preferred.

*Working Conditions & Benefits*

* Full-time position Mon-Fri requiring regular on-site presence at the child care centre (typically 7am - 2pm).

* Additional time to arrange deliveries and grocery shopping.

* Onsite parking.

* Extended health benefits.

* Participation in the centre’s RRSP contribution program.

*How to Apply*

Please send resumes by Friday, April 24th, 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage educators of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Work Location: In person