Assistant Chef

At Pear Tree School, we believe that a child’s education extends beyond the classroom—and that includes what they eat. We’re seeking an Assistant Chef who is passionate about cooking and food education, and who wants to help shape the next generation’s relationship with healthy eating.

About Us

Pear Tree School is a progressive institution that focuses on whole-child development, balancing academic, socio-emotional, and physical growth. Our Healthy Hot Lunch program is a vital part of this vision, offering students wholesome, seasonal, and delicious meals every day.

Check out our chef’s Instagram for a glimpse into the type of food you’ll be helping prepare: https://www.instagram.com/onebitebeforeyoucry/, as well as our promotional video for our Hot Lunch Program.

About the Role

As an Assistant Chef, you won’t just be in the kitchen—you’ll be an integral part of our community, interacting with students and staff to create a positive, educational experience around food. Your responsibilities will include:

Food Preparation: Assist with prepping vegetables, preparing both morning and afternoon snacks, and portioning out meals.
Dish Management: Collect, rinse, and load dishes into the dishwasher; wash specific items by hand (e.g., cutting boards, very large pots); and store them appropriately.
Service & Engagement: Help plate and serve food, while interacting with students and answering their questions about the meals.
Kitchen Cleanliness: Maintain a clean workspace, keep stock of cleaning supplies, and adhere to FoodSafe guidelines.
Summer Program Support: For the first 3 weeks of July, take responsibility for meal prep, food shopping, and menu planning (salary will be higher during this period).
Chef Coverage: Provide full coverage for the head chef during absences, ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen.

Future Opportunities

Pear Tree School is expanding, and as an Assistant Chef, you’ll be invited to apply for chef positions at future locations as they become available. This is an excellent opportunity for career growth within a thriving educational institution.

What We’re Looking For

Beyond technical skills, we’re seeking someone who embodies our values:

Passion for Cooking: You’re more than just a cook—you inspire others with your love for food.
Growth Mindset: You embrace learning and experimentation, both in the kitchen and in life.
Consistency: You pride yourself on delivering high-quality results, every time.
Empathy & Communication: You’re approachable, especially with children, and can foster a positive dining experience that supports students’ socio-emotional growth.

Qualifications

Previous commercial kitchen experience
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Red Seal Certification (optional but preferred)
Food Safe Level 1 or 2 Certificate
Driving license + clean driving record (an asset)
Enjoys working around children
Criminal record check will be required

Perks of Working at Pear Tree

Probationary Period Salary: $37,000 – $40,000 annually during a 3-month probationary period.
Post-Probation Salary: Increase to $40,000 – $50,000 annually after successful completion of the probationary period and performance review.
Free lunches from our hot lunch program
Seasonal team bonuses
Extended health benefits and professional development opportunities available after the probationary period.