Centre Cook (Early Learning)

Government Schools; Melbourne; Vor Ort; AUD 60.000 - 75.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Early Learning Victoria invites applications for a Cook/Chef at our Noble Park centre (57 places) delivering nutritious meals for children and ensuring dietary and cultural requirements are met. You will work in a busy kitchen aligned to ELV's food safety standards.

Join a department-wide effort to provide high-quality early learning services with strong community ties and opportunities for professional growth, salary uplift, and supportive leadership.

Qualifikationen

• Experience cooking for high-volume meals in a childcare setting.
• Knowledge of Food Safety Act and hygiene requirements.
• Ability to cater for diverse dietary, allergy and cultural needs.

Aufgaben

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children according to policy.
• Ensure meals meet individual dietary requirements and are culturally appropriate.
• Manage timely ordering of supplies and stay within budget.
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment per Food Safety Act and ELV policies.
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and report equipment concerns to leadership.

Kenntnisse

Cook/chef experience

Food safety knowledge

Dietary accommodation

Effective communication

Ausbildung

Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate

Working with Children Check

First Aid qualifications

Jobbeschreibung

About Early Learning Victoria

Early Learning Victoria (ELV), as part of the Department of Education, is rolling out new early learning centres. There are 18 currently operating with 6 more opening in 2027. Our centres offer long day care, 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder, with more hours of 4-Year-Old Kinder over time and 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 s Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.

About the Role

Opened in 2026 and co-located with Harrisfield Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Ngalambi (meaning to be at home) is a 57-place centre located in Noble Park offering long day care and 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder programs.

Early Learning Victoria is approved to receive the Commonwealth s Worker Retention Grant, which funds a 15% wage increase above modern award rates for eligible employees.

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

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 Jenni Menon, Centre Director on

Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday, 11 November 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.