Job Description

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of excellence, compassion, dignity, accountability and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.

Vacancy Status: This job posting is for a new vacancy.

What do we offer?

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to be a leader, partner and catalyst that empowers individuals, dismantles barriers and transforms communities.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free YMCA gym membership;
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
• Health and Dental Insurance;
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.

*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

What do you offer?

The Head Chef Instructor plays a critical role in delivering high-quality culinary training, ensuring participants gain the technical skills, certifications, and workplace readiness required to transition into employment in the culinary and food service sector.

This position is responsible for curriculum development, hands-on instruction, mentorship of instructional staff, and alignment of training with industry standards and employer expectations. The Head Chef Instructor will oversee the delivery of technical training in the YMCA Pre-Apprenticeship Culinary Program, ensuring consistency, safety, and quality across all training activities.

The role also supports employer engagement, advisory input, and community partnerships to ensure the program remains relevant, practical, and responsive to labour market needs.

The role also contributes to a dynamic training environment that may integrate with YMCA camp and food service operations, providing participants with practical, real-world kitchen experience while supporting program sustainability.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Design, update, and deliver culinary curriculum aligned with industry standards, employer needs, and workforce demand.
• Lead hands-on training in food preparation, knife skills, kitchen operations, sanitation, and commercial equipment use.
• Manage all meal services throughout the camp season, ensure any special dietary requirements of campers/staff are known and provided for appropriately
• Deliver training on required certifications (e.g., Safe Food Handling, WHMIS, First Aid/CPR).
• Supervise and mentor Chef Instructors and instructional staff to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized kitchen training environment, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager and Employer Liaison to align training with employer expectations and placement opportunities.
• Engage employer partners in curriculum development, guest demonstrations, and site visits.
• Support participant learning through coaching, feedback, and skill assessment.
• Participate in recruitment activities, outreach events, and “Try-a-Trade” experiences.
• Contribute to advisory committees and maintain awareness of industry trends and labour market needs.
• Support participants in preparing for work placements and employment in the culinary sector.
• Participate in outreach initiatives, including one-day trades training experiences, industry networking events, and recruitment activities to attract and support underrepresented groups in skilled trades.
• Support integration of training activities with YMCA camp or facility kitchen operations, where appropriate, to enhance hands-on learning experiences.
• Coordinate with camp and food service teams to align participant training opportunities with kitchen operations while maintaining a strong focus on learning outcomes.
• Contribute to efficient kitchen operations during training activities while ensuring participant learning remains the primary focus.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-secondary education in business administration, project management, workforce development, hospitality, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written
• Other languages are an asset

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum of five years of experience in professional kitchens (e.g., restaurants, catering, institutional food services).
• Formal culinary training or Red Seal certification (or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, kitchen operations, and commercial equipment.
• Experience supervising kitchen staff or leading culinary teams.
• Previous teaching, training, or mentorship experience is an asset.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach hands-on culinary techniques effectively.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including newcomers and underrepresented groups, is an asset.
• Strong understanding of workplace expectations in the Canadian culinary industry.
• Experience working in high-volume or institutional kitchen environments is an asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required. Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
• Semi-annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Excellence Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.
• Compassion: Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.
• Dignity: Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.
• Accountability: Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.
• Inclusion Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well-being.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email peopleandculture@ymcaottawa.ca upon scheduling your interview.

Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions:

At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.

Thank you for your interest in joining the YMCA of the National Capital Region. We appreciate all applications. Due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those selected for further consideration in the hiring process.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.