Commis Chef

Ventia; Puckapunyal; On-site; AUD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time permanent employment

Hourly rate $33.33 per hour

Rotating rosters

Uniform/PPE supplied

Health and wellbeing initiatives

VenPerks discounts

Job summary

Ventia, in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, is seeking multiple Commis Chefs for the Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria. You will assist the Head Chefs and kitchen team to prepare meals for regular, field and in-flight rations, while keeping the kitchen running safely, clean and compliant with hygiene standards.

Based in the Puckapunyal Military Area, you’ll help cook and present meals to Ventia’s high standards, supervise Kitchen Hands, maintain records, and support a

Qualifications

• Flexible and adaptive in complex, multi-stakeholder settings.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities.
• Professional, enthusiastic and aligned with Ventia’s values.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chefs and kitchen team to prepare and serve meals for regular, field, and in-flight rations.
• Ensure kitchen safety, food hygiene, and maintain hygiene records.
• Guide Kitchen Hands and Utilities staff and use commercial kitchen equipment.

Skills

Flexible and adaptive

Planning and organising

Education

Cert III Australian-recognised Commercial Cookery

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

In partnership with the Australian Defence Force, we are seeking multiple, experienced and reliable Commis Chefs to join our team at the Puckapunyal Military Area.

Ventia is a long-standing partner of the Department of Defence, providing integrated Defence infrastructure and asset management support services.

As part of our Base Services Transformation contract, Ventia has proudly delivered essential services across military bases nationwide for a decade. We help create safe, efficient, and supportive environments where Defence personnel live, work, and train.

What’s On Offer

• Full-time permanent employment opportunity available
• Hourly rate: $33.33 per hour plus penalties (allowances included)
• Rotating rosters between weekdays, weekends and public holidays
• Ventia have been awarded a 6-year Defence Base Services contract with opportunity for further extension
• Ventia is recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice by the Australian Government’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Uniform/PPE supplied.
• Access to a variety of health and wellbeing initiatives, including discounted health insurance and our employee assistance program.
• Access to VenPerks: amazing discounts at over 450 retailers across Australia, including major retail brands

About The Role

As the Commis Chef, you will be assisting the Head Chefs and broader kitchen team to prepare and serve meals for regular, field, and in-flight rations. This job makes sure the kitchen runs safely and smoothly, keeps food safe, and helps create a clean and friendly dining space.

Based in the Puckapunyal Military Area, you’ll help cook and present meals the way Ventia expects, and guide Kitchen Hands and Utilities staff. You’ll use commercial kitchen equipment, keep hygiene and safety records up to date, and help with emergency meal setups when needed.

It’s also important to support a respectful and inclusive kitchen environment while following safety rules and keeping things running well.

About You

• Cert III Australian-recognised Commercial Cookery qualification
• HACCP Level 2 certification
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in large commercial kitchen environments
• Flexible and adaptive in complex, multi-stakeholder settings
• Strong planning and organisational abilities
• Professional, enthusiastic, and aligned with Ventia’s values

Must be eligible to hold a Defence Security Clearance. As a result of this requirement the applicant must be an Australian Citizen and be willing to undertake and maintain a satisfactory Australian Federal Police Check

Safety Commitment

At Ventia, safety is more than a priority — it’s our way of working. It is our licence to operate and the foundation of our culture. We foster a community where safe work practices are not just spoken about — they are consistently demonstrated in everything we do.

We are committed to maintaining a high-performing, safety-focused environment and seek individuals who actively contribute to this culture. Every team member plays a vital role in upholding our safety standards and ensuring the wellbeing of themselves, their colleagues, and the communities we serve.

About Ventia

As a leading services provider, we maintain, operate, and manage the essential infrastructure that makes modern life possible across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 35,000 employees and subcontractors across 400 sites, joining Ventia means becoming part of a team that values its people, supports career growth, and helps everyone go further towards their full potential.

Our commitment to Fairness, Inclusion and Respect shapes how we lead, collaborate, hire and support one another. We welcome applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all genders, identities, sexual orientations, beliefs and caring responsibilities. We are dedicated to providing an accessible recruitment process and encourage you to request adjustments at any stage.

Position Reference Number: 165957