Centre Cook (Early Childhood)

Early Learning Victoria; Sale; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria invites applications for a Part-time Centre Cook (0.6FTE) at a 102-place centre co-located with Nicholson Primary School. The role focuses on planning nutritious meals for children, meeting dietary and cultural needs, and managing supplies within budget.

Candidates should have a Food Handling Certificate, a Food Safety Supervisor certificate, and a Working with Children Check. Flexible, family-friendly hours and a commitment to child safety are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking nutritious meals for children in a childcare/education setting.
• Knowledge of the Food Safety Act and food handling requirements.
• Ability to accommodate diverse dietary, allergy, and cultural needs.
• Excellent communication with staff, children and families.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children.
• Ensure meals meet dietary requirements and are culturally appropriate.
• Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock within budget.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen per policy and Food Safety Act.
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain equipment.

Skills

High-volume cooking

Dietary requirements

Food safety & hygiene

Staff and family communication

Education

Food Handling Certificate

Food Safety Supervisor

Working with Children Check

First Aid / Allergies training

Police check incl. international if applicable

Job description

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is leading the roll-out of 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032, with 18 currently operating. Our centres offer long day care, three and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep in accessible, play-based environments connected to local communities. We are committed to creating enriching work environments, encouraging professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of child safety.

ELV is approved for the Commonwealth Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.

About the Role

Opening in 2027 and co-located with Nicholson Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Nicholson and District is a 102-place centre and will provide long day care, three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs.

This centre is located 293KMs from Melbourne and 13KMS from Bairnsdale.

Part-time Centre Cook, (0.6FTE) – family friendly hours available over 5 days.

In this role, you will:

Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with ELV's Eating and Drinking: Health, Nutrition and Food Safety policy

Ensure all food is prepared to meet individual dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate to the local community

Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock to meet budget requirements

Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with the Food Safety Act and ELV policies

Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment, escalating concerns to centre leadership as required

About You

Demonstrated experience as a cook or chef, providing high-volume, nutritious meals in a timely manner

Sound understanding of the Food Safety Act and food handling and hygiene requirements

Ability to cater for a diverse range of dietary, allergy and cultural requirements

Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities

Qualifications and Experience

Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate

Valid Working with Children Check; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning (or willingness to obtain)

First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain)

Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 20 October 2026.

ELV is a child-safe organisation committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued, and respected. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, or discrimination in any form. All staff are required to uphold the Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture of child safety. Our Staff Code of Conduct policy outlines expected standards of behaviour for all staff and defines appropriate interactions with children; adherence is mandatory.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions, visit the Department website