Join the YMCA Team!
Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.
Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees are having an excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%.
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates one overnight camp on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka, YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth. We also have 13 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.
Why The Y?
At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.
We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.
We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:
- Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity
- Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals
- Hardworking and Dependable
- Positive Role Model
- Team Player
- Professionalism
- Enjoy working in a Social Environment
- Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members
Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities.
All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.
Position: Facilitator, Senior Programming Chef
Location: 360 Tank St., Petrolia
Start Date: September 14th, 2026
End Date: June 17th, 2027
Salary: $17.60
As part of your total compensation:
- Receive a complimentary YMCA personal membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs
- Access vacation entitlement in accordance with the employment standards regulations, and up to 12 paid personal days annually
- Benefits package and Pension, applicable with position/contract length
- Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
- Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services
- Contribute to real, meaningful impact in the lives of children and youth
In this role, you will:
- Prepare and cook nutritious meals and snacks for approximately 50 program participants every Thursday.
- Plan and coordinate weekly menus that are balanced, appealing, and cost-effective.
- Accommodate dietary restrictions, food allergies, cultural preferences, and special nutritional needs.
- Purchase food and kitchen supplies from local grocery stores and vendors, ensuring ingredients are available for weekly programming.
- Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses, community partners, and third-party organizations to secure food donations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation area.
- Track food purchases, donations, and inventory to support budget management.
- Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements.
Education & Skills Qualifications:
- Valid Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience preparing and cooking meals for large groups (approximately 50 people or more).
- Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and public health regulations.
- Experience accommodating dietary restrictions, food allergies, and special nutritional requirements.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently.
- Experience ordering food, managing inventory, and working within a budget.
- Comfortable using email and basic computer programs for ordering and communication.
- Reliable transportation to purchase and pick up food and supplies as required.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.
Candidates, please be advised that our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening. This assists us in efficiently assessing qualifications. Rest assured, our recruiters will additionally review resumes to ensure a fair and accurate assessment is completed.
