Second Cook Jobs at the University of Victoria (UVic) – A Great Opportunity for Skilled Food Service Professionals

If you’re an experienced cook looking for a stable, well-paying opportunity in Victoria, BC, the University of Victoria (UVic) is currently hiring multiple Second Cooks to join their University Food Services team. With competitive wages, flexible schedules, and a supportive work environment, this role is an excellent fit for professionals passionate about food service, customer care, and teamwork.

Why Consider Working at UVic?

The University of Victoria is one of Victoria’s largest employers and is recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. With more than 5,000 dedicated staff, faculty, and librarians, UVic offers a workplace built on equity, respect, and community.

Joining UVic Food Services means you become part of a team that delivers high-quality meals to students, staff, faculty, and visitors across retail stores, dining halls, and catered events. It’s a dynamic environment where no two days feel the same.

Job Overview: Second Cook Positions

UVic is hiring for several Second Cook roles across different weekly hour schedules:

37.5 hours/week (1.0 FTE) – 3 vacancies
30 hours/week (0.80 FTE) – 2 vacancies
20 hours/week (0.53 FTE) – 2 vacancies

All positions fall under the CUPE 917 Regular Employee Group and include the possibility of layoff or reduced hours based on operational needs.

Pay Rate

💰 $25.15–$25.57 per hour
(Salary is prorated based on weekly hours and the collective agreement.)

Work Schedule

🗓️ Varied shifts, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Location

📍 University of Victoria – Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2

What You'll Be Doing

As a Second Cook, you’ll be a key contributor to daily food service operations across campus. Your responsibilities may include:

Preparing food for retail, residential, and catering services
Maintaining kitchen quality, cleanliness, and safety standards
Operating standard commercial kitchen equipment
Following established recipes and procedures
Working closely with supervisors and team members
Supporting high-volume culinary environments such as cafeterias and food courts

This is a hands-on role ideal for detail-oriented and hardworking culinary professionals.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To succeed in this role, UVic is seeking candidates who can meet the physical and professional demands of a busy kitchen.

Mandatory Requirements

✔️ Ability to stand, walk, lift, and move heavy items for extended periods
✔️ Excellent knife skills
✔️ Flexibility to work weekdays, evenings, and weekends
✔️ Strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities
✔️ Good communication and basic computer skills
✔️ Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen equipment
✔️ Ability to follow instructions and maintain accurate records
✔️ Grade 12 (High School Diploma or GED)
✔️ Minimum 1 year of experience in a high-volume kitchen

Preferred Credentials

⭐ Red Seal Certification or Apprenticeship Training (completed or in progress)
⭐ Valid FoodSafe Level 1 Certificate

An equivalent combination of training and experience may also be considered.

Your Profile Match: How You Align

Based on the qualifications listed in the job insights:

If you hold a Red Seal or FoodSafe Certificate, you already meet key preferred requirements.
Experience in sanitation, food safety, and customer service strongly aligns with the core skills UVic seeks.
A High School diploma or GED also satisfies the educational requirement.

If you check these boxes, you’re already a strong candidate.

A Workplace Built on Respect, Equity, and Inclusion

UVic emphasizes its commitment to:

Equity
Diversity
Inclusion
Human rights
Accessibility

Applications from individuals belonging to historically marginalized groups are encouraged.

The university also acknowledges and respects the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples on whose territory the campus stands, highlighting its ongoing alignment with Indigenous values and community.

Why This Job Stands Out

Here’s what makes the Second Cook opportunity at UVic exceptional:

🔥 Steady and competitive pay
🔥 Union-protected environment (CUPE 917)
🔥 Multiple full-time and part-time openings
🔥 Varied work—retail, residential dining, and catering
🔥 Opportunity to grow within one of Canada’s top universities
🔥 Supportive, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture