Job description

Chile and Agave Mexican Grill

St. Catherines, Ontario

Employer: Chile and Agave Mexican Grill
Job Title: First Cook
NOC/TEER: 63200 – Cook (TEER 3)
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Terms of Employment: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours of Work: Minimum 30 hours per week
Wage: $36.00 per hour
Number of Positions: 3
Start Date: As soon as possible

About the Position

Chile and Agave Mexican Grill is seeking three (3) experienced First Cooks with extensive knowledge of authentic Mexican cuisine to support our growing restaurant operations. The successful candidates will be responsible for preparing traditional Mexican dishes while ensuring consistency, quality control, inventory management, and effective kitchen supervision.

This position requires highly skilled culinary professionals capable of preparing authentic Mexican recipes, coordinating kitchen workflow, training staff, and maintaining efficient food production during peak service periods.

Language

• English required
• Spanish is considered a strong asset

Education

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of experience as a cook in a commercial restaurant environment
• Proven experience preparing authentic Mexican cuisine is mandatory
• Experience supervising kitchen staff and coordinating food preparation activities
• Experience maintaining food quality standards and inventory control systems

Job Duties

The successful candidates will perform some or all of the following duties:

• Prepare and cook complete meals and specialty Mexican dishes according to established recipes and restaurant standards
• Prepare authentic Mexican cuisine, including Birria, Carnitas, Al Pastor, Tinga, Cochinita Pibil, and Pacific Coast seafood specialties such as Ceviches, Aguachiles, and Mexican-style seafood cocktails
• Prepare traditional salsas from scratch using dried and fresh chilies, authentic marinades, and regional Mexican sauces
• Demonstrate advanced butchery skills by processing whole cuts of beef and pork; fabricating meats for Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Cecina, and other traditional dishes; and marinating, seasoning, and preparing proteins according to authentic Mexican recipes and standards
• Ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation, portion control, and overall quality
• Coordinate and supervise kitchen helpers and food preparation staff
• Assist with scheduling kitchen staff and assigning daily duties
• Oversee kitchen operations during service periods
• Monitor food quality, freshness, and compliance with food safety regulations
• Maintain inventory records and monitor stock levels of food, spices, specialty ingredients, and kitchen supplies
• Estimate food requirements and assist in controlling food costs and minimizing waste
• Assist with menu planning and the development of authentic Mexican dishes and seasonal features
• Train kitchen staff on food preparation techniques, recipes, sanitation standards, and kitchen procedures
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment
• Assist with ordering supplies and coordinating deliveries from food suppliers

Work Environment

• Fast-paced restaurant environment
• Repetitive tasks requiring attention to detail
• Standing for extended periods
• Ability to work under pressure during busy service periods
• Physically demanding environment requiring lifting, carrying, and multitasking

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of authentic Mexican ingredients, spices, sauces, and cooking techniques
• Knowledge of traditional and regional Mexican cuisine
• Leadership and team supervision skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Ability to maintain quality standards in a high-volume kitchen environment
• Experience with food cost control, inventory management, and waste reduction
• Ability to train and mentor junior kitchen staff
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and customer satisfaction

Asset Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates who possess:

• Experience working in a Mexican restaurant
• Knowledge of regional Mexican culinary traditions
• Experience preparing fresh salsas, marinades, traditional sauces, and specialty Mexican dishes from scratch
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their résumé to:

? chileandagave.hiring@gmail.com

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.