Grill/Prep

Job Description

Position: Grill & Food Preparation Team Member

Location: Canadore College / Nipissing University – North Bay, Ontario

Work Environment: On-site, Campus Food Services

Position Overview

The Grill & Food Preparation Team Member is responsible for preparing, cooking, assembling, and serving high-quality meals while maintaining excellent standards of food safety, cleanliness, portion control, and customer service.

The successful candidate will work primarily at the grill and food preparation stations, supporting daily food service operations and ensuring meals are prepared consistently according to approved recipes, presentation standards, and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Grill and Cooking Operations

• Prepare and cook menu items such as burgers, chicken, sandwiches, breakfast items, and other grilled foods.

• Operate commercial grills, flat-top cooking equipment, fryers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment safely.

• Follow standardized recipes, cooking instructions, and approved portion sizes.

• Ensure food is cooked to the required internal temperatures and served promptly.

• Monitor product quality, freshness, presentation, and consistency.

• Maintain an organized and properly stocked grill station throughout service.

• Coordinate food preparation to minimize customer waiting times during busy periods.

• Communicate with team members to maintain smooth and efficient service.

Food Preparation

• Wash, cut, portion, and prepare vegetables, proteins, and other ingredients.

• Prepare sandwiches, wraps, salads, sauces, and grab-and-go products as assigned.

• Complete daily preparation lists based on production requirements.

• Label, date, and store prepared ingredients properly.

• Follow First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) rotation procedures.

• Monitor ingredient levels and communicate replenishment requirements to supervisors.

• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food deliveries.

Food Safety and Sanitation

• Follow Sodexo food safety, HACCP, and workplace health and safety procedures.

• Check and record food temperatures during cooking, holding, cooling, and reheating as applicable.

• Prevent cross-contamination by following appropriate food handling, handwashing, and sanitation practices.

• Follow allergen management procedures and communicate allergy concerns appropriately.

• Maintain clean and sanitized food preparation areas, workstations, utensils, and equipment.

• Complete daily cleaning and sanitation responsibilities.

• Report equipment issues, unsafe conditions, or food safety concerns immediately.

Inventory, Portion Control, and Waste Reduction

• Follow standardized recipes and portion sizes to maintain product consistency and control food costs.

• Monitor production quantities to avoid unnecessary overproduction.

• Record food waste and product losses using established procedures.

• Use ingredients efficiently while maintaining food quality.

• Assist with stock counts and inventory rotation.

• Identify slow-moving or excess products and report them to supervisors.

Customer Service and Teamwork

• Provide friendly, respectful, and efficient service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

• Answer basic menu questions and direct allergy-related inquiries according to established procedures.

• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, cashiers, food service workers, and supervisors.

• Support other food service stations during peak periods when assigned.

• Maintain professional conduct and reliable attendance.

Additional duties may be assigned according to operational requirements and the employee's training and classification.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Previous experience in grill cooking, food preparation, quick-service restaurants, cafeterias, or commercial kitchens is preferred.

• High school diploma or equivalent experience is an asset.

• Valid Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain certification according to site requirements.

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and safe food handling practices.

• Experience operating commercial grills, fryers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment is an asset.

• Ability to follow recipes, preparation instructions, and portioning guidelines.

• Basic understanding of inventory rotation, food waste reduction, and kitchen organization.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced food service environment.

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to scheduled shifts.

• Positive attitude and willingness to support team operations.

• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, coworkers, and supervisors.

• Ability to manage several tasks while maintaining food quality and safety standards.

• Commitment to cleanliness, teamwork, and customer satisfaction.

• Willingness to learn and work at different food preparation stations as required.

Physical and Working Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts.

• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive food preparation activities.

• Ability to lift and move food products and supplies weighing up to approximately 35 pounds, with appropriate assistance or accommodation where required.

• Comfortable working around commercial cooking equipment and in environments with varying temperatures.

• Ability to follow all workplace health and safety policies and use required personal protective equipment.

Reasonable accommodations are available in accordance with applicable legislation.

Additional Information