Website The Dining Car
Company Overview
The Dining Car at High River Station is expanding dinner service and seeking a skilled Evening Cook to help build an exceptional culinary experience inside our historic railcar restaurant.
This is not a short-order breakfast role. This position is focused on dinner execution, elevated plating, timing coordination, and helping shape a refined evening guest experience aligned with our Canada by Rail culinary vision.
We are a 38-seat heritage dining destination in the heart of High River. We are looking for a professional who takes pride in craft, consistency, and composure under service pressure.
Job Summary
The Evening Cook is responsible for dinner preparation, execution, plating, and maintaining high standards of quality, presentation, and food safety. This role works closely with management to support expanding dinner operations and may cross-train on brunch/lunch service as needed.
Typical schedule includes evening shifts and weekends. Hours are expected to range from 28–40 per week depending on demand and season.
Key Responsibilities:
- Dinner Service Execution
- Prepare and plate dinner menu items to recipe and presentation standards
- Maintain precision in timing and coordination with FOH
- Uphold elevated plating standards appropriate for evening service
- Ensure consistent quality across all dishes
- Kitchen Operations
- Complete daily prep (MEP) for dinner and upcoming services
- Support inventory management and ordering as directed
- Maintain station organization and readiness
- Contribute to menu refinement and feature development
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Follow all Alberta Health Services food safety regulations
- Maintain sanitation and cleanliness throughout shift
- Ensure proper food handling, storage, and temperature control
- Team Collaboration
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with FOH during service
- Support a professional, solutions-focused kitchen culture
- Assist with training junior or cross-trained staff as required
- Flexibility
- Provide occasional support for special events or catering
- Cross-train on dayside service when operationally required
- Experience & Skills: We are seeking someone who:
- Has 3+ years of line experience (dinner service preferred)
- Demonstrates strong plating and presentation skills
- Works calmly under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Understands portion control, costing awareness, and waste reduction
- Holds current Food Handling Certification (or willing to obtain promptly)
- Takes ownership and pride in their station
- Has a positive, professional attitude and a team mindset
- Experience in small, high-quality kitchens or tourism/hospitality environments is an asset.
- Working Conditions
- Prolonged standing
- Exposure to heat and kitchen equipment
- Lifting supplies and cookware
- Weekend and evening availability required
- Why Join Us
- You’ll be part of an evolving restaurant concept rooted in Canadian heritage and community. As we expand dinner service, you will have real influence in shaping the guest experience and menu direction.
- This is an opportunity to help build something meaningful — not simply fill a shift.
How to Apply:
- Please submit your resume to careers@thediningcar.ca, along with a short cover letter outlining:
- Your experience with dinner service
- Your approach to professional cooking
- What excites you about working in a heritage dining environment
- This position will be filled as soon as the right candidate is identified.