Chefs Assistant Jobs in Manitoba (NOW HIRING)

Natural Habitat Adventures, a nature-focused global adventure travel company based in Boulder, Colorado, is looking for a driven, passionate, highly capable, organized, and fun individual to join our field team in support of our Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town, Tundra Lodge Adventure, Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure, and Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari programs.

The Chef is responsible for assisting the Head Chef in preparing high-quality meals each day at our Churchill-based kitchen. This includes creative dine-in dinners and gourmet to-go lunches while delivering exceptional customer service and contributing to the success of one of Nat Hab's most important programs.

This position reports to the Senior Operations Manager - Churchill.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations in collaboration with the Head Chef.
• Assist with preparing daily dinners and elevated, to-go-style lunches for up to 135 people during a 50-day season. Lunches include fresh-baked goods, scratch-made soups, salads, and sandwiches.
• Prepare fresh, high-quality meals for staff (up to 15 people daily), including lunches and dinners.
• Maintain consistent quality, timeliness, and visual presentation across all meals, delivering a dining experience that exceeds guest expectations in a remote, resource-limited environment.
• Collaborate on food and beverage offerings for last-minute schedule changes (e.g., flight delays) and special guest requests.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences while remaining resourceful with limited ingredients.
• Support an ambiance of comfort and refinement through thoughtful food presentation and setting.
• Create and maintain positive relationships with local vendors and manage food orders in alignment with seasonal needs.
• Practice sustainability in all aspects of food preparation, sourcing, and inventory to reduce waste.
• Keep the kitchen clean and sanitary at all times, including dishes, equipment, and food prep areas.
• Complete a full end-of-season kitchen breakdown, clean-up, inventory, and winterization.
• Manage functionality and organization of kitchen equipment throughout the season.
• Maintain proper storage of food and beverage items and ensure safe food handling procedures are followed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and creative problem-solving when facing logistical challenges such as missing or delayed supplies.
• Complete required paperwork and inventory documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Comply with and help enforce all kitchen safety and food handling protocols.
• Communicate respectfully, professionally, and constructively with all guests, partners, and team members.
  
• Complete other duties as assigned.

TIME & SEASONALITY

This is a field-based, seasonal independent contractor (1099) position running approximately from September 29 to November 26, 2026. This role is based in Churchill, Manitoba.

The Chef can expect to work long hours each day to support exceptional service delivery. Early mornings, late evenings, and schedule flexibility are required throughout the season.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
  
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Minimum 2 years of professional chef experience, with a focus on creative, high-quality meals and sustainable kitchen practices.
• Preference given to applicants with experience in travel-related or remote hospitality (e.g., lodges, expedition ships), and those familiar with Churchill operations.
• At least 2 years of customer service experience.
• Demonstrated ability to meet a wide range of dietary needs and special meal requests.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; works well both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Positive, flexible, and resourceful when navigating challenges and last-minute changes.
• Passionate about hospitality and guest service.
• Proven dependability and leadership in a field or team-based kitchen setting.
• High levels of integrity, maturity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and walk, stand, and bend for extended periods as part of daily job duties.
• Required credentials and certifications (must be current and obtained prior to the start of the season):
  • Basic First Aid Certification (or higher level First Aid training)
  • CPR Certification
  • Food Handler's Certification
    
  • Canada Smart Choices Liquor Service and Retail Certification
    
  • Canadian Driver's License

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive daily rate, commensurate with experience, plus gratuities.

Nat Hab provides housing and meals during the season, transportation to/from your home and Churchill, as well as branded gear.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Natural Habitat Adventures is a growing company that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We seek to foster and maintain a welcoming, inclusive and high-performing culture in our office and in the field. Even if you don't have experience in the travel sector, we invite you to show us how you can help Nat Hab become an even stronger company.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.