Commis Chef - Catseye Pool Club: The Sundays

Hamilton Island Weddings; Hamilton Island; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Subsidised staff accommodation

Discounted gym membership

Staff discounts across venues

Job summary

Hamilton Island is inviting applications for a Commis Chef to join Catseye Pool Club, the seafood-focused signature restaurant developed with Josh and Julie Niland. You will rotate through kitchen stations, supporting the team to deliver creative, sustainable seafood dishes.

This role offers growth in a high-end kitchen on a tropical island, with guidance from award-winning chefs and a focus on ethical seafood.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is required.
• Passion for seafood and sustainable practices.
• Experience in a commercial kitchen is preferred but not essential.
• Strong work ethic and desire to grow in a professional team.
• Good communication and personal presentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of seafood and accompanying dishes across various stations.
• Ensure ingredients are prepped accurately and kitchen areas are kept clean and well-organised.
• Learn advanced seafood techniques including whole-fish breakdown and dry-ageing (under supervision).
• Support mise en place and service delivery under senior chefs’ guidance.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene, and sustainability standards.
• Be an active and reliable part of the kitchen team.

Skills

Seafood preparation

Whole-fish breakdown

Dry-ageing

Food safety

Kitchen hygiene

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

COMMIS CHEF – Catseye Pool Club by Josh and Julie Niland / Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Commis Chef to join the team at Catseye Pool Club, the seafood-focused signature restaurant located within The Sundays, our boutique hotel. Developed in collaboration with award-winning chefs Josh and Julie Niland, the venue celebrates ethical seafood practices, whole-fish cookery, and fresh, produce-forward cuisine in a poolside setting like no other.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Learn from some of Australia’s best – work under the culinary guidance of Josh and Julie Niland
• Enjoy island life – no traffic, reef views, and an unmatched tropical lifestyle
• Great perks – competitive salary, subsidised accommodation, dicounted gym membership, and staff discounts across restaurants, tours, and retail
• Grow your career – join a professional team in a high-end kitchen with opportunities to progress within Hamilton Island’s hospitality network

Your Role

As a Commis Chef, you’ll support the daily kitchen operations, assisting in the preparation of seafood dishes aligned with the Nilands' sustainable and creative culinary philosophy. You’ll rotate through different sections of the kitchen, refine your foundational skills, and contribute to delivering consistent, high-quality service in one of Australia's most exciting new dining venues.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of seafood and accompanying dishes across various stations
• Ensure ingredients are prepped accurately and kitchen areas are kept clean and well-organised
• Learn advanced seafood techniques including whole-fish breakdown and dry-ageing (under supervision)
• Support mise en place and service delivery under senior chefs’ guidance
• Uphold food safety, hygiene, and sustainability standards
• Be an active and reliable part of the kitchen team

What We’re Looking For

You are a committed and detail-oriented young chef, eager to build your skills and gain experience in a high-end, seafood-focused kitchen. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are excited to learn from some of the industry’s best.

To Be Successful, You Will Need:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
• A genuine passion for seafood and sustainable food practices
• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen (preferred but not essential)
• A strong work ethic and a desire to grow within a professional culinary team
• Good communication skills and personal presentation
• Ability to work a rotating roster including mornings, evenings, weekends, and events
• Valid Australian working rightsOpen manual driver’s licence (preferred)

Your Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Subsidised furnished staff accommodation (via salary sacrifice)
• Discounts on tours, restaurants, retail, and staff café
• Discounted gym membership
• A supportive and inspiring team culture
• Work and live on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef

About Hamilton Island

Our mission is to share the wonder of Hamilton Island with the world by creating wonder-filled experiences for our guests, employees, and community. Every team member plays a role in shaping those experiences – making Hamilton Island not just a great place to visit, but a great place to work.

A little island can do wonders, make your next career move one to remember!