Army - Chef - WA

Australian Defence Force; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Defence Force is seeking a Chef to prepare, cook and serve meals across field kitchens, Navy vessels and Army establishments to meet the dietary needs of Defence members. You’ll influence morale and wellbeing, with duties that extend beyond cooking and food preparation.

Responsibilities include menu planning, provisioning, kitchen management, and occasions where you’ll cater for functions, while maintaining high standards for nutrition and cultural needs.

Qualifications

• Reasonably fit and healthy
• Must pass a physical fitness test before you join

Responsibilities

• meal preparation – planning, preparing, and cooking meals for service members
• nutrition – ensuring the nutritional needs of soldiers are met
• kitchen management – overseeing kitchen operations including ordering supplies, managing inventory, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards
• field cooking – cooking in field conditions requires adaptability and resourcefulness
• training and mentorship – training new recruits in culinary skills and kitchen operations
• special events – preparing special meals for events, ceremonies, or visiting dignitaries
• disaster and emergency response – feeding large numbers of people, both military and civilians, under difficult conditions

Job description

Join the team that keeps the Army nourished and fit for duty, acquiring catering skills that include menu planning, provisioning, food prepping, cooking and service.

As a Chef, you’ll have a direct influence on the morale and wellbeing of not only Army members but Navy and Air Force as well. You’ll prepare, cook and serve meals both in field kitchens, Navy vessels and Army establishments to meet the dietary needs of Defence members. Your responsibilities and duties extend far beyond just preparing meals.

Good food is a significant morale booster in the Army. A delicious and nutritious meal can greatly enhance the well-being and spirits of soldiers, especially when they are in challenging environments.

Key Responsibilities

Being a Chef in the ADF involves a combination of culinary skills, logistical know-how, and the ability to perform under pressure. You’ll prepare and cook complete meals consisting of soups, entrees, main courses, sweets, cakes and pastries. It’s a demanding yet rewarding role that directly contributes to the effectiveness and well-being of military members.

On occasions, you’ll also cook for functions. High standards are essential with great pride taken in the preparation of foods according to nutritional, dietary and cultural needs.

• meal preparation –planning, preparing, and cooking meals for service members
• nutrition –ensuring the nutritional needs of soldiers are met
• kitchen management –overseeing kitchen operations including ordering supplies, managing inventory, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met
• field cooking –cooking in field conditions requires adaptability and resourcefulness
• training and mentorship –training new recruits in culinary skills and kitchen operations
• special events –preparing special meals for events, ceremonies, or visiting dignitaries
• disaster and emergency response –feeding large numbers of people, both military and civilians, often under difficult conditions.

Skill & Experience

I am reasonably fit and healthy

Keeping fit is a big part of joining the ADF. You’ll need to pass a physical fitness test before you join, but don’t worry, we’ll give you tips to help you prepare.