Job Description

Employer:

The Toronto Oratory, 1372 King St. W.

Job Title:

On-Call/ Occasional Chef

Prefect of the Refectory:

Fr. Paul Alexander Griffiths

Date Revised:

November 17th, 2025

The Toronto Oratory is in need of an On-Call Chef to fill in for the Executive Chef & Weekend Chef during occasional absences. Please submit resumes to: mail@oratory-toronto.org

Job Overview

The On-Call / Occasional Chef provides meal preparation and food service support within a Catholic rectory that also serves as a seminary. This position involves filling in as needed during staff absences, peak periods, special events, or unforeseen scheduling gaps. Hours are not fixed and may include weekends, statutory holidays, or other times when the Executive Chef or regular kitchen staff are unavailable. The role involves preparing lunch and dinner for up to 40 residents, following established guidelines and accommodating dietary restrictions. This position requires strong culinary skills, adaptability, and scheduling flexibility.

Hours & Wages

Hours vary depending on need; scheduled on an on-call or occasional basis. (Shifts may range from 4-8 hours per day)

$25.88/hr

Duties & Responsibilities

Provides coverage for scheduled absences or unexpected gaps in staffing as requested by the Executive Chef or Prefect of the Refectory.

Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of meals according to a strict schedule coordinated with the liturgical, educational, and professional life of the residents.

Supervises kitchen staff, including monitoring performance and providing feedback and guidance to ensure that job duties and approved food safety and sanitation standards are being met.

Assists the Executive Chef with food inventory management.

Together with the Prefect of the Refectory, monitors food quality and presentation, addressing any issues promptly and ensuring consistent excellence.

Maintains a positive and professional demeanor in the kitchen, respecting the religious character of the place and ensuring silence is kept during dinner service.

Maintains a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to all health and safety rules.

Ensures proper storage, handling, and labeling of food items to prevent spoilage and cross-contamination.

Accommodates special dietary needs or restrictions, including allergies, food sensitivities, & medical conditions.

Collaborates with the Kitchen Assistant in serving food and retrieving dishes from the drum for cleaning.

Prepares breakfast eggs for the following morning as needed.

Requirements

Successful work experience in meal preparation.

Ability to perform well under pressure and work quickly and efficiently.

Strong capacity for close collaboration and teamwork.

Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and schedules.

Valid food handler certification.

Ability to honour and maintain confidentiality.

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Ability to think creatively and use ingredients skillfully.

A Criminal Record Check is required.

In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Toronto Oratory provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with their supervisor and the Human Resources Department.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $25.88 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

Toronto, ON M6K 1H3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

Secondary School (preferred)
Experience:

Cooking: 1 year (preferred)
Language:

English (preferred)
Work Location: In person