Dene Tha’ First Nation Women’s and Children’s Emergency Shelter Employment Opportunity for DTFN Members
Cook
Location: Dene Tha’ First Nation Women’s and Children’s Emergency Shelter
Bushe River, Alberta
Reports to: Facility Manager
Available Position Types: 1 Full-Time and 1 Casual Positions
Schedule: Monday to Friday, daytime hours, with flexibility required to support shelter
operations
Position Overview
The Cook is responsible for the planning, preparation, and service of nutritious, safe, and culturally
appropriate meals for residents and staff of Dene Tha’ First Nation’s Women’s and Children’s
Emergency Shelter. This role holds primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the
shelter kitchen and ensures that meals are consistently available, food supplies are adequately
stocked, and kitchen standards are maintained at all times.
Working within a women’s and children’s emergency shelter, the Cook must carry out all duties
with professionalism, discretion, and cultural sensitivity, recognizing that residents may be
experiencing trauma, stress, or crisis. The Cook is responsible not only for meal preparation when
on site, but also for ensuring that the kitchen remains stocked, organized, and ready for use during
periods when the Cook is not present.
Core Responsibilities
Meal Planning, Preparation, and Service
· Plan, prepare, and serve daily meals and snacks in accordance with shelter schedules,
nutritional guidelines, and food safety standards
· Develop meal plans that consider nutritional balance, cultural preferences, allergies, and
special dietary needs of women and children
· Ensure meals are prepared and served in a respectful, welcoming, and trauma-informed
manner
· Coordinate meal service timing to support shelter routines, programming, and family needs
Kitchen Operations, Sanitation, and Food Safety
· Maintain full responsibility for the cleanliness, organization, safe operation, and overall
readiness of the shelter kitchen
· Ensure all kitchen equipment, appliances, tools, and utensils are used, stored, cleaned,
and maintained safely in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, public health
requirements, and shelter policies
· Ensure all kitchen surfaces, appliances, dishes, cookware, and food preparation areas are
cleaned and sanitized daily
· Enforce safe food handling, preparation, storage, temperature control, and equipment-use
practices in compliance with public health regulations and shelter standards
· Monitor food quality, expiry dates, and storage conditions to prevent spoilage, waste, or
food safety risks
Food Inventory, Purchasing, and Supply Coordination
· Conduct regular grocery shopping and manage food purchasing in accordance with
approved budgets and shelter procedures
· Coordinate with food suppliers, vendors, and local providers to ensure consistent and
reliable access to food and kitchen supplies
· Maintain responsibility for ensuring pantry shelves, refrigerators, and freezers are fully
stocked, labeled, and organized at all times
· Proactively plan inventory levels to ensure food availability during weekends, holidays,
and periods when the Cook is not on site
· Track food usage and inventory levels and communicate supply needs, shortages, or
concerns to the Facility Manager in a timely manner
Coordination, Continuity, and Professional Conduct
· Work collaboratively with shelter staff to align meal preparation and kitchen operations
with daily shelter activities
· Provide clear guidance or instructions related to kitchen use, food storage, or meal
preparation for designated staff when required
· Support continuity of kitchen operations during staff absences by ensuring clear
organization, labelling, and food availability
· Maintain respectful, professional, and culturally appropriate interactions with residents,
staff, and visitors while working in shared spaces
· Support general shelter operations related to kitchen services as requested by management
while on duty
Shared Shelter-Wide Responsibilities
All employees of the DTFN Women’s and Children’s Emergency Shelter work within the context
of a 24/7 emergency shelter environment and share responsibility for upholding the safety, dignity,
confidentiality, and well-being of all clients, children, families, staff, and the facility. While not all
positions are shift-based or client-facing, all staff are expected to contribute to the effective and
professional operation of the shelter by responding appropriately to safety concerns within the
scope of their role, communicating concerns promptly to on-shift staff or management, and
supporting colleagues during high-volume or critical situations as reasonably required.
All staff are expected to maintain ongoing compliance with confidentiality and privacy obligations
and to participate in required trauma-informed, cultural safety, and role-specific training
throughout their employment. These obligations are fundamental conditions of continued
employment within the shelter.
Qualifications
· Food Safety Certification or ability to obtain prior to hire
· WHMIS, First Aid, CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
· Demonstrated experience in food preparation, cooking, or kitchen operations, preferably
in a commercial, institutional, or community-based setting
· Strong working knowledge of food safety standards, safe food handling practices, and
kitchen sanitation
· Demonstrated ability to plan meals, manage food inventory, and work independently with
accountability
· Strong organizational skills and attention to cleanliness, consistency, and detail
· High level of discretion and respect for confidentiality in a trauma-informed environment
· Familiarity with Indigenous culture, traditional foods, and community values is a strong
asset
· Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and ability to travel as required
· Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check and Child Intervention Check
Work Environment and Conditions
· Daytime kitchen role operating Monday to Friday within a women’s and children’s
emergency shelter
· Physically active work environment involving standing, lifting, bending, and use of kitchen
equipment
· Trauma-exposed environment requiring professionalism, emotional awareness, discretion,
and respectful conduct
Closing Date: March 31, 2026
Send resume with a Criminal Record and Child Intervention checks to:
Human Resources Manager
Dene Tha’ First Nation
Box 958 High Level, AB TOH 1Z0
Phone: 780 926-2786 or Fax: (780) 926-5730
Email: DoreenA@denetha.ca
We thank all candidates in advance, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
