Centre Cook (Early Learning)

Department of Education Victoria; Avoca; On-site; AUD 27,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Department of Education Victoria – Avoca VIC is seeking a Part-time Centre Cook (0.6FTE) to join Early Learning Victoria Avoca, opening in 2027. The role will provide long day care and kindergarten programs in a 57-place centre, co-located with Avoca Primary School.

You will plan and prepare nutritious meals, manage stock, and ensure safety and dietary needs are met in a child-centered environment. A strong focus on Food Safety, teamwork, and community involvement is essential.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate.
• Valid Working with Children Check; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning.
• First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain).
• Agreement to a police check; an international police check for 12+ months outside Australia within the last 10 years.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children.
• Ensure food meets individual dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate.
• Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock within budget.
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in line with Food Safety Act and ELV policies.
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment.

Skills

Cooking high-volume meals

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Education

Certificate in Food Handling

Food Safety Supervisor certificate

Job description

Department of Education Victoria – Avoca VIC

2d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

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 Avoca Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Avoca is a 57-place centre and will provide long day care, Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.

Part-time Centre Cook, 3 days (0.6FTE) family friendly hours available.

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 communityc
• 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

More information about this role can be found HERE.

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

Applying and Further Information

For more information about the role, or to request adjustments for participation in the recruitment process, please contact Sue Almond, Centre Director on **********@education.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 13 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (seeWorkplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via*******@education.vic.gov.au

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees,including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview