Relief Chef

Remote from: Canada
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Healthcare & Medical
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 17 Jun 2026
Apply before: 17 Jul 2026
Experience level: Senior
Views / Applies: 22 / 7

Your partner in facilities management and operations, workforce accommodations, energy services, modular solutions and forestry services.

Facilities Services
1950

AI Summary

This Relief Chef position at Dexterra Group involves working in a remote camp environment with a 14-day on, 7-day off schedule and 12-hour shifts. The role requires a Red Seal certification and at least 5 years of cooking experience in a high-volume setting. Responsibilities include preparing top-quality meals, supervising kitchen staff in the chef's absence, managing inventory, and ensuring food safety standards. The job offers excellent work-life balance with paid travel time and fully covered health benefits.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight The role demands a Red Seal certification, 5+ years of experience, and the ability to manage high-volume meal production in a remote camp, which requires advanced culinary skills and adaptability, making it challenging.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The salary data is not provided, but based on the US market, a Relief Chef with Red Seal certification and 5 years experience typically earns between $35,000 and $75,000 annually, with a median around $55,000. The offered compensation likely aligns with industry standards for remote camp positions, which often include additional benefits like free accommodations and travel pay.

Key Skills

Culinary Red Seal Certification Food Safety Menu Planning Inventory Management Team Leadership HACCP High-Volume Cooking Camp Kitchen Experience Supervisory Skills

Cover Letter Sample

I am excited to apply for the Relief Chef position at Dexterra Group. With my Red Seal certification and over five years of experience in high-volume kitchens, including camp and institutional settings, I am well-prepared to deliver top-quality meals in the remote camp environment.

My background includes supervising kitchen staff, managing inventory, and ensuring strict adherence to food safety standards. I am adept at adapting menus on the fly to accommodate supply issues and dietary constraints.

I thrive in fast-paced, autonomous roles and am comfortable with the 14/7 rotation and long hours. I am eager to bring my culinary expertise and leadership skills to the Horizon North team.

Possible Interview Questions

How do you handle tight deadlines when serving meals to a large camp population?

I prioritize by prepping as much as possible ahead of time and delegating tasks to the team. I also maintain a clear timeline and communicate closely with staff to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Can you describe a time you had to adapt a menu due to supply issues?

Once, our produce delivery was delayed, so I quickly substituted frozen vegetables and adjusted recipes. I communicated the changes to the team and ensured the meals remained tasty and nutritious.

How do you ensure food safety in a remote camp kitchen?

I strictly follow HACCP guidelines, conduct regular temperature checks, and maintain a clean workspace. I also train my team on proper food handling and storage procedures.

Describe your experience supervising kitchen staff. How do you motivate your team?

I lead by example and provide clear instructions. I recognize good performance and offer constructive feedback. I also involve the team in menu planning to foster ownership.

This role requires a 14/7 rotation with 12-hour shifts. How do you maintain energy and focus?

I stay hydrated, take short breaks when possible, and prioritize sleep. I also enjoy the camaraderie of the team, which keeps morale high during long shifts.

Company Description

WHO ARE WE?
We’ve been serving Canadian clients for over 75 years. The companies that began independently and now form Dexterra Group have an outstanding record of supporting the infrastructure and built assets that play a vital role in our society and helping our clients achieve higher performance and productivity. Powered by passionate people, we bring the right teams with the right skills together – offering both experience and regional expertise so companies can operate their day to day, confidently and successfully.

Job Description

WHAT’S THE JOB?
Based in a world class Horizon North camp facility, the regular shift for this position is 14 days on and 7 days off, with 12-hour workdays. Transportation is provided to site from a pickup point in Edmonton.

The Relief Chef position will include relief duties for the Chef on a regular basis. You will be responsible for preparing and managing all main meals as per requirements; and ensuring all meals are prepared and served on time to the highest standards of Horizon North. Also, you will prepare, present, and serve top quality meals according to menu specifications.

This position is safety sensitive and requires drug, alcohol and fit to work testing as a condition of employment.

Your work will include:

Provide Relief Coverage for Chef.
Ensure food costs are controlled and groceries are utilized effectively
Supervise Staff in the Chef’s absence; Provide mentorship and training to new staff
Stocking / Inventory / assisting with unloading, loading and placing of groceries and supplies
Incorporate into preparation any requests to comply with special dietary constraints
Ensure paperwork and inventories are accurately completed and forwarded to head office as instructed.
Assist Leadership in performing administrative tasks (i.e ordering the supplies from our suppliers in the chef’s absence).
Change menu options quickly to adapt to grocery order issues

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Enjoy excellent work-life balance with a 14 days on/7 days off rotation.
Extended health and dental benefits that are fully covered.
Travel time is paid.
Whereas other companies are downsizing, we are growing!
Be #1 on day 1 by joining an industry leader.

Follow Horizon North on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Qualifications

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

You have formal culinary training – Red Seal Certification required.
SafeCheck advanced food safety certification or HACCP certification is an asset.
You have 5 years of cooking experience in a similar or hotel/institutional environment preferred
Ideally, you have Food Safe, First Aid, and WHMIS
You have an ability and desire to work independently with minimal supervision, and as a team player
You have knowledge of computer programs (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Sysco, Outlook)
You have an excellent practical and theoretical background in all areas of the kitchen i.e: Hot Kitchens, Cold Kitchens, Pastry / Bakery, Butchery and Banquets dealing with large numbers of guests

Additional Information

Dexterra Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans’ status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the hiring selection process are available upon request.

Apply now >