Cook - Early Learning Services

Georges River Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

Award pay increases

Sponsored Study Program

Employee Rewards Program

Confidential Employee Assistance Prog

Job summary

Georges River Council is seeking a passionateCook to prepare nutritious meals for children at Jack High Child Care Centre. The role emphasizes safety, hygiene, and culturally inclusive menu planning in a childcare setting.

The ideal candidate will hold Safe Food Handling and FSS certificates, First Aid/CPR, WWC, and NSW Child Protection training, with experience in age-appropriate meal planning and budgeting. A supportive team and generous leave are offered.

Qualifications

• Certification requirements include Safe Food Handling, Food Safety Supervisor (FSS), First Aid and CPR, Working with Children Check, NSW-approved Child Protection Training (CHCPRT001 or CHCPRT025).
• Experience in planning nutritious, age-appropriate meals for childcare respecting dietary, allergy and cultural needs.
• Strong understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene and safe handling in childcare environments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children from birth to five with dietary and allergy considerations.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen following food safety regulations.
• Develop and update seasonal menus with balanced nutrition and cultural inclusivity.
• Manage kitchen supplies: ordering, stock control, and budgeting.

Skills

Food safety

Menu planning

Nutrition knowledge

Communication

Job description

At Georges River Council, we believe that every child deserves a healthy start! Our Early Learning Services provide a nurturing environment where little ones can thrive. We’re looking for a passionate Cook to join our friendly team and whip up delicious, nutritious meals that keep our children smiling and healthy.

If you have a love for cooking and want to make a difference in the lives of young children, we want to hear from you! We’re on the lookout for someone who is creative, adaptable, and has a genuine passion for nutrition and childcare to join our team at Jack High Child Care Centre.

Join us and help us create a delightful dining experience for our youngest learners.

Key accountabilities are, but not limited to:

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children aged birth to five, ensuring all dietary needs, allergies, and cultural requirements are met.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment in line with food safety regulations.
• Develop and update seasonal menus that offer variety, balanced nutrition, and cultural inclusivity.
• Manage kitchen supplies by ordering ingredients, monitoring stock, and staying within budget.
• Work closely with educators to support smooth, well‑organised mealtimes.
• Keep accurate records, including cleaning schedules, food safety logs, and purchasing documentation.
• Support the centre by identifying and responding to potential kitchen hazards and assisting with reasonable additional duties.

About You

• You hold (or can obtain prior to commencement) the following current certifications and clearances:
  • Safe Food Handling Certificate
  • Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) Certificate
  • First Aid and CPR Certificates
  • Working with Children Check (valid for at least six months)
  • NSW-approved Child Protection Training Certificate, or CHCPRT001 Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk or CHCPRT025 Identify and Report Children and Young People at Risk
• You have demonstrated experience planning and preparing nutritious, age-appropriate meals that meet children's dietary, allergy, cultural and individual health requirements in accordance with relevant childcare regulations.
• You have a strong understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene and safe food handling practices, maintaining high standards in a childcare environment.
• You demonstrate cultural awareness and inclusiveness, with an understanding of the diverse backgrounds, abilities and additional needs of children.
• You can effectively manage menu planning, ordering, stock control and budgeting.
• You communicate effectively with children, families and colleagues, work collaboratively within a team, and adapt to meet the changing needs of the centre.

What We Offer

• Start & finish times: 8:30am to 3pm (including a half hour unpaid lunch break) Monday to Friday.
• Salary ranges from $64,357.53 to $74,566.16 (full time equivalent) per annum plus 12% superannuation

Council benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements (pro rata for part-time employees) - including 4 weeks annual leave, 1-week MyLeave (supporting your health and wellbeing), 14 weeks parental leave and long service leave after 5 years (pro rata).
• Access to Fitness Passport for you and your family
• Award pay increases of 8% over the next two years
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including a Sponsored Study Program
• Employee Rewards Program
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program
• A supportive and collaborative team environment

If you would like further information on this role, please contact Sarah Mitchell, Coordinator Jack High Childcare Centre on 0428 957 ***.

Offers of employment at Georges River Council are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check.